39451: Gaelic School, Balallan

On 16 January 1811, the Edinburgh Society for the Support of Gaelic Schools was formed and this Society greatly influenced education in Lewis for the following 30 years.

The first Gaelic School in Balallan opened in 1815. The Head Teacher was Murdoch Mackenzie who went to Luerbost in 1819. The purpose of the schools was to teach as many as possible to read the Scriptures in their native tongue. The school was located at 15/16 Balallan.

Some of the other teachers in the school were:

Neil Matheson, Gravir – 1824-1828

Angus Macleod, Balallan – 1833-1834

Angus Macfarlane, Shieldinish – 1836-1837

Donald Macfarlane, Balallan – 1840-1844

William Mackay, Durness – 1851-