Macpherson/Ross Family Photographs
The following photos are from old family albums in possession of Kenny Ross, who’s father Ken ran the local shop and tearoom at Foyers. Kenny mother was the daughter of Kenneth James Macpherson the cashier at the BA factory at Foyers . K J Macpherson was born in Inverness in 1880 and was the son of John Macpherson who run the Gellion’s Hotel .On leaving school Kenneth joined the Caledonian Banking Company Limited on High St ( now the Caledonian Public House), as a business apprentice, and by 1904 was the banks accountant with his name appearing on bank notes issued at that date onwards. In 1906 the Caledonia Bank, now in financial difficulties merged with the Bank of Scotland. Preferring to stay in the Highlands rather than being posted south Kenneth moved to Foyers and took up the post as Cashier with the British Aluminium Factory there. Kenneth, who married Susan Emma Macdonald at Dunkeld in 1905, stayed during their time in Foyers, in the company’s house the Cairns. They had three of a family Moira, Margaret and Kitty. Moira never married whilst Kitty married Dan Munro and Margaret married Ken Ross
KJ was awarded the Carnegie Hero Trust Fund medal in 1915 for saving the local postman John Mackenzie who when bringing a trolley containing the mails delivered by the evening mail streamer Glengarry, slipped and fell into the water at Foyers pier. KJ who was working nearby, on hearing the shout of alarm rushed to the pier edge and saw Mackenzie in difficulties and slightly submerged.
Kenneth, who was a strong swimmer, removed his coat and vest and dived into the water near where he had last seen the postman, who had now disappeared under the water. Kenneth searched underwater round the place where he last saw John Mackenzie, and found him then dragged him to safety along side the pier face. Kenneth then assisted the postman to climb up the pier face and was hoisted on to the landing by some of the Glengarry crew. After acknowledging his indebtedness to his gallant rescuer and receiving congratulation on his narrow escape, the postman then resumed his postal duties. (Unlike today no counselling after such a traumatic event “just get on with it”).
Kenneth who was keen on all sports, his favourite participating one, was swimming. In his youth, he played water polo and as a member of the Inverness ASC team won the Scottish National championship in 1909. The first time a national championship of any sport came to Inverness.
Whilst in Foyers he was involved with the Tug of War team, Rifle Shooting Club, Foyers & Boleskine Shinty Clubs , the Free Gardeners , reporting the news events locally to the press . Kenneth was also grandmaster of the St Mary’s Masionic Lodge in Inverness between 1932-34. After 39 years with the BA he retired in 1946 to live back in Inverness.
Ken Ross, who was originally from Thurso and came to Foyers in 1929 as a van driver. He married Margaret Macpherson in 1935 and in 1936 he took over the General Merchants shop in Upper Foyers. Ken and Margaret had three of a family Jill, Ian and Kenny. Ken run the shop and tearoom there along with a grocery travelling shop travelling round the Stratherrick and Foyers district till he left the area in c1969, to become Stewart of the new Inverness Masonic club.
Ken was also involved with the local community, running the Old Folks Fund, the children’s Christmas party, and was president for many years with Boleskine Shinty Club.
If anyone has any photos showing the interior of Foyers Shop or Tearoom could they please get in touch as , it would be good to see what the shop interior was like years ago .
Family on motorbike and sidecar outside Cairns, K.J. Macpherson, Susan Macpherson, with daughters, Margaret and Kitty Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
The Cairns B.A. under managers house where the Macpherson's stayed in Foyers . Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Caledonian Banking Company Limited one pound bank note dated 1904, with K.J. Macphersons name as accountant.
Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross..
Foyers, Park Terrace Group
Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Outside the Cairns, L-R : Moira, Susan Macpherson, girl possible Jill, K. J. Mcpherson, Ken Ross, Margaret, unknown. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Foyers from the Uchdach. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Margaret standing by “The Black Maria” family nickname for the car used to get supplies from Inverness for the shop at Foyers. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross
Kitty at Loch Bran August 1929. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Loch Tarff or the Bull Loch, English translation from Gaelic. On a summers day around about 1930, with the cattle cooling themselves in the water . Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross
Loch Tarff August 1929. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
River Foyers entering Loch Ness, August 1930. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Stratherrick War Memorial, August 1931. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Maggie Muir and Rosie ?, at Loch Bran
August 1931. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Dun Deardial from the Corkscrew road, August 1931. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Kitty at the summit of Dun Deardial 1931. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Gondolier approaching Foyers Pier, August 1933. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Loch Garth August 1932. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Ferry boat between Kyleackin and Kyle of Lochalsh approaching Kyle pier August 1932. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
Factory field with pavilion Aug 1933 .Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.
The Straight Mile The road to Fort Augustus ,August 1933. Photograph courtesy of Kenny Ross.