Introduction / Families / Leslie

Robert (Robbie) Leslie

Robert (Robbie) Leslie came to Hammar, Pharay around 1939/40 from Westray. His elder brother, John Leslie, and his family had come a year or two previously and had just moved to Cott, which he farmed together with the land of Quoy.

Robbie was the son of John Leslie and Mary Groat, born on 16th August 1914. His mother had gone to Benziecott, Westray from one of the Lakequoy houses and married there.

Robbie was still unmarried and had no farm to go to when the final exodus from the island took place so he decided to move his stock to Eday and an auction was held in the steading at Warrenha. The implements and hen houses were put over and laid out in lots at Ferseness Pier. This was probably the only auction sale held in connection with Pharay as the others went to other farms.

Robert subsequently married and had family. After being in Westray for a spell, they lived and farmed in Shapinsay.

He died there on 10th April 1998. He was eight three.