This isn’t the first time there has been a major problem on the picturesque road leading from the shores of Loch na Keal into Glen Seilisdeir. Back in 1930, the road had to be closed because of a major landslide at the burn above Ballochmore (towards the top of the hill leading into Glen Seilisdeir). When you next travel that section of road and approach the cottage at Ballochmore from below, you can see the ‘new’ retaining wall that was constructed at that time. The workmen achieved a remarkable result, using the most modern techniques, which included wooden scaffolding, horses and carts and many men with many picks and many shovels.
John MacGillivray’s family in Balmeanach farm were involved in helping to care for the men’s needs. Archy MacGillivray, in conversation with Peter Keeley in 1996, had memories of that time. He remembered how the work took about a year to complete, and for most of that time 6 labourers were accommodated in the farmhouse… more in the printed issue

Photo courtesy of Pennyghael in the Past