The Wee Toon

View of Campbeltown from an old postcard.

The Library in 1911

in 2005

Website of Campbeltown born Author Jill McGown

Looking across Campbeltown Loch to the New Quay
with Beinn Ghuilean in the Distance

Click here for a picture of Davaar Island viewed from the Learside

Brief Biography: Sir William Mackinnon of Balinakill
(1823-1893) Ship owner and colonial developer

Born at Campbeltown, Argyllshire, Mackinnon trained as a grocer, but went out to India where he eventually founded the British India Steam Navigation Company which developed a vast trade round the coasts of the Indian Ocean. This extended to the east coast of Africa, between Aden and Zanzibar, where Mackinnon established what was chartered in 1888 as the Imperial British East Africa Company; its objectives included the elimination of the slave trade, the prohibition of trade monopoly, and the equal treatment of all nations. Mackinnon promoted H. M. Stanley's expedition for the relief of Emin Pasha, and in 1891 founded the Free Church of Scotland East African Scottish Mission. He also founded the independent Keil School in Dumbarton. He was created a baronet in 1889. On his death (without issue) he was buried at Clachan, Argyllshire near his beloved house Balinakill