Dùghall mac Alasdair 'ic Aonghais 'ic Alasdair Bhàin
Dougall MacDonald
Eachdraidh-bheatha | Biography
Dougall John MacDonald, known locally as “Dougie The Gill,” was born January 3, 1901 in Creignish Rear, one of four children of Roderick “Rory” and Catherine Jessie (née MacIntyre) MacDonald. He married Mabel Gertrude (Finnegan), and together they raised two children: Alexander Daniel “A.D.” and Patricia “Patsy.” Their home was situated high on a hill in the farming and fishing community of Troy, Inverness County, overlooking the Strait of Canso and the Nova Scotia mainland.
Dougie was a farmer and a member of Stella Maris Church in Creignish.
His knowledge of tradition from that part of Inverness County was extensive—ranging from local history, fairy lore, witch and devil legends, and second sight, to divination, traditional cancer cures, and spells for staunching blood (casg fala). He also preserved historical legends from Scotland, shared insights into local customs and beliefs, and had a gift for telling humorous anecdotes.
Dougie died December 18, 1985 and is laid to rest at Stella Maris Cemetery, Creignish.