A School in South Uist: Reminiscences of a Hebridean Schoolmaster, 1890-1913

Frederick Rea came to South Uist from the Midlands in 1889 to teach Gaelic-speaking pupils. He was welcomed with kindness and generosity by the islanders, who found him to be a sincere, conscientious man and an excellent teacher. The book also reveals his keen powers of observation as he describes the landscape and customs of the people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Birlinn General

From the Midlands, Frederick Rea arrived in South Uist in 1889, a region known for its extreme poverty among the Outer Hebrides. The roads were treacherous, often consisting of rough tracks across mountain moorland or across storm-ravaged machair. His Gaelic-speaking students faced daily challenges of hunger and cold, as they struggled to survive in the harsh environment.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Rea's time in South Uist was marked by remarkable warmth and hospitality from the islanders. They welcomed him as a sincere and conscientious man, and his exceptional teaching skills quickly earned him their respect. The book offers a captivating glimpse into Rea's experiences, as he vividly describes the ruggedly beautiful landscape, the unique customs, and the way of life of the islanders.

Rea cherished his memories of South Uist throughout his life and his deep affection for the islands and their people is evident in this poignant testament. His writing paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, capturing the essence of a place and its people that has remained cherished in the annals of history.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839830266