76677: Catherine Murray, Countess of Dunmore

Catherine, Countess of Dunmore (1814-1886) was married to Alexander Murray, 6th Earl of Dunmore, who inherited the North Harris Estate from his father, the 5th Earl. She played a key role in the development of the Harris Tweed industry.

Following her husband’s death in 1845, Catherine’s four-year-old son Charles inherited his estates, including that on Harris. In her role as her son’s tutor, she obtained a loan of £1,000 from the Treasury in London in order to encourage crofters to emigrate. Charles later became the 7th Earl of Dunmore and was responsible for the construction of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle.