91632: Isabella Macrae

Isabella (1833-1876) was the daughter of Alexander Macrae and Margaret Macdonald, of 22 Old North Tolsta.

In 1854, after Old North Tolsta was decrofted to make way for Tolsta Farm, the family obtained 44 North Tolsta as a newly lotted croft.

Isabella married Malcolm Mackay, of 16 North Tolsta, and the couple settled as cottars at 44 North Tolsta. They had seven children: four boys and three girls. At least three of these children died in infancy.

When Isabella died all of her children were still young enough to be living in the parental home.

By 1878 her widower had remarried and had the first of two sons with his second wife. The family moved to Stornoway.