A School in South Uist: Reminiscences of a Hebridean School Master 1890-1913

by F.G. Rea

These are the memories of Frederick Rea, an English teacher who became headmaster of Garrynamonie School in South Uist in the 1890s. At that time, the Hebrides were as remote and forbidding to mainlanders as the Antarctic is to us today, and South Uist was one of the poorer districts. Roads were often no more than rough tracks across the mountain moorland or over the storm-swept machair. His Gaelic-speaking pupils were often frozen and starving, and fever epidemics were frequent. Rea's memoirs show how he strove to meet these difficulties. His pupils remember him as a sincere, conscientious man and an excellent teacher. This book also reveals his keen powers of observation, and his interest in the unfamiliar scenes and events he witnessed and recorded. His lack of city comforts was more that compensated for by the wonders of the natural world and the uncommon kindness and generosity of the islanders. Dr. Rea treasured his memories of South Uist for the rest of his life, and his love and respect for the islands is wonderfully conveyed in this vivid testament.

Genres: History, Scotland

266 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

Frederick G. Rea

Reviews

[Udita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been hooked to this book set in one of the Hebridean islands. An English schoolteacher in the late 1800s, for want of more earning, applies to teach in a school in South Uist. As luck would have it, he gets picked as head teacher. It is his first trip to Scotland, and certainly his first to one of the isles. Now, just like this man, I too was new to Scotland last year. I visited my first Isle this year. Though there’s been about 120 years between us, the emotions that the isles of Scotland evoked in him are much the same as they did in me.

from http://cupandchaucer.wordpress.com/20...

[Soozee · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read if you are going to South Uist, but for me he didn't really talk enough about life on the island and particularly about his work in the school. I suppose he wasn't writing for an audience, but just reminiscing about what interested him. Towards the end that seemed to be exclusively fishing!

Worth reading if you are going there, but not a gripping tale. Some interesting insights into the attitudes of the day.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Mr. Rea's extended memoir about his experiences as a new teacher in Garrynamonie School (situated on South Uist, a small island in the Hebrides west of Scotland). Having visited this part of the world, more than 100 years later, I could visualize the distances he walked from place to place, to teach, visit, and fish, and imagine how the weather could play a large factor in everyday life. I would like to have read more about some of his individual students but do recognize at least how challenging everyday life must have been for these kids.

[Catriona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting account of the experiences of a teacher from the north of England who moved to Uist to teach in the late 1800s. It's not great literature, but it is a really interesting snapshot in time of life Uist. There's a mixture of school activity, sport (fishing and golf and even a bit of football) and lots of really enjoyable narratives about the locals and local folklore.

[Yvonna Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating glimpse of the Scottish isles

This is a straightforward account of a schoolmaster’s observations of daily life in the outer Hebrides. Insightful and at times humorous.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read whilst I was in the Outer Hebrides, so it made the book come alive. Amazing what some people have done with their lives!

[Jonathan Lancashire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure the author has a sense of humour but loved some of the anecdotes and descriptions of Hebridean life. Also really annoying to know how good the fishing used to be.

[Udita · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was saying earlier, I’ve been hooked to this book set in one of the Hebridean islands. An English schoolteacher in the late 1800s, for want of more earning, applies to teach in a school in South Uist. As luck would have it, he gets picked as head teacher. It is his first trip to Scotland, and certainly his first to one of the isles. Now, just like this man, I too was new to Scotland last year. I visited my first Isle this year. Though there’s been about 120 years between us, the emotions that the isles of Scotland evoked in him are much the same as they did in me.
from http://cupandchaucer.wordpress.com/20...

[Guido · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales of a school inspector for the isle of South Uist in the Hebrides, Scotland.