Donald MacKinnon, a miller in Balevullin, was one of twelve men arrested in 1886 after a period of land agitation on the island. He was released and decided to emigrate to New Zealand in 1888. Before leaving he was presented with a travelling desk with an inscription which read: ‘Presented to Donald MacKinnon Balevullin by friends of Tiree on his leaving for New Zealand in recognition of his services in advocating their rights to the people and as a token of their respect and regards 16th March 1888.’ Donald eventually settled in Western Australia where he worked on the railway and raised a family.