HUGH MACKAY

 

On the 1st of February 1888, George and Dolina had a son, Hugh Mackay. Hugh was born at Achnahuaigh in Melness – Dolina had moved back home to her parents’ house for the birth. Hugh was the eldest of 7 boys and, along with his brothers, attended Erribol Side School for his primary education. Dolina had a shop and his father also ran the ferry across to Portnacon. Loch Erribol was a busy safe haven for shipping at that time. After leaving school Hugh went to Aberdeen to study teaching and often made the journey from Loch Erribol to Aberdeen by trawler. He graduated and became a teacher with one of his early posts being in Farr School, Bettyhill. He then moved to Gersa near Watten in Caithness and while there met Catherine Sutherland of Scotack Farm. They began courting.