Dòmhnall Iain mac Iain

Donald John MacArthur | Dòmhnall mac Iain ’ic Dhòmhnaill was born in Victoria Bridge, Upper Grand Mira in August 1901 to John Donald MacArthur and Mary MacKinnon. His father’s parents, Donald MacArthur and Mary MacMullin, were first generation immigrants from Scotland, believed to have been from Canna. Donald John’s mother was from North Framboise.

Donald John was a hard worker, farming, selling pit props and working on the roads. A quiet and gentle man, he lived with his brother where they welcomed company and loved to visit. Donald John had a fabulous memory and was a fine singer. Friends and neighbours would often come together to sing at their house and would marvel at Donald John’s ability to remember all the verses to many lengthy songs.

There are eight recordings of Donald John in the collection, all songs including the lovely ‘Air a’ ghille tha mo rùn’ and the humorous ‘Òran na Tì’.