The Grave of Rob Donn

A crude flagstone ROBERT DONN 1777 marks Rob Donns grave, the Rabbie Burns of Galedom. The stone is becoming difficult to distinguish. He actually died in 1778 but story records that the mason carving the date could not chisel an '8'.

There is a monument to the memory of Rob Donn Alder or Mackay erected in 1827 inscribed with tributes in Greek, Latin, English and Gaelic. A testimony to the high regard in which his work was held. Robb Donn was a simple inhabitant in one of the most rustic and culturally solitary corners of Britain.

He was a cowherd, drover and a notable poacher, gamekeeper and latter as a superintendent of Balnakeil Farm. Sometime between 1757 and 1759 Robb Donn made a stand against the law of removing deer from Reay Forrest and was removed from his home to Freisgill on the Moine. He was resident at Badnahaclais and summoned before the Sheriff-Substitute for hunting deer. This caused his removal to Alltcoirefhreasguil, a small township on the west side of the Kyle of Durness. Here he continued for some years until about 1759 when he joined the First Regiment of the Sutherland Highlanders. When he returned home, he was employed at Balnakeil in the duty of Lord Reay.

His wife Janet acted as dairywoman and her services as a nurse was in frequent demand. He formed a friendship with the Rev. Murdoch Macdonald and along with John Mackay of Borralie was appointed assessor to the Session. For some time after leaving Lord Reay's service, he resided at Achumore. From here the poet and his family removed to Sango where he remained until the end of 1769. It was here his youngest son George was baptised.

His family is stated to " have consisted of thirteen, who were mostly all spared to rise around him". Of these eight, five sons and three daughters were known to have attained adult age and their genealogy is detailed in the Parish register.

On the appointment of Colonel Hugh Mackay as factor to Lord Reay, he was again taken in to employment at Balnakeil in 1770. When his wife's health became poor, he moved to the township of Nuybig. Janet died soon after the move and in less than twelve months after her death Rob Donn passed away in his sixty forth year.