Eàirdsidh Sheumais | Archibald James MacKenzie
(1860 - 1939)

Archibald J. MacKenzie was born in Rear Christmas Island to parents James and Catherine MacDougall. His father left the Isle of Barra at the age of twelve. He taught school in the area for over 30 years. In that time he composed many songs and wrote short stories in Gaelic. He wrote the first edition of The History of Christmas Island Parish, published in 1925. Archibald J.'s son Archie Alex was also a well-respected and prolific bard.

“The Beaton Institute”