The MacAskills
by Bill MacAskill
Tigh Nuilt MacAskillsDonald MacAskill (1799 - 1875?) was known as 'Domhnall Breac Mor na Sgadan'. The name derived from his appearance and his fondness for salt herring. A large man, he was said to have strong, fiery red hair which tended to stick out at right angles to his scalp. While a red beard covered a large part of his face, what remained exposed was said to be covered with freckles the size of twopenny pieces, hence 'breac mor'.Although he had a large family and animals to feed, (cows, dogs etc. were fed salt herring at times of fodder and meal shortage.) his pre-winter requirement of twelve barrels of salt herring certainly exceeded the norm. Donald had an usual physical feature in the size and shape of his teeth. His molars, or double grinding teeth normally located at the back of the mouth, extended right around his gums, top and bottom. Although rare, the condition is well known to medical science.
The secret of its durability lies largely in the selection and placement of the two base stones situated just above the normal waterline. Without the aid of any kind of binding mortar (the lime of the day would have washed away) he had to ensure the pillars stability by his own skill in choosing and placing the right stones. It was said that he spent a whole day searching the Inverkirkaig landscape for exactly the correct two stones on which to build the base of the pillar. A glance across the river today shows how accurately these base stones fit into the natural fault lines in the rock. Similar care was taken with the selection and placement of the stones in the rest of the construction. The fact that he was given the responsibility of the construction with all its potential dangers to travellers suggests that his ability and judgement inspired confidence in the community. Other evidence of Donalds existence can be seen on the Rossshire side of Inverkirkaig bay. Approximately halfway along the shore of the inner bay a small stream reaches the sea. Its source is at the west end of 'Loch an Tarbh' on the plateau above. As the stream descends the hill towards the bay it is completely obscured from every direction by a still healthy stand of birch. Concealed amongst the birch at the base of the hill the remains of a whisky still are quite evident. It was here that Donald distilled the whisky for his own wedding. Probably a communal still, the eyes of the whole community would be alert for strangers while the peat smoke rose amongst the birch during the distillation run. Had warning been given it would have taken but a moment to douse the fire and melt away into the tree cover extending all the way along the river. As for the location, it was highly
unlikely that any travailing 'Gauger' (Customs Officer) would happen on the site. (Although the 'little' still became illegal in 1779, 20 years earlier, it is known that they were operated in west coast communities for many generations thereafter) It is possible (but difficult to prove at this stage) that Donald in fact lived on that side of the bay for a time. It is a fact that, in preparation for his marriage, he built his stone house where it still stands beside Tigh Nuilt. In the early stages of its construction the Duke of Sutherland accompanied by his Factor came by in a carriage and pair. Showing interest in the young man's efforts and his forthcoming marriage the Duke instructed his Factor to supply a nominated amount of building materials to Donald. As was to be expected the Factor failed to implement the Duke's order but the house was soundly built as observation today can testify. Initially crofts were allocated alphabetically, hence MacA. was assigned No 1. However, Croft No 16, was added to No 1. at a later date in somewhat unusual circumstances. (Source Jean MacAskill, Canada.) The croft house was on the site of the present chalet and was home to a MacLeod family, all unmarried. In 1891 it consisted of Murdo 52, Head of the Household, James 58, Retired Shepherd, Mary 56, (Mairi Nighean), Angus 54, Fisherman, Neil 48, Shoemaker. Directly in front of their home, behind the present telephone kiosk, lived an unrelated family of MacLeods whose head was Robb. The family were known as Mac-Robb and were the genesis of the soubriquet, "C'Robbachs".
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