Mairead NicDhòmhnaill
Jennifer Baker friend and Chair of the Comman Eachdraidh Lios Mòr wrote:
Margaret MacDonald, one of the founder members of Comann Eachdraidh Lios Mòr died on Tuesday 5th January 2021 aged 91. As well as the great memories that we all have of her, she has left a magnificent legacy in the form of the museum. Her determination to preserve the particular Gaelic language, music and culture of the island led to the restoration of the cottar’s cottage and, later, the building of the Heritage Centre – one of the most important island achievements of the last 30 years and, along with the hall, the hub of island life. It hosts upwards of 3,000 visitors a year and so is an important element of the island economy. It also provides employment for young people.
In the early days Margaret served as secretary and later as Chair of CELM. She also ran weekends hosting Gaelic language students and musicians. The booklet of Gaelic Place names was instigated by her so that these unique Gaelic names will forever be remembered. The Gaelic ceilidhs are part of island legend. Many of us have enjoyed one-to-one Gaelic tuition from her. Such a privilege.
Margaret was born and brought up on the island and had an intimate knowledge of its history and people. She worked in the shop and in the school. Freda Drysdale, who was the head teacher at the time, said of her,
“I appreciated her intellect, her excellent knowledge of Gaelic language, music and culture and, most of all, her kindness, warmth and humanity”.
The many messages we have received echo those sentiments again and again. Her door was always open and the kettle on for so many of us eager to learn about the island we have made our home..
Tony Perkins, Project manager of the Heritage Centre wrote:
Without Margaret and Donald Black and Cathy Carmichael there would be no Comann Eachdraidh and no Heritage Centre. As long as all this stands, she will never be forgotten.I have fond memories of Margaret who became a true and trusted friend as we worked together on the Heritage project. Margaret’s dream and vision was as big as it was bold such was her love of her Island, its history and heritage. Her passion and sincerity allowed us to develop a relationship of trust, respect and hope. Margaret carried that hope in her heart, which inspired me to enable her to achieve her dream. Margaret’s warmth and hospitality shone through in endless tea and cake every week when we met. As an “outsider” on the island it was Margaret who enabled me to find my place in this unique community by gently guiding and directing so that I too could call it home.
Margaret MacDonald and Jessie Stewart
Community bus outing