Below is a transcript of a still extant letter (see opposite for photo of original) written in 1917 by the South Dell village to the Sheriff asking for the removal of the Gamekeeper Norman Macdonald who through his threatening behaviour and action was regarded as a terror and danger to the villagers. In one particular instance he had “shot a young lad named William Murray [Uilleam Easainn, father of Aonghas Uilleam Easainn, 27 South Dell] to the danger of his life all for the sake of coming across this poor destitute lad with a Rabbit in his procession which the dog he had with him killed accidentally”.
Click to see photo of letter in higher magnification
Transcript of letter
Sheriff Substitute Dunbar
Borough Court
Stornoway
1917
My Lord
We the undersigned crofters of South Dell Ness Humbly beg to petition your Lordship a view to ask you to exercised the power conferred upon you to remove from his present position Norman Macdonald gamekeeper Galson Farm who is a source of danger to the lieges your Lordship is already aware that the Said Norman Macdonald Shot a young lad named William Murray [Uilleam Easainn, father of Aonghas Uilleam Easainn, 27 South Dell] from this Township to the danger of his life all for the Sake of coming across this poor destitute lad with having a Rabbit in his procession which the dog he had with him killed accidentally xThe unfortunate lad referred to lost two brothers in this war he is also a poor orphan without father or mother and we consider it very hard when So many of our dear ones and best manhood are laying down there lives for King and Country that we as respectable people cant meet this man Macdonald without being in terror of our lives we also beg to draw your Lordships attention to the fact that Since this young lad was Shot the Said gamekeeper met and pointed his gun point blank to another man from this township in the public Road 2 weeks ago and further we have proof that this gamekeeper has threatened people and as your Lordship is aware this man has already been convicted for assaulting a young Boy on the Seashore here we also beg to mention the fact to your Lordship that our very children are afraid of their lives this dangerous individual will meet them when they they are herding the cattle or looking after their sheep on the moor we are further of opinion this man Cant control his temper. is there for not Sane and a danger lieges we therefore beg to approach your Lordship this petition with a view to have this man removed or we Shall feel compelled to take the law into our own hands
We beg to remain
Your Lordships most humble Servants
Signed ————-