Isabella, known as Bella, was born in 1884, the daughter of John MacAskill and Marion MacMillan of Quay, Berneray. Her father and elder brother Alexander tragically drowned in 1899, when Bella was only 15, and the family subsequently moved to Rubha Mor. Bella became a domestic servant, later marrying Norman MacLennan from 6 Rhenigidale. They made their home at Tarbert.