Neil, born 1838, was the son of Roderick MacAskill and Mary MacKillop of Ruisgarry. The family lived there until about 1845. At that time the Ruisgarry crofts were reorganised and the family moved to Borve as cottars. When Borve became a farm in 1854, they moved to Stornoway.

Neil married twice, firstly to Jane Jack from Wick, secondly to Isabella MacLeod of 13 Scalpay. They lived in Stornoway.