Catherine MacCusbic was born in about 1817, the daughter of Peter MacCusbic and Effie MacLean of old Ruisgarry.

She married Norman MacKillop, with whom she was to have eight children. They made their home in old Borve, where Norman was a farmer. However, in 1854 the family were removed to Lamerick, where they became cottars. Catherine died of consumption in 1873.