103945: 71 North Tolsta

71 Tolastadh bho Thuath

71 North Tolsta was a newly lotted croft in 1874. The first occupants were Murdo Murray, Ann Campbell and their seven children: Christina, Neil, Donald, Alexander, Christina, Donald and John. The family had previously been cottars at 47 North Tolsta. The couple had their last child, Murdo, a year later. Their eldest daughter, Christina married and settled as a cottar on the croft and in due course 71 North Tolsta passed to their son, John.

John Murray married Mary Maciver of 19c North Tolsta and the couple had two children: Murdo and Christina. Christina died in infancy and Murdo died the following year. John went on to marry Christina Maciver of 26 North Tolsta and the couple had ten children: Alexander, Mary, Malcolm, Ann, Ann, Christina, John, Jean, Christina and Jean. Two of their children died in infancy and their son Malcolm drowned in Loch Diridean aged 12. In due course 71 North Tolsta passed to their youngest son, John.

John Murray never married and in due course 71 North Tolsta passed to his sister, Jean's son.

The nephew feued off a section of 71 North Tolsta and retained that but sold the rest to a neighbour.

In due course the new owner passed 71 North Tolsta to his nephew.

Cottars:
Christina Murray married Murdo Macleod of 4 North Tolsta and the couple settled as cottars on her parents croft. They had eight children: Ann, Christina, Torquil, Christina, Alexander, Mary, Torquil and Elijah before moving to Stornoway in 1892. Once in Stornoway they had a further five children. Sadly eight of their children died in infancy or childhood and their first child born in Stornoway died aged 22.