Norman, born in 1895, was the son of Alexander MacLean and Margaret MacLeod of 18 Ruisgarry (Brusda), then 8 Borve.

Norman, known as Scruff, attended Berneray School between 1902 and 1909. He worked on his father's croft before becoming a fisherman and later a ferryman, carrying the mails from the 1940s. He owned the Peigi Bheag and Maggie MacLean, and was skipper of the Lady of Lorne. He shared the Anchor with his brother Roderick. Scruff lived at Pol an Oir, later exchanging the house with 8 Borve which had originally been passed to Roderick.

With Christy Mary MacDonald of Ardmaree, he had a son Donald, to whom 8 Borve passed following Scruff’s death.