Skye Gravestones | Neil McDonald.

Picture No:	239
Courtesy of:	Roddie Macpherson
Year:	2014
Graveyard	Kilmore

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Neil McDonald.

Erected by MARTIN McDONALD/1865/in memory of his father/NEIL McDONALD Airor/Knoydart who died Novr. 27th/1862 aged 88 years.

Picture Added on 07 January 2014.

Comments

Dear Roddie, Thank you so much for this. I visited Kilmore Cemetery a few days ago, and was shown the line of 20 graves kept for the Airor folks, who, having come from Kilbeg, Sleat, came back to be buried in Kilmore. I was surprised to see that there was an actual grave stone as well as the several markers. But I couldn't read it because of the moss, which I tried to clear off a bit. So I was thrilled when I found this photo of the stone. It will be Martin McDonald, who was his second oldest son who erected the stone. Neil McDonald died in Airor on 27th Nov. 1862. His death certificate says 87 years, but the stone is quite clear at 88 years. I suppose these ages are rather approximate anyway! Neil McDonald was my great-great-grandfather. He and his family were cleared from their croft in Kilbeg about 1823, and went to Airor, where they were also crofters. Neil and Christy had 8 children and 49 grandchildren!! At least on my current count...
Added by Ishbel McDonald Coy on 27 May 2015.

Very interesting story, Ishbel. I have many McPherson forebears buried here but only one stone. Do you know when Kilbeg was cleared?
Added by Roddie on 28 May 2015.

It was cleared about 1822 or 1823. The McDonald Rent books show that, by Whitsun 1824, Kilbeg, had been cleared. Kilbeg was joined on to Ostaig then. The tenant of Ostaig was Major Alan McDonald of Belfinlay, who ran the place as a 'cattle ranch'. It was he who built the barn which more recently was redeveloped by Sabhal Mor Ostaig College as their original home. Lingegary on the other side of Ostaig had been cleared earlier. I'm not sure whether Major McDonald rented that as well.
Added by Ishbel McDonald Coy on 28 May 2015.

Lucky that Kilmore next door had not been cleared only 'improved'.
Added by Roddie on 29 May 2015.