History of Mary's Traditional Thatched Cottages


All three cottages stand on the croft just outside Elgol, Isle of Skye, which has belonged to six generations of Andrew's family. One of which was Andrew's Great-Grandmother, Mary Ann MacKenzie, born on 17th November 1876 and died 11th May 1951. She was married on the 18th January 1899 to John MacIntosh born 1850 and died 1907. One night while John MacIntosh was making his way back from Camasunary he slipped over the cliff and was tragically killed at the age of 57. His wife, Mary Ann, was left to bring up 2 small children (ages 6 & 4) and carry a pregnancy that was to be Andrew's Grandmother, Johan Garland (nee MacIntosh). To make ends meet Mary Ann ran the local Post Office and a boarding house on the same croft.	The veiled box bed
Tigh Mairi	Tigh Phadraig - named after our son The stonework on Tigh Phadraig was the original Elgol school. Pupils paid one penny per week and each child would bring a peat per day. Pupils only attended the school if there were no other chores to be done The preacher was called Donald Robertson and was born in 1815 and paid £10 per year to teach. His wife was called Ann. The preacher was the son of Angus Robertson, born 1766. His wife was called Margaret MacKinnon, born 1776
Tigh Mairi - called after our daughter Tigh Mairi was more recently used as a hay shed. Prior to a hay shed it is believed to have been a dwelling house. It was rebuilt to a hay shed by John MacIntosh, the nephew to the late husband of Mary Ann MacKenzie. Andrews great, great grandfather was John MacIntosh, born 1800. His wife was called Janet Robertson, born 1811 and is believed to have been the preachers sister. John's youngest son, Lachie MacIntosh kept a close eye on the building process to ensure that his father's good work was replicated.	Lachie MacIntosh
Traditional thatched roofing	Tigh Seonag - named after Andrew's Grandmother The stone used for Tigh Seonag was given to us by Peter MAcIntosh, nephew to Lachie MacIntosh. Although Tigh Seonag is a new site and the stone came from an old byre on the neighbouring croft, it is believed it had previously been used in the house in which the school preacher lived.
The croft is steeped in history if you would like to find out more information on the local history please visit the Elgol and Torrin History Society.	A winters scene