Photographs of three items belonging to the descendants of island factor Hugh MacDiarmid (1846-1928), who lived at Island House, Heylipol, during 1876-1928.
an Entada phasaeoloides ‘sea-bean’ found on the beach by the factor’s daughter, Meta MacDiarmid, and made into a pendant for her (possibly by her fiance).
a brass plaque from a wooden box of silver plated cutlery presented by people of Tiree to Meta on her marriage.
a coffee or chocolate pot presented by the Duke of Argyll to Hugh MacDiarmid in 1906, probably on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
a gold brooch given to Meta by her Godmother, Lady Frances Balfour. It was stolen from their home in Malaya and later found by one of the servants in a local market. The pearls are thought to be Scottish.
These items belong to me and I am absolutely delighted that I’ll be visiting Tiree and staying in Island House with my brother and his family for the last three days of May 2025. We hope very much to visit your Historical Centre. I am now in my late 70’s and have never been to Tiree.
Very best wishes,
Cynthia Sharp (nee Dunford Wood, granddaughter of Meta as above)