Through Robert Russell, I made contact with Dorothy Claro, in Singapore, and Andrew MacGregor, in Cape Town, who were both descendants of Roderick MacGregor, William MacGregor’s 2nd son. It transpired that they were both coming to Scotland for the MacGregor Clan Gathering in 2009.

Although I was unable to join them at the Gathering, I was invited to join them, with Ann Passaportis, on a visit to the Isle of Lewis. Here, we were able to meet Bill Lawson, the renowned genealogist. Although we weren’t able to learn any more about William’s ancestry, we were able to obtain detailed records of the settlements around South Galson and Melbost Farm, where William had lived. We were subsequently able to visit South Galson Farm and 9 Francis Street, Stornoway, where William’s niece, Christian Gillanders and her daughter Margaret had resided.

According to Bill Lawson, the Tacksman of South Galson were:

Alexander Ross 1754 >

John Morrison 1776 >

William Morrison 1786 >

Margaret MacKenzie & William Morrison 1787 >

John MacKenzie 1807 (took over tack of North Galson in 1817) married Eliza (Elizabeth) MacRae, daugher of Rev William MacRae, Barvas.

William MacGregor (1786-1869 mac Ruaridh) was Tacksmen of Galson c1820-c1840 (1819 sub tenants include a John MacDonald) before moving to Melbost Farm, near Stornoway.

The Clearances in 1863 saw 40 families move from South Galson to America/Canada. See: Bill Lawson Croft History Vol 13.

William MacGregor is reported to have inherited the tack of South Galson from the cousin of one of his half brothers. It is not known whether John MacKenzie, who was Tacksman before William, was related to William or not. It may not be coincidence that John mentions in his will that he has a brother named Lewis, when William is said to half had a half brother named Lewis. The will is further explored in section 21 .

Similarly, the tacksmen of Melbost Farm were:

John MacKenzie 1740

Alexander MacKenzie - (m Isabelle MacIver) 1754.

Kenneth MacKenzie (1731-80) was of a family of Tacksmen of Melbost. His grandfather was the younger brother of Murdoch McK, 6th Laird of Fairburn.

John MacPherson was tacksman 1761, succeeded by his son, Kenneth MacPherson in 1766.

(Sir) Alexander MacKenzie (canadian explorer) (1764-1820) was brought up here until 1774.

Rev John Downie, Minister of Stornoway resided here 1766-1786 before moving to Urray.

Alexander Gillanders (son of George Gillanders senior), Factor of Lewis, was tacksman of Melbost estate until 1788.

James Chapman, Factor of Lewis, lived here until 1837.

William MacGregor resided here 1837- 1851,

See: https://www.hebrideanconnections.com/locations/12846

Melbost is reported to have been the home farm for Lews Castle.