Archaeological notes on Kildonan and accompanying notes on Flora MacDonald and her husband, 24 May 1870

Archaeological notes on Kildonan [Cill Donnain, Uibhist a Deas/South Uist]. The various sites relating to St Donain are described as Eilean Donain or Isle Donain, which is where the saint's house was, the house being '50 x 26 feet with several surrounding ruins' and the island itself being 70 yards long by 50 yards wide. Cladh Donain [Cille Dhonnain] is described as a peninsula separated from Eilean Donain by another island, the relative distances being noted, and containing a ruined chapel and altar. The font is described as being 'used as a crotag' in a herd's house at Milton [Àirigh Mhuilinn]. Eilean Donain is noted as being a 'small gre[e]n fertile isle field of nettles & vitarus Alba.' Kildonain [Cille Donnain/Kildonan] is described as a hamlet containing many ruins from which 'people were ousted' about forty years before [c1830]. About 20 tenants were said to have lived there and Flora MacDonald is recorded as having 'lived here [and] left her husband from jealousy'. The informant states that 'Alain Chisburgh [Allan MacDonald of Kingsburgh, Flora MacDonald's husband] came to Lochaoineart [Loch Aineort] and was so infirm with rheumatism & flesh & age that he had to be carried upon a cra-leaba to Bornish [Bornais] where he remained that night and proceeded next day to Flora's house.'