AN COMUNN TIRISDEACH THE TIREE ASSOCIATION
Proposed Tiree Association (1901)
‘It is proposed to form a Tiree Association in Glasgow, where many of the islanders reside, and all favourable to the project are invited to communicate with Mr Neil Campbell Colquhoun, 30, Couper Street. A public meeting will be convened shortly, and duly announced, and it is hoped that all natives of Tiree will respond with heartiness, and assure the success of the movement.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 2 March 1901, 5)
FORMATION OF TIREE ASSOCIATION
Enthusiastic Meeting
‘For some time past, the formation of a Glasgow Tiree Association has been under consideration. It was by many natives of the island felt that the representation of their island home in the city was, if not a necessity, at least a most desirable thing, and at the recent Tiree Bazaar the need of such an association was made apparent. In other matters it has also been believed that Tiree would benefit were it, like so many other places, to have an association of its sons in Glasgow to keep a watchful eye on its interests. While general agreement was thus held as to the desirability of the association itself, matters advanced no further until the initiative was taken by Messrs Neil Campbell Colquhoun and Mr Neil MacLaine, both well-known in the city as enthusiastic Highlanders—the former in connection with the Clan Colquhoun Society, of which he is hon. secretary and treasurer, and the latter in connection with the Clan MacLean and Cèilidh nan Gàidheal. A meeting called by those gentlemen took place in the Religious Institution Rooms [at 177 Buchanan Street] on Thursday evening, 14th inst., and was well attended, the hall being completely full. The objects of the meeting were briefly explained by Mr Colquhoun, and thereafter Mr Neil MacLaine was called upon to take the chair. The meeting being unanimous as to the desirability of forming an association in which the natives of Tiree would be interested, it was decided to carry out the purposes for which the meeting had been called, and office bearers were nominated. A telegram was received from Tiree expressing cordial approval of the proposed association, and wishing every success to the movement. Office-bearers were then nominated.
‘The meeting was most enthusiastic throughout, a fact which augurs well for the future of the infant association. In a week’s time the directors are to meet and prepare rules, etc., for the government of the association, and shortly thereafter, it is expected, a second meeting of the natives will be called. Besides the promoters of the meeting—Messrs Colquhoun and MacLaine—the thanks of those interested are due to Mr Alex. MacKinnon, 74 Hyndland Street, who occupied the office of interim secretary, and discharged the duties in an efficient manner, adding greatly to the dispatch of the business before the meeting.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 23 March 1901, 2)
The Association’s first concert and dance was held in April 1901 at the Waterloo Rooms. (This was a popular venue in a former church at the corner of Waterloo and Wellington Streets. It was demolished and replaced in 1910 by the Alhambra Theatre.) Within a month of the association’s formation, there were 70 members. (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 4 May 1901, 2)
The Tiree Association went on to set up a sports day (1902) and regatta (1903) on the island during Fair Fortnight, collected funds for and erected the war memorial, and published the Roll of Honour after the First World War. The Association also published an important collection of Tiree songs Na Bàird Thirisdeach.
‘Under the auspices of the Glasgow Tiree Association, sports are to be held on the Island of Tiree on Tuesday first, Mr Thomas Barr having kindly granted the use of the grounds at the Reef. A concert is to be held on Wednesday at Balemartine in aid of the prize fund of the sports; while on the 24th July a handicap race for fishing skiffs will be held off Scarinish, followed in the evening by another concert. All the events are open to the natives of Tiree and Coll and the members of the Association. In conjunction with the sports, a tug-of-war team has been training in the grounds of the Govan police for some time. The team has been brought together by Mr Hector MacFadyen. (Highland News, 18 July 1903, 5)
https://www.aniodhlann.org.uk/object/2019-33-2/
Katie MacPhail and her postman husband Lachlan MacPhail at the Tiree Association Sports Day on The Reef in 1931.
The Association also ran regular meetings in Glasgow to bring together the Tiree community in the city:
‘There was a large attendance at the monthly meeting of [the Tiree] Association held last Thursday evening in the Waterloo Rooms, Mr Hector MacFadyen presiding. A Gaelic debate took place on ‘Whether is it better to be married or single?’ Mr Neil MacLaine led off in favour of ‘married life’, while Mr Hector Cameron defended single-blessedness. After a long debate, in which many of the members took part, the vote was taken, when 22 voted in favour of married life, and 21 supported single life. A number of songs were afterwards rendered.’ (Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 13 December 1902, 2)
Dr John Holliday