Two years ago I self-published a 40-page booklet which documents the family traditions of one John Macleod of 11 Melbost, on the Isle of Lewis. By its very nature it commands a small circle of interest but has been well received. Since then I have been doing further research and now have two further booklets ready for publication:
(1) The MacLeods of Garrabost Revisited (A5 format, about 30 pages)
From the introduction:
Rev. William Matheson, writing under the pseudonym Mac Gille Chaluim, contributed an article to the Stornoway Gazette entitled “MacLeods of Garrabost”. This was part of his long-running “Families of Lewis” series, with the family in question being one of the few MacLeod families who had found some way to remain in favour with the Mackenzies during the 17th century. This paper is an attempt to synthesise Matheson’s research with more recently discovered material, which includes a previously unknown generation, as well as a probable link to the Scots Brigade in Holland.
(2) The Torquils of Point, Lewis (A4 format, about 70 pages)
From the introduction:
“Torquil” is an English spelling of the Gaelic name Torcall/Torcul, which derived from the Norse name Thorkell, which is, in turn, an abbreviated form of the name Thorketill (signifying ‘Thor’s kettle’, or ‘Thor’s cauldron’). The Lewis branch of Clan MacLeod has long been known as Siol Torcaill, and many men from the chiefly line were given the name before the family was dispersed in the early 17th century. In 1597 Torcall Dubh had been betrayed by the Brieve of Lewis; one tradition records the means by which he was tempted on board ship:
“There’s a bit of gold in the ship, Britheamh”, said the Barvas man.
I’ll send word to Torquil Dubh and the noblemen of Point that it [the boat]
is full of it [gold], and that I would like them to come to claim their right.”
This tradition is not the only one to mention Point and the surrounding area in the context of the chiefly family:
“Torquil Oighre was a handsome man – Torcall Oighre of the ruddy cheeks.
This was the first of the Lewis MacLeod. His heir is Torquil MacLeod in Melbost.”
This folk memory was recounted by Aonghas Macaulay, tenant in Knock, in the summer of 1868. His assertion that a legitimate descendant of the MacLeods of Lewis could be found in Melbost some 250 years after the Mackenzies took control of Lewis is remarkable. The fact that this ‘heir’ bore the name Torquil is also worthy of note, as even then it was not a common name within Lewis.
This publication considers every documented individual named Torquil from the 18th and 19th centuries (and some from the early 20th century) from the area east of Stornoway. Each family using the name is contemplated, as are any possible links between families.
Why this Kickstarter project?
The subject matter of these two booklets (approximately 12500 words and 23000 words respectively) has proved too niche to make commercial publication realistic. Any funds raised from this project will go towards printing and shipping costs.
Risks and challenges
The booklets are being proof-read at present, and I have identified the printers I will use. I have used them a number of times before and have always been pleased with their products. If you're in Lewis (and if the library re-opens by the time you read this) you can see my previous self-published booklet in Stornoway Library (Dewey Decimal 929.2) so that you can judge the type of work you will receive.
The only real risk is that COVID-19 disrupts production.
If you would like to contribute, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/macleod-research/new-genealogical-research-from-the-isle-of-lewis-scotland
(NB: Please note I am not in any way affiliated to this project, or gaining any financial benefit - just trying to help!)
Chris
My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course starts June 8th - see www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. My next book, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scottish2 is out shortly, also available are Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Irish1 and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scotland1. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.
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