Donald MacKillop was born in old Ruisgarry in about 1811, the son of Alexander MacKillop and Marion MacLeod. He married Marion MacLeod from old Borve and the couple set up their own home in Ruisgarry. Donald obtained 5 Ruisgarry (Beasdaire) in the relotting of 1850.

Together, he and Marion had ten children. When Donald and Marion emigrated to Fergusons' Lake, Cape Breton (probably in late 1871 following the birth of grandson Donald, son of Roderick), most of their surviving children also emigrated. Only daughter Catherine and son Alexander remained on Berneray.

5 Ruisgarry (Beasdaire) was passed to nephew Alexander MacKillop.