On the 2 August 2002 the stirring sounds of Angus Nicholson’s pipes filled the air from early afternoon as the Lismore Community bus and a fleet of cars ran up and down to the ferry bringing many visitors to the “rebirth” of Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh, the traditional cotters’ cottage which is the first stage of the Comann Eachdraidh Lios Mor’s ambitious project to bring to life Lismore’s rich history and create a space where the island’s past and present can foster a dynamic future.
Iseabail Dhaidh’s home was a typical cotter (landless tenant) or crofter’s cottage of the post “black-house” era. With gable ends and at least one chimney, the inside was partitioned often with wood but sometimes with stone and lime mortar. Each room had sleeping facilities with either cast iron or often box beds usually curtained to give some privacy. A dresser and a girnal (to store oat-meal and flour) plus a wooden table and chairs was the basic furniture.
Iseabal Dhaidh (daughter of David) and Iseabail Mhartinn (daughter of Martin MacColl) were the final occupants and both may have worked in the linen industry which employed many in this area – Port a Charrain. Also affectionately known as the Cailleachan Beag (the little old ladies), they were kindly to all and especially the local children. Iseabal Dhaidh died in the first decade of the 20th century.
A great deal of work – much of it voluntary – has gone into bringing this history to life but none of it would have been possible without the land gifted by Duncan MacGregor in memory of his parents’ Dougal and Euphemia MacGregor.
After Angus had piped in the official party led by Katie, Annie and Duncan MacGregor, Donald Black, Chair of the Comann Eachdraidh, thanked all who had made it possible. First Duncan for gifting the land, then the many volunteers who generously cleared land, dug drains, humped stones, and collected turfs for the roof, then friends from all over the world for donating generously, and finally Tony Perkins for coordinating the project.
It fell to Katie MacGregor to cut the ribbon and declare the cottage open and The Rev John Murdoch, to bless it and pray.
The cottage, built with traditional highland skills which should ensure it lasts for a thousand years, has a beautiful straight birch roof (all selected individually see photo below), an expertly thatched roof and beautiful stone work done by Jim MacCormick assisted by Peter MacDougal, two of the younger Liosachs.
Because the Summer was largely a wash out this year, much of the work had been done in atrocious conditions but the thatching needed sun so was not quite finished on the day and the many authentic furnishings were also waiting to take their place.
At the celebration lunch in the hall Tony Perkins spoke of the Comann Eachdraidh’s astonishing achievement, the result of much hard unsung work behind the scenes in particular Margaret MacDonald and Cathie Carmichael who took a constant stream of phone calls, Archie MacColl, Duncan Livingstone and others who moved soil and dug drains in all weather, James MacCormick and Peter MacDougal and many, many others. Financial support and advice came too from the Heritage Lottery Funds, Scottish Natural Heritage, Nadair Trust, and Argyll and Islands Enterprise, who were all proud to be associated with the scheme.
All in all an amazing story suitably celebrated by the sumptuous buffet from the island women and much enjoyed by all present demonstrating once again the indomitable Lismore community spirit. And the last word went to John Livingstone, urging us to taste the other traditional spirit, Lismore Heritage Whisky, and perhaps buy some for all those far from Lismore but whose spirits were with us.
Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh opening 2 August 2002 Annie , Katie and Duncan MacGregor,
Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh opening 2 August 2002 Annie , Katie and Duncan MacGregor,
Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh opening 2 August 2002 Donald Black, Angus Nicolson, Katie MacGregor
Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh opening 2 August 2002 Donald Black, Angus Nicolson, Katie MacGregor
Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh opening 2 August 2002 Duncan Black, Mairi Smith, Margaret MacDonald Kathy Carmichael, Duncan Livingstone,Johnny Livingstone, Archie MacColl
Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh opening 2 August 2002 Cathy Carmichael, Katie MacGregor (cutting the ribbon) with Archie MacColl, Mairi Smith and Margaret MacDonald
Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh opening 2 August 2002 Opening address
Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh opening 2 August 2002
Taigh Iseabail Dhaidh opening 19 Aug 02
Tony Perkins addressing the celebration 19.08.2022
