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17th March 2021
Good morning cousins:
Mary Mollie Elmslie Pike. Lynda McKay married to Barry Matheson, Marg
McKay, big brother David who worked on the farm and was spoiled like
Rachel by the clan (Rachel lost her mother when she turned 4) and last
but not least Alastair McIntyre creator of the web site Electric
Scotland who was crucial in our campaign.
Yes .we all have 2 things in common. We are first cousins of the McKay
clan of Balinafad ..I just learned an interesting fact. Our grandfather
David married Bessie from the Kirkwood farm opposite ours. Bessie's
sister married David's brother. Their wedding picture is on the web site
(Google Fallbrook Farm Heritage Site link to
https://www.electricscotland.com/history/canada/fallingbrook.htm) We
are interested in our family history, some passionately. Our theme in
the history we tell is the power and courage of the unsung heroes-the
pioneer women in these small ,solidly woven Scot communities who
persevered against all odds.
To avoid confusion David used the softer McKay sound. His brother became
MacKay, the authentic Gaelic sound.. Marg married my twin like brother
Robert who died tragically of Mel Gehrig disease. She has heard all of
our mother Elmslie's research as well.
Lynda's mother, our Aunt Rachel has welcomed and inspired us all. She,
with Jim Kirfkood and myself all provided much of the oral history .For
the McKay's our voyage began in Rogar in the north-eastern Highlands. As
all crofters, we were expelled after the 1840's by the monarch and her
Scot lackys.
Mollie, you probably know this web site. We see the old Rogart train
station, now a hostel, is easy to find. Our cousin Rev. Jim Kirkwood
visited and met a cousin there years ago. Jim died recently and his life
was soulful and dedicated to others.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/toronto-on/james-kirkwood-9369348
He was mentor to many, including myself.
Barry, partner of Lynda. They say on the Rogart web-site that the McKay
and the Matheson's were the major families in Rogart. Serendipity once
again.???!!!
Spring is here. Enjoy Cousin Sandy. McKay 418-809-9415 |
