Last man born on Hebridean island dies aged 91

THE last surviving resident of an Outer Hebridean island which was evacuated in the 1940s has passed away.

Angus Macdonald, who was born in Heisgeir in the Monach Islands (known as Eilean Heisgeir in Gaelic), off North Uist, was 91.

The group of islands were home to about 100 people before they were evacuated in 1942.

Mr Macdonald was born there to an island family on June 18, 1927. He attended the island school, where he was one of just three pupils when it closed. He was laid to rest in Fort William yesterday on Monday,

One of his earliest memories was sitting on his granny’s knee as a three-year-old listening to the singing coming out of the island’s Mission Hall.

While in Heisgeir as a boy, the young Mr Macdonald was deemed able enough to be taken out off school to be second man on his father’s boat – The Morning Star.

He did his schooling in Heisgeir but his last year was spent in Bayhead school living in Soundary with his uncle, Donald Alan Macintosh and his auntie Morag.

During his family life, Angus drove a lorry for various companies, before starting a wholesale fruit and veg business with his brothers.

When he finished this he returned to his first love of shepherding with Locheil Estates. He remained there until he retired home to North Uist in 1989.

While in North Uist, Angus was in great demand to share his memories and knowledge of life on Heisgeir with many people visiting. He often said he was not afraid of death as he would be reunited with those who have passed.