Eilean Aigas

Eilean Aigas (NH4641) (Scottish Gaelic "Eilean Aigeis," pronounced|elanˈag̊ʲəʃ) is an island in the River Beauly, Scotland, in Kiltarlity parish in traditional Inverness-shire,Wilson, Rev. John "The Gazetteer of Scotland" (Edinburgh, 1882) Published by W. & A.K. Johnstone] now Highland Region. It is most notable for the mansion on it at its north end, which was formerly owned by the Sobieski Stuarts and rented by author and Scottish nationalist Compton Mackenzie from Lord Fraser of Lovat. It is joined to the bank by a narrow white bridge.

obieski Stuarts

John Sobieski Stuart and Charles Edward Stuart were names used by John Carter Allen and Charles Manning Allen, two 19th century English brothers who are best-known for their role in Scottish cultural history. The Sobieski Stuarts were frauds, who claimed to descendants of Charles Edward Stuart. As authors of a dubious book on Scottish tartans and clan dress, the "Vestiarium Scoticum", they are the source of some current tartan traditions.

In the 1830s they moved to Eilean Aigas in to a hunting lodge granted them by the Earl of Lovat. Here they "held court" and surrounded themselves with royal paraphernalia: pennants, seals, even thrones. During their time here, they adopted the final version of their names, [ODNB] using the surname 'Stuart', and became practising Roman Catholics.

Much of the furniture in the house was designed by the Sobieski Stuarts.

Mr and Mrs Mackenzie

Mackenzie rented Eilean Aigas for £450 per annum from December 1930. As Compton Mackenzie's wife, Faith recalled:

:"On the north side rugged purple and grey cliffs flanked the narrow, turbulent iver, small pine trees hung at all angles over the water from rock crevices. Walking against the stream up on the grassy path of the cliff, you suddenly went downhill and came upon the same river tranquil as a pool."

It is recalled that he had to keep the place heated for seven out of twelve months of the year. Indeed, the ceiling of one of the rooms once collapsed on him while he was asleep.

However, Faith also recalled that the garden was particularly beautiful:

:"Free for nearly three years from all restraint, climbing roses had scaled the heights... the ground was a carpet of tulips: "iris Germanica" in every possible variety... The acacias in the sunk garden, now big trees, filled the air with their scent... Dear God! This was a garden in a dream."

Mackenzie left in May 1933, in violation of the lease. Compton Mackenzie was of Jacobite sympathies, and also was a Roman Catholic convert, like the Sobieski Stuarts.

References

* Linklater, Andro "Compton Mackenzie: A Life" The Hogarth Press (1992, London)
* Mackenzie, Lady Faith Compton "More than I should", Collins (1940)

External links

* [http://www.privateislandsonline.com/aigaseuuk.htm Private Islands: Eilean Aigas]