MEM Donaldson 16
Taken about 1916/18, this is the earliest view we have of the pier built by R.L. Thomson, the owner from 1895 to 1913. There is a horse and cart and a group of people on the pier, a small white shed behind, other buildings further back and on the hill is Pier Cottage and the smithy. Further back, the lodge is obscured by the trees planted by the MacPhersons.
Steven Runciman 2.
By the time the Runcimans had bought the island in 1926 a crane had been installed on the pier for lifting heavy items out of the ferry boats.
Steven Runciman 3.
Also near the pier in 1926 are the corrugated iron "stores" building and the "sawmill" behind.
Steven Runciman 56.
The pier has always been the main focus of activity on the island. Here in about 1928 we see the ferryboat arriving having taken deliveries off the steamer. On the left are Neil MacDonald (ferryman from Cleadale), Donald Campbell (ferryman from Cuagach) and Donald MacLucas (ferryman from Muck). Clearly visible on the boat is the large wicker breadbasket which was always opened at the pier to allow people living at Galmisdale, Sandavore and Kildonnan to take their orders before the rest went up to the shop. Note the rolled white cotton bags (often pillow cases or flour bags) being held by the ladies waiting for their bread. Continuing L to R, are Sarah Campbell (Kildonnan), Ellen Campbell (Kildonnan) and Jessie MacDonald (Muck) who was housekeeper for Dr Devon on Eigg at the time. The mailbags on the boat would have gone straight up to the Post Office.
Garry Runciman 110.
The harbour as seen in 1962 gives an impression of great tidiness. It was kept immaculate under the Runcimans, and there is a strong oral tradition that islanders would think twice even before walking on the grass near the pier. The roads were kept clean of weeds and made up annually with fine gravel from the shore. There were two buildings with battlements erected in the 1930s. The one nearest the pier was a waiting room and store, and the other was the estate office and carpenter's shop. In the harbour are three boats, the Islesman, the ferry boat which met the steamer, and in front of her is the Clansman, Brucey Watt's boat which ran day trips from Mallaig. On the right is the Dido, the estate's cargo boat.
Barbara Barrie 127.
The Muck boat loading passengers at the Eigg pier on her way back after a church service in the 1930s. On the left is Alisdair Campbell and on the right are Flora Campbell (in a check skirt), Hugh MacDonald, Morag MacDonald and Maryjane MacDonald.