47282: Ann Macsween

Annie Macsween was born sometime between 1800 and 1820 in Harris, daughter of Donald Macsween and Christina (possibly at Molnahearadh). She was known locally as “Nic Ailean”. She came as a nurse to Crobeg Farm before 1861 to work for the Macdonalds. She never married and latterly lived at Torostay and then in a bothy on 2 Caverstay. A pauper, she survived on charity and shellfish. In the 1950s, when new electricity poles were being erected, workmen found an enormous shell midden on the site of her home. In her last days she was taken in by Donald Macdonald’s family at 2 Caverstay. She died on 28 August 1901. Her age was given as 100.