History Brought To Life

On a warm, sunny evening in May
over 200 people gathered in An Talla
to watch Tiree’s West End Players’ presentation
A re-enactment of ‘The Napier Commission Enquiry

The play was written, directed and produced by Mabel Macarthur
and is based on transcripts of the evidence given to Lord Napier
and his fellow commissioners by the people of Tiree.

The Napier Commission Enquiry
was held in Kirkapol Church, Tiree
on 7th August, 1883.

After an informative prologue by Mabel Macarthur
the scene opens in Kirkapol Church in 1883
when Lord Napier hears evidence from
various island representatives.

Clerk to the Court played by Bill Welstead

The second scene took the form of three cameos.
Here history was brought to life in dramatic fashion.
We were witnesses to the cruelty of the factor John Campbell.

Factor, John Campbell played by Ian Tainsh

Here the events of the 1840s came to life.
It was a time when the factor’s word was law
Each cameo revealed the cruelty of these hard times.

Blind Hector MacDonald

Hector MacDonald’s wife

The home of Hector MacDonald and his wife is set on fire

It was a hard time for all, especially for those widowed.
A point made most effectively by widow, Flora MacKinnon.
This part was played with great feeling by Jessie Grey.
(Jessie appeared in the original production in 2006)

All the actors, adults and school children brought a valuable contribution.
One actor however was booed off the stage.
The sub-factor Hugh MacDiarmid.
But not for his performance!