Islanders were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mrs Flora MacLennan at the age of 80, known by some as `Flora Ballyhough' after the farm where she was born, and to others as `Flora Arileod' after the farm where she spent much of her working life.

Born on the Isle of Coll, the daughter of John and Elsie MacFadyen, Flora went to school at Acha Schoolhouse, three miles over the hill, together with her brothers. After a long running battle with the educational authorities, John MacFadyen persuaded them to build a school nearer home and Flora finished her education at the Sideschool at Grishipol.

She then trained at Dunfermline, at the West Fife Hospital where she eventually became night sister. During this time she met and married Alec MacLennan who was then in the Merchant Navy. She had three children there, Elsie, Margaret and Willie. Following a short period when the family lived in West Africa they moved back to the Isle of Coll where Flora had the job of relief district nurse for 32 years. In addition she and Alec took on the tenancy initially of Uig, and latterly of Arilcod, a mixed farm where for many years she helped look after the multitude of animals and birds. She had an old fashioned milking parlour, where the cows had names and personalities, and where the thickest of cream, creamiest of milk and richest of butter was produced. Her front door was always open to anyone to drop in, and in the traditional Hebridean way she baked constantly to welcome visitors. Frequent guests at Arileod were young volunteers from Project Trust, all of whom enjoyed staying on the farm for a week during their selection courses and teaming about the Hebridean way of life.

Following Alec's retirement the family moved to Kilbride. Here Alec and Flora created a beautiful and imaginative garden which gave Flora a great deal of pleasure during her last illness. Flora's welcome and hospitality continued right to her death.

A Gaelic speaker from one of the most respected families on the island, Flora's wisdom and kindliness of character will long be remembered. She leaves behind her husband, daughters, son, and five grandchildren, as well as numerous other family members. The sympathy of the whole island is extended to them, in memory of a true islander.