Here is a quick post after putting on a Search button on the home pages. I thought I had a search function but looking at the long list of posts for the one about ‘Castaway Claire’ I thought, I need one!!
I also typed in Janet MacKenzie, with David MacKenzie visiting on Seaflower last week I directed him to the Blog and posts but I could not find the information on ‘Janet MacKenzie. So I will add a page to the History button and post this information there when it is complete.
Apart from being a very safe anchorage the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ is what Acarseid Mhor is famous for. There are quite a few stories/Legends and here is a mix of some information. But I will add to this post with more as I find time to look for it, (or if anyone wants to send any information, feel free). It is talked about a lot by the tour operators/visitors to Rona.
We use it as a reception room now for our Saturday changeover, for Stardust Boat trips and the very occassional stranded kayaker/sailor/visitor.
Briefly: Janet MacKenzie lived at Big Harbour (on the farm as it was called then, Acarseid Mhor!). She lost her husband and other members of her family at the mouth of the harbour in the early 1800’s. She thereafter burned, candles, oil lamps and anything she could to maintain a light in the windows looking out to sea to warn seafarers of the treacherous enterance. She did this for 20 years and received a pension from the RNLB. Later in life she followed her son out to Australia where she lived a long life.
This cutting was sent to us I think or seem to remember by Dugald Ross, Staffin (the museum). From the Inverness Courier of that time.
Not a great copy but when I have time I’ll re-scan it, it is on my list to do (very long list).
From Alan Squires, who visited from Australia a few years back, I think the first descendant to visit Rona in our time here.
David MacKenzie, a Great, Great, Great Grandson visited last week from Melbourne, Australia. That rekindled my memory of the post I thought I had posted.
David sitting at the window that has the best line of sight and is the one we suspect was used.
More to follow.
isleofronalog 
Hey Bill, did you get David to give you a tune on the bagpipes?
Hi Alan, good to hear from you, apologies on the post, I thought it was all on the blog but we lost focus building the house and here I am years later catching up!!!! So contact again,. good. You left me a picture of a Lady with a birthday cake (kids around her, your Mother?) can you email me with the information on this one. I tried emailing you a while back but got no reply so had assumed I had lost your address or it had changed. So, please drop me an email so that I can sort the ‘Janet MacKenzie post/page out. Bill
Hello Bill, that would have been my Mum on her 100th Birthday with Grandkids or GG grandkids not sure which, I would have to see it. My email is squiresa@bigpond.net.au – send me an email to see if I get it when you get a chance.
Cheers Alan
PS I haven’t got your email.