93260: Murdo Mackay

Murdo (born 1855) was the son of Roderick Mackay and Christina Macdonald; it is not known where the family were living at the time of his birth. His parental grandparents were living at 16 North Tolsta and his maternal grandparents in Melbost, Borve, so it seems likely that the family could have been at one of these locations.

In 1857 the family obtained 50 North Tolsta, as a newly lotted croft.

Murdo emigrated to Canada and worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company. He married Marya Iserhoff, of Hudson Bay, and the couple had three children: two boys and a girl.

At some point the family settled, as cottars, at 50 North Tolsta.

During the First World War Murdo served with the Royal Navy Reserves, having enlisted at age 59; he was invalided in 1915.

Murdo was widowed in 1918; this same year his son Roderick was wounded while serving in the war.

Murdo later married, widow, Catherine Macleod, of 11 Garyvard, and settled in Stornoway.

Murdo returned to Canada.

Murdo returned to Britain and settled in Glasgow.