A FRIEND AT COURT.

Margaret Ann Campbell.

Margaret Campbell, who lives in Onich near Fort William, sent this little cargo tale of bygone times when avenues for complaint and compensation were very limited for those in the Western Isles on modest incomes and not having English as their first language. Her father remembers the event vividly and the anxiety that it caused to all concerned. It would be good to think that such an incident is very much a thing of the past. However, the dependence of island communities on de vagaries of transportation is timeless and invidious condition. I have a notion there must be a contemporary tale or twoo of battles won - and lost - over delivery of goods to and from the island…?Ed.

Before the Great War, my grandparents Hector and Annie Macfadyen farmed at Gotten. Cheese making was the main source of income at that time and twice yearly a consignment was sent to Greenock. Having missed the "Hebrides" on one particular occasion, they were advised to send it to Tobermory where it would be transferred to the old "Claymore" bound for Greenock. After several weeks, a letter arrived from the purchasers regretting they could only accept two cheeses out of the whole consignment, the rest being only fit for animal feeding as it smelt strongly of fish oil. As this had never occurred before, the Agent kindly contacted the Shipping Company for an explanation, but without success.

My Granny, prior to her marriage had been in service with a family in Glasgow who still kept in touch with her at the Festive Season. The eldest son was by this time a successful lawyer in the City, so Granny wrote immediately to him for help. He replied by return, stating that he would be delighted to act on their behalf and to furnish him with the necessary details, including all correspondence. As my Grandfather's knowledge of the English language was rather limited it was decided that my Uncle Lachie should represent him at the Court. The Agent gave evidence and also the two Sea Captains were called to give evidence on behalf of the Shipping Company.

I am very happy to say that the outcome was most satisfactory, in that they won their case and were also awarded costs. It was revealed during the proceedings that the cheeses had in fact been placed beside a drum of fish oil which had burst. Had my grandparents not had a legal representative, they would undoubtably have lost their case which would have meant half their annual income would have been lost.