Biography

Christina MacDonald, Christina Uilleim a' Ghladstoin, was born and raised in Adabrock, Ness, in a house full of music, stories and fun. Her father William [11055] often sang his brother Murdo's (Jellicoe) [11292] songs at ceilidhs all over Lewis. They were songs full of satire and humour. He also sang songs of other bards in the area and a wide selection of Gaelic songs that were popular at the time. Christina went to Skigersta Primary School, where for five years she received an excellent education from Christina MacDonald (Christina Drogaidh), [7656] a well-regarded teacher who was considered far ahead of her time and greatly influenced Christina. She received secondary education at the Nicolson Institute and then graduated in Celtic Studies and English at the University of Aberdeen.

She married a Ness man, Ruairidh MacDonald (Ruairidh a' Chaorain), and they lived for several years in Aberdeen where their two sons John and Christopher were born. The family moved back to Lewis when Christina got a teaching post in Bayble Primary School, in Point. They settled in Point where Christina still lives today. She was involved in education at different levels until she retired. Ruairidh died in 2003 and since then Christina spends much time with family and grandchildren, Maisie in London and Ruairidh in Ranish.

Christina first heard the song Thig an Smeòrach as t-Earrach sung by Joan Mackenzie [3468], a singer she greatly admires.