Biography

Donald Archie MacPhail (Dòmhnall Eairdsidh Eachainn Dhonnchaidh) was born in Glasgow on 23 February 1935. Both of his parents were from Balephuil in Tiree, although his father's family originally came from Mull. His mother, Mary Dhòmhnaill Ruaidh, was related to the Bàrd Leathanach, John MacLean (Bàrd Tighearna Chola) [11203]; her great grandfather, Donald Cùbair, was the bard's brother.

Donald Archie had one brother, Duncan, who farmed in Balephuil, and two sisters: Mary, who lived in Tiree, and Isabel, who lived in Kilmarnock. All four siblings were singers. Duncan was recorded by the BBC, and some of Mary's songs appear on a CD of Tiree singers.

Donald Archie attended Balemartin Primary School and later Cornaigmore School. After leaving school, he worked in farming for several years, first at home in Tiree and then at Clachan in Kintyre.

Around the age of twenty, he joined the Airport Fire Service in Tiree. He later worked in Glasgow and Prestwick for about twelve years before moving to Gatwick. In time, he became Senior Fire Officer at the main office of the British Airport Authority (BAA) in London, a post he held until his retirement in 1995.

In 1961, Donald Archie married Malina, daughter of Roderick MacLeod (Rodaidh Thomain) from Ardhasaig in Harris. They had four children: two daughters and two sons.

A distinguished traditional singer, Donald Archie won the Traditional Gold Medal at the National Mòd in Oban in 1978. Although he lived in Horley, Surrey, he returned to Tiree every summer.

Donald Archie passed away on 15 December 2022.