Biography

Catriona MacLeod was born in Ardvey, Lackalee, in the Bays of Harris on 26 March 1931. Her father was Finlay Ferguson, Fionnlagh Dhòmhnaill Raghnaill, and her mother was Lexy Ghilleasbaig Mhàrtainn from Struparsaig. They had seven children - four girls and three boys - one of whom died in childhood.

Catriona attended Kyles Stockinish School and, after leaving school, spent about a year working in a hotel in Glasgow.

In 1953 she married Murdo MacLeod, Murchadh Lachlainn Mhurchaidh Bhig, and they settled in Geocrab. Murdo's father taught at Manish Primary School, though the family originally came from Scalpay and Kyles Scalpay. Catriona and Murdo had four children: one daughter and three sons.

From 1970 to 1975, Catriona worked in the Geocrab Mill, which was run by Kenneth 'Garry' MacLean from Garynahine. She later worked in the home help service from 1986 until her retirement in 1998.

There were many fine singers on her father's side of the family, including Finlay himself and his brothers Ewan and John. Her mother, Lexy, had an excellent memory for the songs of the area, and her brother, Kenneth Martin, was a songwriter. Catriona's daughter, Catriona Rachel Morrison, also sings at ceilidhs from time to time.

Catriona learned many songs from Christina Shaw [5775], who, like her sister Peggy Morrison [6977], was deeply knowledgeable about songs, their histories, and the tradition they came from.

For many years, Catriona was a member of the Harris Waulking Group, performing at events, concerts, and festivals across the island. She won the Traditional Gold Medal at the Royal National Mòd in Motherwell in 1983. Two years later, some of her songs were recorded on a cassette titled 'S Toigh Leam Fhèin.