In this special Christmas episode I talk with Brigadier John MacFarlane who grew up in Tobermory during WW2, where his family ran MacFarlane’s the shop on the main street.
We talk about life in Tobermory in World War 2, the roots of his family and how they came to live on Mull, the founding of Tobermory Distillery, the characters of his youth, we hear a remarkable tale about life on the Isle of Lunga, and discuss the nature of Gaelic in the Tobermory of his youth.
A very merry christmas to you if you’re listening as the episode goes out!
If you’ve enjoyed this episode and were able to and wanted to support the podcast, this month could we ask you to consider a donation towards our local foodbank, Mull and Iona Pantry, which can be found here. Any support is much appreciated, thank you.
Thanks so much for listening!
Nollaig Chridheil dhut!
[Temporary photo sourced from the internet – will be replaced soon – le mòran taing gu BBC Alba]
Episode Links:
Henri Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves
Commondant Drogu / HMS Chrysanthemum
Photos of Royal Navy boats in Tobermory from the Imperial War Museum
Frank Fraser Darling – Island Years
Tobar an Dualachais – Kenneth Macfarlane, John’s Uncle. This is a link well worth checking out to give you more history on the place names of Mull and lots more.
Dingane – the Zulu chief
What We Do In The Winter 
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