Eviction

1881 saw an eviction on Tiree which caused outrage. It was a time of revolution. The bloody Irish land War was just coming to an end and the Highland Land War was just starting. The word ‘eviction’ carries a lot of baggage in the Highlands, but this time, it does not appear that it was the Duke of Argyll or his factor who was behind it.

EVICTION ON TIREE
A case of eviction occurred at Scarinish the other day. The family evicted consisted of a man, his wife and family, and mother-in-law. It seems that the house belonged to the Parochial Board [set up in 1845 to look after paupers], a pauper lived in one end and the family in the other. The pauper died, and the farmer, on whose ground the house was situated turned the people out. The day was wet and stormy, and a neighbour taking pity on the people’s wretched homeless condition, gave them temporary shelter in a shade [shed]. As a last resort the poor man dug a hole in a sand bank, covering it with a sail, and there the happy (?) family reside. (Oban Telegraph and West Highland Chronicle, 8 July 1881, 3)

Another telling of the story by a correspondent calling himself ‘Justice’ gives more details, although these seem to be second-hand:

A CRUEL EVICTION IN THE ISLAND OF TIREE
Sir,—I am just after spending three days in this island, and as I usually like to ask for the welfare of the natives when among them, I found out from enquiries, what seems to me to be the most inhuman and tyrannical act that has ever been known in the West Highlands. A cottar occupied a house on a certain farm, and through spite or some unknown cause, the tenant evicted him with his wife and two young children, to find shelter for themselves as best they could. The poor man was not able to get another house, and but for the kindness of a neighbour who let him have the use of an outhouse for a few nights, he and his family would certainly have been at the mercy of the weather, which has been anything but favourable. In the interval, from a sense of duty to his home, and a feeling of manly independence, he roofed over with turf and other material one of the sand embankments near the beach, having no other resource, and is still occupying it. The heavy rains which we have had has rendered the lives of the poor creatures miserable in the extreme; and from my own personal knowledge, the beds on which they lay were actually drenched, and had to be turned out at intervals to dry. It was pitiful to hear the grandmother of the children (an old woman of 70 or 80 years) who stays with them, relating the ill-treatment they had received, and the sufferings to which they were exposed. She herself being already frail, the exposure and excitement has considerably added to her weakness, and has given a shock to her system from which she may never recover. If this man had objected to a reasonable or any rent, and refused to pay it, there might be some excuse; but on the contrary he offered to pay any rent that might be demanded, and that in advance. That such should be allowed to take place is certainly not creditable to certain parties. Had such a thing occurred in Ireland, it would probably result in bloodshed if not murder, and it is to the credit of this man and the temper of the inhabitants, who feel keenly in the matter, that no violence has been used. I trust, however, that humanity’s cause will be vindicated in this poor man’s case, to the effect of relieving him from the hut in the sand to his former or a better abode.—I am etc. JUSTICE. (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 30 July 1881, 3)

The 1881 Census of Scarinish does include a family that may fit the bill: Jane MacDonald, 26 from Coll described as a ‘sailor’s wife’, with two young children 4 and 2 and her mother-in-law.

A lively correspondence in the pages of the Oban Times followed. An ‘R. McLeod’ made the point that an eviction like this was a very ‘un-island’ act:

A TIREE EVICTION—RECOLLECTIONS OF THE LONELY ISLE
… In which part of the lonely, green isle this outrage has occurred, your correspondent has not told; and I, who know the island well, am left to guess whether a McLean, or a Campbell or a McQuarrie has done the ruthless deed. He can’t be a real Highlander who has thus shocked the feelings of the kind, hospitable islanders, among whom I spent some pleasant winter months more than twenty years ago … The Tiree people are not only kind and hospitable, but extremely respectful to strangers—unlike many mainland boors, who will scarcely show a stranger the way—they touch their bonnets and bow as one passes, to indicate the perfect equality of the footing of both parties. The stranger’s name may be unknown, but a strange face is a passport to every part of the island … Then how attentive the islanders are to a stranger’s luggage. They wouldn’t carry it for pay, but, with regard to mine, they had a friendly quarrel as to whose shoulders should bear the burden. They would have kindly carried myself too, had I required such attention. I am, &c., R. McLeod. (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 6 August 1881, 3)

This letter stimulated a sharp reply by someone signing themselves ‘Cabar Feidh’:

The removal of a cottar who, for all R. McLeod knows, may be an ignorant, ungrateful, and troublesome squatter, is most certainly not a fair case to bring before the public as a sample of the manner in which the Duke of Argyll allows his dependents (not one of whom is interfered with unknown to him) to be treated. Nowhere in the Highlands can R. McLeod find a more prosperous and therefore more comfortable tenantry, than in the Island of Tiree. They are a shrewd and sensible people, and know much better than he can tell them whether their proprietor is a good ‘laird’ or not. If R. McLeod wishes to propagate a spirit of discontent and rebellion among the Highland crofters, I am confident that he has chosen the wrong place when he has gone to Tiree, or indeed to any other part of the Duke of Argyll’s estates … As a real Highlander (although not a McKenzie), I pray my countrymen may never have a more serious cause of complaint than such as the Tiree eviction, and that they will not allow themselves to be ‘swayed’ by the opinions of men who so rashly and thoughtlessly wield their weapons as R. McLeod,—I am, etc., Cabar-Feidh. Glasgow. (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 27 August 1881, 3)

Cabar-Feidh was to be disappointed. Five years later, several hundred marines were camped in Scarinish to put down the unrest following the Greenhill land raid.

Dr John Holliday

THE FIRST TIREE NURSES

Lady Victoria Campbell, a daughter of the eighth Duke of Argyll, was a frequent visitor to Tiree. Disabled by childhood polio herself, she threw herself into charitable projects on the island. In 1896 she looked back at ten years of struggle to establish a district nurse’s post on Tiree:
‘As far back as 1886 [a year of conflict, with the Greenhill land raid and the garrisoning of the island by 250 marines], I saw one of our great and crying needs was that of the trained nurse in the homes of our poor and scattered population. On my reporting this, the Duke of Argyll at once enabled me to engage the services of an efficient nurse for Tiree, who, while subsidised and enabled to gain a competence, was to take fees from all able to pay. She was succeeded by another private effort, but this one soon gave it up for the combined reasons of boisterous climate, inadequate support, and lack of fresh meat! This experience made me hail, and cast in my lot with, the efforts of Miss H. Gardyce when she proposed an association [the North Argyll Nursing Association], which would be affiliated with the Queen Victoria Jubilee Institute [for Nurses, established in 1887]. I became its president … Finally, our Association aspires to furnish women who, while living by their profession, yet recognise that we ask of them what payment cannot secure, what their nursing homes or scientific training cannot give. It is the whole-hearted surrender of self. One who will grudge no labour, shirk no hardship in our stormy winters, in order to bring to the hearths and bedsides of our sufferers, in addition to her trained skill, the word of living hope and comfort.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 27 June 1896, 3)
There had been a resident doctor on the island since around 1850.
The North Argyll Nursing Association was founded in Tobermory in 1892. The same year, Lady Victoria wrote in her diary: ‘Visited [Tiree] doctor’s wife. Spoke of nurse. I feel this is a subject we must get settled. It is disgraceful, such a large island should be without a sick-nurse.’ One must have been hired, because in 1894 it was reported that the Association nurse on Tiree had attended two patients during the year (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 18 August 1894, 3). The estate built two ‘cottages’ in Heylipol: one for John MacKinnon, the ground officer, and the other for the nurse.
The association was still going strong in 1903:
‘The annual meeting [of the North Argyll Nursing Association] was held in the Aros Hall, Tobermory, on 21st inst. There was a large attendance, including the Lady Victoria Campbell; Mrs Melles of Gruline; Mrs Stewart of Kinlochmoidart; Mr and Mrs Morgan of Glengorm; Mrs Forsyth of Quinish; Mr and Mrs Allan of Aros; Mr Macdonald Macvicar of Invermoidart; etc. Mr Morgan occupied the chair. Mr Allan, as secretary and treasurer, reported that the Association had six nurses in its employment, situated in the districts of Tobermory, Bunessan, Salen, Shiel Bridge [Acharacle], Kilchoan and Tiree. The nurses during the year had paid 4396 visits to 209 patients [an average of two patients a day for each nurse]. The income for the year amounted to £262 7s, and the expenditure to £323 16s, leaving a deficit of £61 9s. In view of the heavy annual deficit, the meeting decided to curtail the expenditure, and with that object to place nurses in the districts of Tobermory and Bunessan at a [reduced] salary of £30 a year to cover everything except lodgings.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 29 August 1903, 3)
Funding was always an issue, at least until the NHS was set up in 1948. The island’s nursing service was dependent on donations. In the early days, the Duke paid most of the £50 salary. The nurse was meant to ask patients for a ‘fee’, but on Tiree, this may not always have been possible. In 1904, it was reported that there was a £22 deficit on the Tiree nurse budget. A local committee organised an annual house-to-house collection. And there were regular fundraisers, both on Tiree and further afield. For example, in 1896 HRH Princess Louise, a sister of Lady Victoria, put on a star-studded morning concert in London in aid of the North Argyll Nursing Association, with tickets selling for one guinea (the equivalent of £150 today).

See 2001.55.1 | An Iodhlann

THE EARLY DAYS OF THE REGATTA

The Tiree Association was established in 1900. One of the many good things they have done for the island is to start the regatta, 122 years ago.

1902: ‘The Glasgow Fair folk have left after spending some happy days among the people. The Reef games were greatly enjoyed. It was a time of much happiness and good cheer. Perhaps next year a regatta may be started by the Tiree Association, which would be a great stimulus to the already excellent sailors and boatmen.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 2 August 1902, 6)

1903: ‘This year again there are to be games for a day on The Reef during the Glasgow Fair holidays, and also a regatta, which will be the first of the kind ever held on the island.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 11 July 1903, 6)
I could not find an article that showed that this regatta actually took place. But the following year, there was another report: ‘The annual regatta takes place this week.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 23 July 1904, 6)

The regatta, however, seems to have fallen away:
1908: ‘May I ask a corner of your valuable paper regarding the Tiree Sports and the one-time annual regatta. The Fair folk, along with the Tiree residents, used to appreciate the regatta and hold it in at least equal esteem with the sports. We do not despise the sports, but we are sorry the Tiree Association have parted from an entertaining and interesting competition, and everybody expresses the desire to have it brought into use this year again. The Tiree Association, which we are proud of, should immediately bring the regatta into consideration, and give it a place on the programme as formerly. If the Tiree Association will hold the regatta, I am fully certain that when the Tiree people know of the event being again introduced, their response will be more liberal than it has been since it was deserted, I am, etc., Iain Dubh’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 4 July 1908, 3)

The request was granted. Some of you will recognise the names of the winning boats:
1909: ‘On Wednesday, the annual regatta under the auspices of the Tiree Association was held at Scarinish. Eleven boats entered, and a splendid race ensued. The course was a triangular one, and the scene presented by the boats as they stood away to Ruaig was very picturesque. A large crowd of sight-seers watched the progress of the boats with great interest, from the enthusiasm which the regatta aroused, the Tiree Association would do well to continue this most enjoyable feature of the Fair Holidays. There were five prizes, which were eventually won by the following boats: 1. Times, H. MacInnes, £2; 2. Mary Jane, D. MacDonald, £1 10s; 3. Passing Cloud, Donald Munn, £1; 4. Press Home, Angus Munn, 15s; 5. Mayflower, A. Macdonald, 10s.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 31 July 1909, 7)

1926: ‘The most successful regatta ever held in Tiree, was the verdict of the spectators attending the regatta on Glasgow Fair Monday. Ideal weather conditions prevailed; a brisk breeze from the north-east, a fairly smooth sea and an abundance of sunshine made for the comfort both of those ashore and those afloat. The commodore, Mr F. C. Gunnis, placed his motor yacht at the disposal of the committee, and the yacht was anchored off Scarinish Harbour with the commodore, judges, committee and guests on board. The vice-commodore, Mr Hugh MacDiarmid [the factor], took charge of matters ashore. The boats in the largest sailing class got away to a fairly good start, and some keen sailing was witnessed. Mr James McFadyen’s Jeanie, an able boat, well geared and skilfully handled by the owner (who built this fine craft with the assistance of his son) soon left the rest of the fleet, and cut out a fine lead for herself. She finished the course, taking exactly 1.5 hours to complete the two rounds, at roughly 12 knots. An excellent performance. The next three boats made a very close finish, four seconds separating 2nd and 3rd, and fifty-five seconds separating 4th and 2nd. Mr Colin Campbell’s Katie Ann gained 2nd prize by fifty-five seconds on time allowance. Mr D. MacDonald’s Highland Chief 3rd; and Mr Lachlan MacDonald’s Mary Jane, 4th. All the boats in this class made an excellent appearance, and with some attention paid to sails and gear, even closer finishes may be looked for at the next regatta. The race for sailing boats under 15 feet also produced some very fine sailing. The winning boat, MacDonald’s Caolis Belle, a smart dapper little craft (built by a very young relative of the owner) would give anything her length as keen a race as one could desire. Messrs H. and C. McFadyen, Coalis, were second with their Effie Ann. This boat got the brunt of the left tide when rounding the Gott Bay mark boat, by which time the wind had increased very much in force and these youths sailed their boat at this period in a thoroughly seamanlike manner, which won the admiration of the commodore and officials. Mr Kenneth MacKenzie, Scarinish, also placed his motor yacht at the disposal of the committee, and this boat performed extremely useful service in patrolling the course in attendance on the racing fleet. The four-oared race was won by the MacLean brothers of the Mary Stewart. A noteworthy item on the programme was a daring exhibition of surf riding by Mr H. Mitchell, Glasgow. The greasy pole created endless amusement amongst the spectators, and the prize, a leg of mutton, was won by Mr John Buntain [Bunting], Balemartine. No competitors appeared for the swimming races for which handsome prizes in kind were offered, but probably the choppiness of the sea at the time militated against such an event. It is the intention of the committee to foster this branch of sport, and it is hoped that next year will see a large entry in the swimming events, especially among girls and boys. On the call of the commodore, Miss MacDiarmid was asked to present the prizes. Rev. Hugh MacKenzie, on behalf of the committee, thanked Miss MacDiarmid. Her father, the vice-commodore, replied on behalf of his daughter. The result of the members’ ballot was then announced, the winning boat being drawn by Miss Nettie MacLean, Hough, the tiny daughter of the popular chief steward of the S.S. Hebrides, the second prize being drawn by Mrs MacKenzie, Scarinish, and the 3rd Malcolm MacKinnon, butcher. The committee of the club are particularly indebted to Commodore George K. Ward of the Colonsay Yacht Club for his telegram of good wishes and his handsome donation to club funds.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 28 August 1926, 7)

By 1937, the regatta was being run by the ‘Tiree Sailing and Rowing Club’. There was an additional ‘district regatta’ off Balemartine. The watching crowd that year was estimated to have been 400. The 1938 regatta was even more successful: ‘Mrs. Steele-Smith, in presenting the prizes to the successful competitors, hoped that Tiree in a few years would be famous as a regatta centre. She remarked on the sporting spirit of all the competitors, and complimented Mr. John Brown, the Commodore and his committee on the work they had done in making the regatta such a success.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 6 August 1938, 5)

The Second World war

Tiree was a Restricted Area during the Second World War, with a large RAF airfield. Little news filtered out into the newspapers, but here are a few cuttings.

Islanders were allowed to have a small boat, but were meant to take the oars home after use, in case the enemy could use them: ‘Seven men from the Isle of Tiree pleaded guilty in Oban Sheriff Court of failing to immobilise their small boats by leaving oars in them. The islanders have been duly warned, again and again, but persist in the illegality.’ (Ross-shire Journal, 17 April 1942, 6)

‘Donald MacLean, Ardbeg, Cornaigbeg, Isle of Tiree, found a bottle with two letters in it on the shore of Cornaigbeg on 14th November 1940. He would like to know where and when the boys threw the bottle overboard and the ship’s name. He would be obliged for any information. The following are the letters:
“This note is being sent from the undersigned on their way to an unknown destination. In the event of this going ashore, we would be greatly obliged if bearer would forward same to be published in the Oban Times, and some day we might be pleased to learn of its safe delivery, Eilean Uibhist mo Ghraidh: R. Matheson, North Uist; L. MacKenzie, Lochboisdale; R. MacSween, Gerinish, So[uth] Uist. To Mrs MacPherson, Bualadubh, Eochar, South Uist. It will be interesting if you receive this. Lachie MacKenzie is with me here. We are throwing this overboard, Roddie. Anyone finding this please deliver to the above address.”’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 7 December 1940, 5)

‘Perhaps the shore-watchers on the isle of Tiree recently came across the strangest piece of flotsam ever known. It took the form of the carcass of an elephant. Where and under what circumstances did this huge creature enter the sea, to be thus driven by wind and current from its native haunts to an outlandish island of the West? Did it stampede in terror from a scene of skirmishing men, or did it find a watery grave when some trusty ship met its doom in distant seas?’ (Perthshire Advertiser, 23 October 1940, 8)

‘THE NAME OF MRS STEELE-SMITH is associated with many social and welfare activities in London. Since coming to the Island of Tiree, she has to her credit been doing much similar good work. We have pleasure in publishing her letter in aid of the Oban Times Spitfire Fund and with which she enclosed a cheque for £26 4s:
Cruachan, Hylipol, Tiree.
July 14th, 1942
Sir, I am enclosing a Money Order for £26 4s, the proceeds from the Raffle of an Oil Painting of flowers sent to me by my friend, Mrs Coll McDougall, the artist, in aid of the Argyll and the Isles Oban Times Spitfire Fund. Mrs Coll McDougall, like her grandfather, old Rockside Campbell of Rockside, Islay, is interested in everything Highland, especially Argyllshire. She herself is at present in Bermuda, where she is working hard on painting sceneries and flowers and selling or raffling them all in aid of the Red Cross, especially for the Prisoners of War in Germany, where her only son, Captain Lorne McDougall, is a prisoner of war. By this means, she has sent hundreds of pounds to the Red Cross. Thanks are due to all those who have helped to dispose of tickets, viz: Miss Nisbet, Hylipol School; Miss Joan Brownlie, Barrapol; Miss Annie Kennedy, Balinoe; Miss Cathie McLean, Hylipol; Miss Sarah McDonald; Mr McDougall, Headmaster Higher Grade School; and Miss Effie MacDonald, Balevullin, whose mother gave a donation. A delightful ceilidh followed the draw for the Oil Painting, which went to Mrs Alick Campbell, Mannal. The chair was taken by Mr Shields, in the absence of Lt. Williamson, who was called south on urgent business. Mr William McLean, who is a piper of great promise, played marches and reels, and also sang some very fine old Gaelic songs, as also did his brother Hugh. Mr O. C. McKay played a charming selection of songs on the piano, his rendering of “The Road to the Isles” reminded one of Duncan Morrison’s playing. Messrs C. P. L. Clarkson and P. Cook delighted the audience with several duets. Mrs Steele-Smith moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, and also to the artistes who played and sang so charmingly. All present wished the Spitfire Fund all success.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 25 July 1942, 5)

C. Steele-Smith, originally from Tiree, moved to London and became a leading light of the London Highland Club, including teaching at its Gaelic classes. The club met on Friday evenings in a hall on the Tottenham Court Road. She also presented the prizes at 1938 Tiree Regatta. I would be interested to know where she came from on Tiree.

Dr John Holliday | 07786 496 275 |

Yesterday’s News 29. Pensions

YESTERDAY’S NEWS
Last time, we looked at the different meetings that took place in the Reading Room, including one called the ‘pensions committee’. This was a new one to me.

The Old Age Pensions Act of 1908 represented a big step towards what we now know as the welfare state. Those aged 70 years or over could apply to get an order book allowing them to claim 5 shillings a week (£38 at today’s prices) at the local post office. But there were quite a lot of restrictions. People were ineligible if they had savings over £31 10s; if they had ever ‘habitually failed to work according to [their] ability’, in other words, if they had been workshy; if they had lived in Britain for less than twenty years; or if they had been in prison in the last ten years.

Because the state did not have all the relevant information about claimants in one place, applicants for the pension had to be assessed at home by a Pensions Officer. Their details were then sent for approval to a local committee. The problems this could cause crofters was flagged up on Coll:

‘Pensions: The Pension Officer for the district of Coll has been round the island making preliminary enquiries as to the qualifications of the claimants. The enquiries are of a pretty searching nature, as to the means and income of applicants. In cases where a croft and more or less stock is in question, it is very puzzling to make up a statement of all the transactions during the last year or two, showing the income and the outlays, particularly as such details are not usually kept by any of the small class of holders. Before the statement could be exact, it would require to be kept in a book for the purpose, which very few would care to be at the trouble doing, and, besides, such was not expected at all to be necessary. In the case of pensions to employees of the Government or to others favoured with such, there is not such a sharp enquiry as to their means and substance obtaining it. No doubt the pension is meant for people of limited means as a provision for their old age. Those who have incomes enough to support them do not need a pension, and are therefore de-barred from it; and to guard against imposition, it may be necessary to make some sort of an enquiry. But we think that very few persons would ask for the pension, in rural districts particularly, save those who are entitled to it or are in need of it, and therefore if given to all applicants of the age in such districts, it would not be much out of what is intended, and no punishing enquiries would be necessary at all. Again, the private affairs of each applicant may become known to the public, as they will most likely be laid before the sub-committees. No doubt members of such committees are supposed to maintain secrecy in the matter. But what five or six people hear is not kept from spreading. At all events, this contingency ought to be met somehow, and the enquiries be kept by the Pension Officer alone, except in cases where an appeal is brought forward by an applicant. However, when the scheme gets well under way, it will work more smoothly, and be better understood, and any deficiency remedied. There will not be many applicants from Coll, probably about 30 or so, as the population is so small.’
(Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 17 October 1908, p. 6)

A letter from someone else on Coll signing themselves ‘No Pauperism’ went further. His (or her) point was many people hated the humiliation of being classed as ‘paupers’ under the existing Poor Law, in place since 1845. The assessment for the new old age pension felt very much the same—and it was being done by the same people:

‘OLD AGE PENSIONS AND PAUPERISM. Sir, Old people here are not quite as enthusiastic about the old age pension scheme now that they see the way it is be worked. When the Act passed first, it was understood, and was asserted by the members of the Government in charge of the Bill, that these pensions, when established, would contain no tinge of pauperism of any kind; but it is found now that the wind has changed completely, and that the whole management and administration is given to the very men who fix and determine :parochial relief, namely, the Parish Councils, in rural districts, at any rate, and possibly also the same officials.

‘Now, it matters very little to the recipients whether the amount fixed upon by these Councils to be given them is to be paid by the postmaster of the district or by the inspector of the poor, seeing that the amount is fixed by the Parish Councils. There is nothing we are aware of calculated to give the pension a more direct pauper tinge than that, and the whole matter seems to amount to a breach of trust with the people by those who are responsible for such an arrangement … Why not give these pensions in the same way as those in Government employ get theirs, and not through any Council? That would be satisfactory and contain no element of complaint by anyone. I am, etc. NO PAUPERISM.’
(Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 26 September 1908, p. 3)

This criticism could also be made on Tiree:
‘The following have been appointed a [pensions] sub-committee for the parish of Tiree: H MacDiarmid [the factor, who had been the chair of the Tiree Poor Law parochial board], Island House, convener; Thomas Barr, farmer [of 1200 acres], Balephetrish; John MacFadyen, farmer, Caoles; Dr. Alex. Buchanan, Tiree; and Rev. William A Gillies [Church of Scotland minister]. At a meeting held in the Reading Room, Scarinish, on Thursday last week, Mr H MacDiarmid was unanimously appointed chairman, and Mr M[alcolm] MacLean, Kirkapol [the island’s Registrar], was appointed clerk.’
(Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 3 October 1908, p. 6)

Dr John Holliday
07786 496 275

Reading Room

Last time, we looked at the library in the Scarinish Reading Room. This week, we consider all the other ways the building was used, at a time when there were very few public spaces on the island.

1892

“The reading room kindly erected by the Duke of Argyll is a great boon to the island. It is exceedingly neat and handsome, and will be most useful for those waiting for the steamers, who have hitherto had to endure much wet and cold in former years. There are quite a number of papers and serials in the reading room, and friends are expected to send more. The editor of the Strand Magazine sent several books; some were sent also by Mr Campbell, Inverness, and others.”
— Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 24 September 1892, p. 6

1893

“Mr D. H. MacFarlane, M.P., sent some time ago £2 as a donation to the Tiree Reading Room. The sum was sent to Mr Samuel Cowan, publisher, Perth, who takes a great interest in the reading room. He added to the sum and sent twenty-four volumes. Last week Messrs Wm. Brock & Sons, grain merchants, Glasgow, sent a gift of books (forty volumes). Mr R. West, the tenant of the Tiree shootings, contributed £1 as a donation. It is to be hoped others taking an interest in the island will contribute in the shape of books or money, which will be duly acknowledged by the secretary, Mr Hugh MacDonald, postmaster.”
— Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 13 May 1893, p. 6

1894

“Notes: Mr Watson, photographer, Edinburgh, has presented the Tiree Reading Room with two fine pictures beautifully framed, viz.—‘Oituar Scarinish agus Cleite Ruaig’, and ‘Tràigh Bhaigh agus Eilean nan Sìliag.’ They are very valuable pictures, and Mr Watson has already got a medal for them. Mr Watson, one of the masters in the Merchants School, Queen Street, Edinburgh, is taking holidays in the island at present. He is staying at the Baugh Manse.”
— Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 4 August 1894, p. 6

1912

“School Board: The statutory meeting of the School Board was held within the Reading Room of Scarinish Library on Tuesday of last week, Mr H. Macdiarmid, chairman of the Board, presiding.”
— Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 27 January 1912, p. 6

“Old Age Pensions: A meeting of the Tiree Pension Sub-Committee was held in Scarinish Reading Room on Wednesday last week, Mr H. Macdiarmid, chairman, presiding. All the claims submitted were passed, and the applicants recommended for the full pension of five shillings per week.”

“Pier Committee: A meeting of the above Committee was held in Scarinish Library on Saturday last, Mr Barr, chairman, presiding. Correspondence from Mr Woulfe Brenan, engineer, was read, giving an approximate idea of the nature and cost of the work yet to be done, and stating that it was of importance that the contractors should lose no time in proceeding with the erection of the unfinished part of the breakwater.”
— Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 23 March 1912, p. 7

As we saw last time, the building burned down in October 1912. Wisely, it was fully insured and it was re-built.

1926

“Proposed Regatta: A public meeting was held in the Reading Room, Scarinish, on Wednesday evening of last week for the purpose of considering a proposal to hold a regatta. Mr Peter Macneill presided over a good attendance. It was unanimously agreed to hold a regatta in the month of July. The following were appointed to a committee, with the power to add to their number: Messrs Alexander Henderson, Neil Macdonald, Alex. Campbell, Alex. Maclean, and Maclean, Heynish, for the Balemartine district; Alexander Kennedy, Balephuil; Rev. William Mackenzie, Hylipol; Messrs Archd. Currie, Kilkenneth; John Cameron, Balevullin; D. O. Maclean, Cornaigmore School; John Macdonald, Kenovay; John Brown, the Hotel; Malcolm Mackinnon, J. Macfadyen, Archd. Maclean, Neil McKinnon and Hector Mackinnon, Scarinish; and Hugh Macfadyen, Caolis. The committee decided that the programme of the regatta should consist of two sailing races, three rowing races including respectively one man and coxswain, two men and coxswain, and four men and coxswain; the other events including ladies’ and men’s swimming races, and a tug-of-war. It is anticipated that the regatta will receive the hearty support of the members of the Glasgow Tiree Association.”
— Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 27 March 1926, p. 7

Dr John Holliday

No 28 – Reading Room YN.28-reading room