Murdoch Gillies (abt. 1757 - aft. 1824)

Born about 1757 in Corriehanisdal, Scotland

Husband of Annie (Nicolson) Gillies — married before 1787 in Skye, Inverness-shire, Scotland [uncertain]

Descendants

Died after 1824 after about age 67 in Ardvasar, Inverness-shire, Scotland

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Family member

Biography

Murdoch was born in Corriehanisdal about 1757. Murdoch Gilles passed away after 1824.

In 1778, Murdoch was listed as one of the tenants of the farm of Aultatuath, on Lord Macdonald’s estate. This would make him at least 21 y.o. (legal as tenant holder.) There is a petition dated 1805 in the Clan Donald Archives that Murdoch and another tenant of Aultatuath request a reduction in their rent because they had no access to grazing land they had rented from Lord MacDonald on the farm of Knock. Their access was limited as the previous tenant was still keeping his cows on the land in question. The out come is not known.

Murdoch and his family was shifted to the newly made Ferryman’s house known as Croft at 1 Ardvasar. He is listed as the first tenant in 1823. The township built three croft houses, the other two croft houses went to the Blacksmith and the Innkeeper. A post Office was established in 1863. There were several sites for the office but, out on the front of Inn was the post box for letters.

note A "Croft House" a class of house built in that era.

Murdoch was the "ARDVASAR" FERRY MAN during his working life. Ardvasar is better known as the terminal of the Mallaig Ferry.

He had a son James & daughter Flora

Source

• Sleat Local History Society. “Sleat At Sea. A Seafaring Family: The Gillies Family - from Corriehanisdal.” Accessed August 7, 2018. http://www.sleatlocalhistorysociety.org.uk/index.php/sea_subsection/81.
• Maggie MacDonald of Sleat historical Society
• Gibson, Alex, Gillies of Corriehanisdal, p.5.