Transcription of the Rev. Neil MacLean’s letter about the number of people with English on Tiree in 1845.
Courtesy of His Grace the Duke of Argyll
In 1845 the Parish minister, Rev. Neil MacLean, estimated that in three-quarters of the families in Tiree at least one member had some English. All the children apart from those attending the Gaelic schools were taught the language to some extent.
In the early 20th century most children entering primary school spoke only Gaelic but were taught solely in English. A survey conducted by Co-Roinn Ghàidhlig Thiriodh ’s Cholla in 1994 found that around 45% of the adult population on Tiree and 15% on Coll could speak Gaelic, most of these in the older age brackets.
In 1989, concern over the decline of the Gaelic language led to the opening of a Gaelic medium unit within the Primary Department of Tiree High School which is attended by half the island’s children.
Typewritten extract about expenses incurred by Argyll Estates on Tiree 1864-1899.
Information about expenses incurred by Argyll Estates on Tiree 1864-1899, e.g. maintenance of schools, teachers` salaries, maintenance of other infrastructure, assistance to emigrants, fishermen and crofters, nurses` wages, etc.
List of Balephetrish tenants from 1834 to 1952, giving names, crofts numbers, grazing rights and Land Court orders. (2 copies plus 1 photocopied handwritten page)
Transcription of Lachlan MacQuarie’s letter of 1866 to the Duke of Argyll about a summons of removing served on him in Baugh.
Courtesy of His Grace the Duke of Argyll
In 1860, Dr Alexander Buchanan was appointed Medical Officer for Tiree. He was encouraged by the Duke of Argyll who seems to have promised him the tenancy of Baugh Farm. Previously doctors had not stayed long in Tiree due to insufficient remuneration.
His arrival was fiercely opposed by the sitting tenant at Baugh, Lachlan MacQuarie. The latter wrote to the Duke accusing Dr Buchanan and the factor Mr Geekie of excessive drinking and setting a bad example to the islanders which had led to an outbreak of petty crime.
As well as maligning the doctor and the factor, MacQuarie questioned the Duke’s ability to judge character. His appeal was rejected and Dr. Buchanan settled down in Baugh Cottage on the site of the present kitchen of Baugh House.
Photocopied letter from estate factor Hugh MacDiarmid dated 13/7/1905 about a soup kitchen in Moss.
Letter from estate factor Hugh MacDiarmid dated 13/7/1905 to Donald MacDonald, teacher at Heylipol School, about a soup kitchen in Moss started by Lady Victoria Campbell for the benefit of scholars
