ROYAL VISIT
Reflection, 4 Fernile is situated overlooking Loch Harport – from here my ancestors took a small boat across the loch to Meadle in search of vegetation (lichen) and various plants and heathers to enable them to dye the wool for weaving tweeds.
In September, 1933 the Duke and Duchess of York, later to become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (Queen Mother) embarked on the first Royal visit to Skye since early 1500.
Their first visit was to call on MaryAnn Ferguson (Dolina’s grandmother) at her home at No. 4 Fernilea.
They observed her at work in her barn dyeing the wool from vegetation and weaving the tweed. The old grey stone byre still exists today!
The Duke and Duchess of York were presented with a length of check tweed, subsequently known as the “Duke of York” check.