118072: William MacNeil

William MacNeil, born 1805, a shipping magnate, held Newton Farm from the late 1840s. In 1854 he became tacksman of Borve Farm, Berneray after the existing tenants were cleared from their land. The Place Names of Berneray notes:

That year he diverted the river to its present course. He also built a dyke between his tack and the township of Ruisgarry. Entry through this wall was by a gate known as An Geata Dearg.

William’s wife was Margaret MacDonald of Scolpaig. William held Borve Farm until his death.