
Clann 'Ic Chalmain
O chionn deireadh na 18mh linne co-dhiù, bha an teaghlach seo aig muir an sàs ann an iasgachd agus malairt. Bha iad comasach air a' mhuir a sheòladh anns na h-uisgeachan aca fhèin agus na b'fhaide air falbh cuideachd. Anns an eachdraidh-bheatha aige, tha an Caiptean Uilleam MacCalmain ag innse gun deach athair a dh'obair an toiseach nuair nach robh e fiu 's 11 bliadhna a dh'aois.
Anns a' gheamhradh 1848, chaidh Fionnlagh (athair Uilleim) agus a bhràthair gu Loch Aineart san Eilean Sgitheanaich is iad ag iasgach. B' e droch aimsir a bha aca fhad' 's a bha iad thall - aig acair, cha robh fasgadh san eathar ach an seòl. Dar a ràinig iad dhachaigh, bha iad ann an staid cho dona is gun deach Fionnlagh, a bha òg fhathast, a chur air beulaibh an teine airson 's gum blàthachadh e, is chaidh na botannan a gheàrradh dheth oir bha a chasan air at cho mòr.
Bha Fionnlagh cuideachd ag innse gum faca e, aon turas ann an Loch Slapain, na faoileagan air am bualadh air na creagan mar thoradh air grìodadh eagallach a nochd aithghearra.
The Murchisons
Since at least the end of the 18th century, this family has gained a reputation for sailing, fishing and seamanship, both on the Applecross coast and much further afield. In Captain William Murchison's autobiograpy, he says that his own father went to sea when he was not yet 11.
In the winter of 1848, William's father Finlay and his brother went to Loch Eynort, off the Isle of Skye, where they were caught in a fierce storm. At anchor, and with only the sail to protect them, they survived but were in such a state when they got home that their boots had to be cut off them.
Finlay also recounted another Isle of Skye-located incident, in Loch Slapin, where the seagulls were being dashed against the cliffs in a horrific squall that blew up out of nowhere..