Biography

Jean Currie was born in Lochboisdale on the 13th of October 1919 and was the daughter of Angus Currie, Lochcarnan, and Mary MacDonald, Lochboisdale. They had six children: Mary, Mary Ann, Catriona, Ronald Joseph, Duncan and Jean. Angus worked the croft and Mary was a talented seamstress, often employed to make 'lèintean-bàis' (death shrouds) and wedding dresses. They also took in lodgers to help make an additional living.

Jean trained as a teacher in Glasgow and her first post following her qualification was at Lochskipport School. She would cycle the eighteen miles each Monday before then taking a short boat to the school, returning each Friday.

She also worked at Howmore School and Daliburgh School before finishing her career a stone's throw away at Lochboisdale School.

Jean never married and lived in the family home with her brother Duncan, where they provided a warm welcome to all sorts of visitors. Jean was a fantastic storyteller and was often recorded by the BBC, although there is only one recording currently on the TAD website.

Jean passed away in the Uist and Barra Hospital in Benbecula on the 3rd of January 2002 following a battle with cancer.