Biography

Ewen Morrison, Eòghainn Fhionnlaigh Chìobair, was born in November 1899 in Govan, Glasgow. Fionnlagh Cìobair was from Grenitote, North Uist and was married to an Irish woman. Ewen’s mother died when he was young, and his father took the family back to Grenitote.

When Ewen was of working age he got a job driving for Doctor MacKenzie, a doctor who lived in Scolpaig. He owned the first car to come to North Uist and Ewen went to Helensburgh to get it, without a driving license or anything!

Ewen was a big man, over six feet tall, but light on his feet, with hair as white as snow. After finishing working with the Doctor, Ewen worked in farming, herding, and fishing.

Ewen married Helen MacLellan [7877] (Eilidh Sheonaidh 'ic Alasdair) from Balranald in 1934. Helen's parents were John MacLellan and Euphemia MacDougall. Ewen and Helen first lived in Baleloan then moved to a thatched house in Paiblesgarry. They had three children, Finlay, Effie, and Mary Anne, all of whom had singing voices.

Ewen and Helen had a proper ceilidh-house. No-one needed to ask Ewen to sing; he was always singing. He was very musical and could pick up songs very quickly. He had an excellent memory and taught dance to young people. Helen herself was also good at singing, with a very sweet voice.

Ewen always made funny little songs, often making fun of the people around him, but also drawing their attention to new things, for example when women first started going to pubs. Even if he met someone on the main road and the conversation struck an interesting topic, he would have a verse ready by the time he got home.

Helen died in 1976, and Ewen died in Fort William, where his two daughters lived, in 1980.

Ewen's granddaughter, Joan Anderson [1450], won first prize for documentaries at the Film G competition for Beatha a' Bhàird (Life of the Bard), a film she made about her grandfather.

We are very grateful to Joan for this information.