Margaret MacPherson

Margaret Hope MacPherson (born MacLean; 29 June 1908 – 21 October 2001) was a Scottish crofter, politician, author, and activist. During her later life, she was known as the "First Lady of Crofting".

Early life MacPherson was born Margaret Hope MacLean on 29 June 1908 in Colinton, Edinburgh, Scotland. She had a comfortable, middle class upbringing due to her father's position. She stated in an interview in later life: "We were comfortably off, we had three servants, and it was a rich parish". In 1991, at the age of 83, she stopped canvassing door-to-door for the party at elections.

Author From the 1960s, MacPherson wrote children's fiction books. They were inspired by Highland culture and Scottish history. Her initial attempts at publication were unsuccessful but her first book, The Shinty Boys, was eventually published in 1963. She had another six books published, including The Rough Road (1965), Ponies on Hire (1967), The New Tenants (1968), The Battle of the Braes (1970), and The Boy on the Roof (1972).

Personal life Margaret married Duncan MacPherson after she graduated from university. Together, they had seven sons.

On 21 October 2001, MacPherson died in Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland. She was 93 years old. Her funeral was held at the Portree Parish Church on 24 October.