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Archaeological and historical notes on Caisteal Bhuiri and Clanranald, 18 January 1871

 Item
Identifier: Coll-97/CW116/137

Scope and Contents

Archaeological and historical notes on Caisteal Bhuiri [Caisteal Bhuirgh/Borve Castle, Beinn na Faoghla/Benbecula] and Clanranald. Among the notes it is stated that Raol mac Alein [Raghnall mac Ailein] was the last to inhabit Caisteal Bhuirgh and that he added the porch and extended the west side of it. The castle was originally built on a sgeir mhara and Biorlain mac ic Ailein [Clanranald's birlinn] was anchored 'in a poll' to the east side of it. After that, children used to swim there. In 1803, Iain ban mac Alast[air] [Iain Bàn mac Alasdair] killed a seal with a spade to the east side of the castle. Also noted are places on Benbecula's west coast where boats used to come in and where people would fish. The stories relating to Clanranald include that Iain mhic Uistean ic Dhomhnuil mhic mac Onail and nighean Raoill ic Ailen [Iain mac Uisdean ic Dhòmhnaill mhic Mac Onail and nighean Raghnaill ic Ailean] were the parents of Donul Aonais Alastair [Dòmhnall Aonghais Alasdair], the first minister of Howmore [Tobha Mòr, Uibhist a Deas/South Uist]. A covenant was made that when she died her body or Mac Uisdean's head would come to Benbecula. She was buried at Baile nan Cailleach/Nunton, Beinn na Faoghla/Benbecula. Donl Breac [Dòmhnall Breac] an illegitimate son of Mac Uistean [Mac Uisdean] threatened that he would not allow Mac Uisdean's wife to be buried in Benbecula if his brothers did not give him a share of their inheritance. Dòmhnall Breac was able to speak English but Mac Uisdean could not. Ruari Saor [Ruaraidh Saor] is noted as being the sixth generation from MacUisdean. Aonas Og Airimhuil [Aonghas Òg, Airidh Mhuileann/Milton] drowned in Loch Aoineart [Loch Aineort] in September 1805 but it was ten days until his body was found. He was buried with his wife who was a daughter of Colin Boisdale. It was noted that the slowest man in the boat was saved but three others drowned.

Dates

  • Creation: 18 January 1871

Language of Materials

Gaelic English

Conditions Governing Access

This material is unrestricted.

Extent

From the Series: 64 folios ; 19.5 x 23 cm

Physical Location

5.07

Physical Location

folio 54r, line 24 to folio 56r, line 2

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

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