There are various families within Scottland with the name Morrison or Morison with a historical presence in the Hebrides as well as the mainland. The families from the mainland are mainly spread out and are believed to be decedents of unrelated Norse families through the common name of Maurice. Families from Lewis and Harris in the Hebrides and later from Durness are believed to be descended from Gillemorrie (see Clan History) and the recognised Morrison Clan is from this line.
Strongholds
Dun Eistein (at the northern tip of Lewis) is a natural island stronghold separated from the mainland by a precipitous ravine that is flooded by the sea at high tide. The Brieve lived in a house (Tigh Mor) near Habost in Ness. Anyone interested in Dun Eistein might be interested in reading about the Dun Eistein Archeology Project started about 6 years ago.
Pabbay (Gaelic: Pabaigh), an island situated in the Sound of Harris, was the ancestral home of the family of the current line of Morrison chiefs. Pabbay means “Priest’s Isle” and was the home of two ancient churches. One of these was named Teampull Mhoire and so was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The origin of the Morrisons of Pabbay is not known beyond more than a dozen generations of oral history, but it is at least possible that these Morrisons were originally MacGhilleMhoires and are descended from a certain GilleMhoire (servant or follower of the Virgin Mary) who was associated with this church.