Sandaidh Uilleim 'Illeasbuig Ailein mac Iain a' Mhuilleir

Alexander (Sandy) William MacDonald was a respected Gaelic tradition bearer from Glencoe Mills, Inverness County. Born August 9, 1891, he was the son of William "Archie" and Christina (Eòghainn Aonghais Illeasbuig) MacDonald and played an integral role in the creation of Mabou Pioneers, a treasured resource of local history and genealogy.

Sandy’s grandfather, Archibald MacDonald (Gilleasbuig Mac Ailein), was born and raised in Badenoch, Scotland, before immigrating to Cape Breton. Archibald initially settled in Brook Village, Inverness County, and later moved to Glencoe Mills.

Sandy William worked in the Coal Mine in Port Hood. Later in life, he married Catherine Susan Johnson from Point Tupper, Richmond County.

Sandy William passed away on February 26, 1982. He carried forward Gaelic traditions with dedication, contributing to the preservation of the songs, stories, and cultural knowledge of his community.