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Alexander Mackay

 

 

Alexander Mackay (Alec) was born in 1889, the second son of George and Dolina Mackay of Heilam Ferry. Alec was a talented piper and was educated at Eriboll School before leaving to work with his father; helping to run the ferry and assist with boatbuilding.

 

Alec had joined the 2nd Lovat Scouts on the 8 March 1913 in the Territorial Force but on the outbreak of war Alec, like many members, volunteered for Imperial Service.

 

On the 28 September 1915 Alec disembarked at Suvla Bay on the Gallipoli peninsular. However, by October questions of evacuation were being suggested and on the 28th December Alec embarked in Alexandria. Following Gallipoli the 1st and 2nd Regiments of the Lovat’s Scouts were amalgamated to form an infantry battalion: 10th (Lovat’s Scouts) Battalion Cameron Highlanders.

In June 1918 the 10th Lovat’s Scouts Battalion left Macedonia for the Western Front where they retrained in observation and signalling. It was whilst serving in France that Alic was shot through the jaw. He recovered and fought on until the end of the War before eventually being discharged on the 31st March 1920.

 

He returned to Eriboll expecting to get a share of Eriboll Farm which was to be broken up to provide land for local servicemen. This never happened so he had to stay with his parents and went back to helping with the Ferry and boatbuilding. He also became an active crofter on the family holding, built the road from Hope to Strathmore and also fished for lobster in the Loch.

 

Although disfigured from the war wound, he was still able to play his pipes and won many competitions including numerous medals at the Durness Sports. He had a keen interest in poetry, Robert Burns in particular. A lifelong bachelor he died in 1957 at home in Heilam Ferry at the age of 68. Alec’s story formed a special exhibition at the Strathnaver Museum in 2015 where more items from the Heilam Ferry Collection can be viewed. 

Landing in Salonika on the 20th October 1916 the 10th (Lovat’s Scouts) Battalion joined the 82nd Brigade of the 27th Division. The battalion’s skill at observation and fieldcraft coupled with its aptitude for patrolling made it extremely useful in the operations in the Struma Valley. In October 1917 they carried out a particularly successful attack on the enemy held village of Salmah, where they surprised the Bulgarians, killing 70 and capturing 100.

Alec Mackay's badge, military and piping Hugh Mackay medal for piping from Durness Highland Gathering

 

Durness Highland Gathering Gold Medal, Alec Mackay (reverse)

 

2 Lovat's Scouts at left - Alexander Mackay in Egypt 1914 before embarkation for the Dardenelles.
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