Iseabail ni'n Alasdair Eóghainn Aonghais

Margaret Isabelle “Bella” Gillis MacIsaac was a cherished Gaelic tradition bearer, born on August 17, 1882, in Upper Margaree, Inverness County. She came from a deeply musical family whose roots traced back to Mòrar, Scotland. Her people were known for their love of step dancing, fiddle playing, and piping. Her grandfather Hugh—known as Hugh the Framer—was a respected dance teacher who taught step dancing in Margaree.

Bella was the daughter of Alexander Gillis, a talented fiddler, and Catherine Gillis. She grew up immersed in the music and rhythms of her Gaelic-speaking community. Her brother, Angus Allan Gillis, would go on to become one of Cape Breton’s most renowned fiddlers. It was Bella who gave him his first fiddle and often accompanied him on piano. She herself had a remarkable gift for port-á-beul (mouth music), singing the words to countless strathspeys and reels. Known for her lively singing and jigging, Bella delighted in sharing her music with family, friends, and neighbours.

On August 1, 1903, Bella married Lewis MacIsaac (Lodaidh Ailig) of Broad Cove Banks, Inverness County, at St. Joseph's Church in South West Margaree. The couple settled on Broad Cove Banks Road in Inverness, where they raised a family of nine children.

Bella is fondly remembered as a kind, energetic, and compassionate woman, full of laughter and warmth. Known for her generosity, she welcomed visitors into her home and frequently prepared food and clothing for those in need within her community.

Bella lived a remarkable life, passing away at the age of 101 on October 27, 1983. She is buried in Inverness Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and kindness.