Catherine Morrison was born in about 1843, the youngest daughter of Donald Morrison and Marion Shaw. She appears to have been born after her father's early death from exposure. Her widowed mother became a farmer in his stead, living at a site which is still visible as Tobhta Mòr ni' Chaluim, moving in 1854 to 14 Ruisgarry (Trealigarry), then 17 Ruisgarry (Brusda) about 1864.

Catherine became a domestic servant, and in 1870 married Donald Shaw of 13 Ruisgarry (Sunhill), where they made their home with their seven children.