103902: 31 North Tolsta
31 Tolastadh bho Thuath
31 North Tolsta was lotted in 1851 and the first tenant was William Morrison of Melbost and he passed the croft to his son, John.
John Morrison passed the croft to his son, Murdo.
On the 10th of October 1947 The Stornoway News reported on a fire that destroyed the house:
On Sunday morning, a disastrous fire destroyed the four-roomed homestead of Murdo Morrison, 31 North Tolsta. The family asleep upstairs, were awakened by the smell of burning material and when the bedroom door was opened, they found exit by the stairs barred by flames. Mr. Morrison promptly smashed the window and grasping his 12-month-old baby jumped clear. His wife and daughters followed. Mrs. Morrison was injured.
Neighbours were soon on the scene and passed buckets of water from a nearby burn. The fire however, was out of control when the Stornoway Fire Brigade arrived, but a scullery adjoining the house and a byre were saved. Mrs. MacIver, a blind, aged and bedridden lady, had to be removed from No. 32, as the house was filled with smoke – the house standing right in the path of the flames.
The Morrison family in their night attire found sanctuary with Mrs Macleod, No.34.Not a single article of clothing or furniture was saved. The origin of the fire is not known. There is much sympathy with the Morrisons in their distress and we know the township will rise to the occasion.
Record Location
Details
- Record Type:
- Croft or Residence
- Date Lotted:
- 1851
- Type Of Residence:
- Croft
- Record Maintained by:
- CET