The Family of Angus Rankin (1843 – 1899)


Angus Rankin did not follow the "family career" in the building trade but moved to an area north 
of Fort William where he tended an arable smallholding.  He married Joanna Fletcher (who was 
born in that area) and they had 3 children – Marjory, James and Duncan.  The children all became 
involved in what was almost a family concern – the Observatory at the top of Ben Nevis.  
According to an article in the Oban Times from 1906,  Marjory ran the small hotel which was 
adjacent to the Observatory and her brothers were responsible for transporting supplies to those 
working at the summit.

Later in life, James married and stayed in the area where he was employed as an Inspector of 
Poor.