McNiven/Islay birth 1836 in Skibba? Kibba? Hibba? Hibbe?

[Grey Seagull]

Hi,

Looking for some local knowledge about the birthplace of my great grandmother Ann McNiven in May 1836.  Difficult to read the handwriting of father's residence in the OPR but the parish is Kilchoman.

If it helps, father John was a slater and married Christian McNiven July 1830 in Kelsey/Kelsay.

Anyone got any idea where this might be/have been?

[Ruadhphort]

Hi, it must be Skibba, an anglicised way of writing the original name for Port Charlotte. I studied the entries on the page, and following pages, for clues in the handwriting style. The only thing that puzzles me is that Port Charlotte is mentioned as a birthplace a few pages later. Obviously at some point both names were used until 'Port Charlotte' became the norm.

[argyllshiregirl]

Hello,
The name MCNIVEN interested me because my great great aunt, Euphemia FLETCHER. married Neil MCNIVEN on Islay in 1848. They had about 9 of a family, some born on Islay and some born at Southend, Argyll. Neil was born abt. 1823 at Kilchoman but I don't know his parents names.

Mary

[Grey Seagull]

Hi,

Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you.

I went to Islay last summer and had a good look around so your info re Port Charlotte area was very helpful.  Found Skibba which is now basically 1 house north of Port Charlotte but also a wee local history centre so lots of info.

🙂