Biography

Catriona Campbell (Catrìona an Tucsain) was raised in Lower Shader on the west side of Lewis. She was the only daughter in the family and had four brothers. She worked in one of the mills in Stornoway, known locally as Sticky's Mill, and also as a manager at a clothing factory near Battery Point in the town. She also worked for a time in Hugh Matheson's bakery shop.

She began writing hymns during the evangelical revival in Lewis and Harris between 1949 and 1953. This period is described in the book The Lewis Awakening by Reverend Duncan Campbell:

"There was a moving scene, some weeping in sorrow and distress, others, with joy and love filling their hearts, falling upon their knees, conscious only of the presence and power of God who had come with a revival blessing. Within a matter of days the whole (district) was in the grip of a spiritual awakening. Churches became crowded, with services continuing until three o' clock in the morning. Work was largely put aside, as young and old were made to face eternal realities. Soon the fire of blessing spread to the neighbouring (regions)."

After the death of Angus MacLeod's (Ease) only daughter, Ishbel, in 1963, Catriona wrote the lament Marbhrann do Ishbel NicLeòid, Marybank, Steòrnabhagh in memory of Ishbel. She locked herself in a room and attempted to comprehend how the family must have felt. Sadly, she experienced the same sad fate years later herself, when one of her own daughters died aged 28, of cancer.

Catriona had four children. The night she wrote the lament for Ishbel, she looked upon her own sleeping children with gratitude and was inspired to write O Mo Chlann. Among other well-known hymns she wrote are Nach Tig Thu Fhèin 's Nach Dùisg Thu and Och, a Shlànaighear Chaomh. A collection of her Gaelic hymns, Laoidhean Ghàidhlig, was published by Angus MacLeod.

She continued to write poetry, mostly short humorous verses about everyday happenings, and often took part in family gatherings.

Catriona died in 2019. With thanks to Nan Smith, Catriona's daughter, for help with this information.

List of compositions

O Mo Chlann