Hello everybody, I put the recent question, about the above mentioned families, to my Dad. Some or all of this may have already been addressed in more recent messages, but here is his take on things ... To - Ian Philips I note from your query of 19th September 2007, that there is some uncertainty about the relationship between Alexander Fletcher, Loch Don, and his 'cousin' Neilina MacKechnie. The root of the problem here seems to be in the ages of Neilina's parents, particularly her mother, whose age is given as 60 in the 1871 Census. This is highly unlikely as this would mean that the mother was 48 when the eldest son - John - was born, and 58 when the yougest daughter, Neilina, was born. The 1881 Census confirms that something is amiss here, as the mother, Margaret MacKechnie (MacPhail) now a widow, was 51 years of age, so that her age in 1871 should be 40 not 60. Clearly this suggests that Margaret MacKechnie (MacPhail) was a neice of Morag Fletcher (MacPhail) and that her father was Angus MacPhail, a brother of Morag's, which would make Margaret MacKechnie (MacPhail) a full cousin of Alexander Fletcher, therefore Margaret's daughter, Neilina, would be a first cousin once removed. The term 'cousin' was widely used in the Highlands when referring to kinsmen, and kinswomen, who were essentially blood relatives .... but that, of course, could mean just about everyone. Angus Fletcher *********************** Hope that helps & doesn't add extra confusion! Mary Fletcher Harris p.s. Plans are in the works for my parents & myself to journey from Canada to Mull next Aug./Sept. 2008. Fingers crossed!