Donald McLeod of Assynt

[RMcleod]

My great grandfather, Donald McLeod was born near Lochinver in 1821-3 and immigrated to Canada in 1845.  There he married Isabella Rowan who was christened along with her twin brother Robert in Durness in 1832.

I am going to Sutherland in August and would very much like to find family members.

Bob McLeod

[Gadget]

Hi Bob

It's very much McLeod/MacLeod country up here. I have friend here (Coigach - south of Lochinver/Assynt) who are descended from Assynt McLeods, as I'm sure are many in the Lochinver area. To find closer relatives it might be worth checking for relatives of Donald who remained in Assynt and then working forward from them.
Again, I could put you in touch with the 'local weekly newspaper' so that you might put in a 'call for relatives'. I'll check if Lochinver has one otherwise it's the Ullapool News. I'll check out the web/e-mail address.

Gadget

Added:

http://www.ullapool.co.uk/news.html

[RMcleod]

Thank you for the reply Gadget.

We did hire a researcher in Wick that placed a piece in the Northern-Times, but so far no luck.  I am also participating in a DNA study but also to no avail.  I did locate a fine gentleman in Lochinver by the name of MacLeod that has been a large help.  In fact it is he that I will be visiting in August after attending the MacLeod Parliament on Skye.

[Gadget]

Try and be in lochinver for the Assynt Games - think it's the first or second thursday. You're bound to meet lots of Mcleods there. Also bring midge repellant or buy some before you get here -it's usually sold out locally by then

The local newspapers may be better than the Northern Times. I'd give the Ullapool News a go if I were you. As I said quite a few Assynt MacLeods moved here.

And do visit the Summer Isles, you may find me!

Gadget

[RMcleod]

Yes, we will be there for the Assynt games.  In fact my wife and have been quite honored in receiving an invitation to arrive at the games on the official barge!  It would be nice to make your acquaintance if you are planning to attend.

We do enjoy Highland Games.  In fact we manned the MacLeod tent at the Springfield, Illinois games this past Saturday.  Our clan's tent came in first place for best clan display.

I've heard quite a bit about the famous and ferocious midge.  Can you reccomend a particular brand of repellant?  It sounds like we should purchase some before we arrive.

Bob

[Gadget]

There are a variety of potions I'll PM you with the details. I'm not sure if we'll be in Lochinver for the games but if we are I'll try and link up.

Gadget