Author: Slingelandt, Nan Van & MacDonald, Innes
Title: A Long Way from Lochaber - the Life Story of Charles Cameron Macdonald 1903-1990
Description: Pubd. By Authors, 2000. Soft Cover. Colour printed over mauve card covers, photo portrait to front cover, 102 pages, illustrated with a number of black & white photographs. The biography of Charles Cameron MacDonald.The foreword by Murdo Campbell: It is a privilege to write a foreword for this unique autobiography of a dear departed friend. Such a publication adds another stone to the edifice of genuine Highland annals. Charlie was born during the first decade of the twentieth century, on a croft in the shadow of Ben Nevis where he was surrounded by the ancient culture of Gaeldom in a region steeped in history. The ragged terrain of the 'Rough Bounds' bred in the mountain men a staunch resilience. Oral communication skills were the linguistic foundation of the seonachaidh. or story-teller, allied with a keen ear and retentive memory. Charlie was a natural conversationalist and raconteur. He enjoyed the company of kindred spirits who could sustain a rich flow of interesting discussion. Charlie's first employer was a well-known Lochaber cattle-drover. Many Lochaber men were noted drovers, some were larger than life Highland worthies. whom Charlie could recall with fascinating anecdotes.In fine unmarked condition. Employment opening on estates found Charlie in Argvll where fortunately he met a delightful Highland girl who was to become his wife. Anne Kelly was a charming young lady from South Uist with a lilting Hebridean voice, an equable temperament and sound judgement. Early married life found them in Glasgow. a magnet in those days for thousands of young Gaels seeking employment. Charlie joined the Glasgow police where he enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of many fellow Gaels. Intelligence and aptitude brought steady promotion. Till the end of his days exploits from his police ser ice could be recalled with remarkable accuracy and effcctiveness. Mv wife and I greatly valued our friendship with the Macdonalds when the came to Inverness after Charlie retired from the police and we greatly missed them from the Inverness scene when Charlie was transferred to Argyll and the Isles. With the passing of the years his heavy frame and hip problems reduced his mobility. When Anne Kelly passed away peacefully, full of years and veneration, the family sustained an irreparable loss. As he mourned, Charlie donated a handsome silver trophy which is awarded annually at the National Mod. Tragically, the sudden death of son-in-law Kees coincided with the first presentation at the Glasgow Mod. Charlie spent the latter days of his life with the magnificent mountains of Lochaber and Glencoe around him - the hills of home and boyhood. His early days were in Glen Nevis at Auchriabhach and at Blarmafoldach. Book internally clean with a family tree pasted inside front cover and neat gift inscription from its compiler. See scans. . Near Fine

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