Iain Garbh and the dogs that came ashore

The drink was blamed for death of Iain Garbh Mac ‘Ille Chaluim in 1671. He had been well known as a brave and bold character who was much admired. He was the seventh clan chief of the MacLeods of Raasay, married to the daughter of Rory Mòr of Dunvegan Castle.

On his return from the baptism of a child of the MacKenzies of Seaforth on the Isle of Lewis a great storm rose up in the Minch (the sea between the Isle of Lewis and the Isle of Skye). The storm was so bad that the birlinn sank and all who sailed in her drowned.

Before his departure, Iain Garbh had been warned three times by one of his clan not to commit to the journey. Iain Garbh ignored this warning and set off for Lewis.

In Staffin this incident is remembered in a placename. Clach nan Coin Glas (the rock of the grey dogs) by the shore in the township of Digg. This is named as the place where Iain Garbh’s two hounds came ashore. It is said the dogs were the only survivors and that only the wreck of the boat was seen again.

In a manuscript from the time the event was recorded by the Rev. James Fraser. He blames alcohol. ‘Drunkenness did the mischief,’ he wrote.

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