Ranald Rankin

(Western District) Born in Fort William, 21st December 1799; due to chest trouble, had to leave for Scotland, 5th June 1822; ordained a priest at Lismore, 1828, and served in Badenoch and Knoydart; because of bad health, went to Australia, 1855, and died at Little River, Victoria, 14th February 1863. (MT)

According to records on Ancestry.com, Ranald's father was Donald Rankin and his mother Elizabeth MacDonald.

A detailed account of Ranald's life can be read in Chapter 5 of the book, The Overflow of Clancy by Eric G. Clancy.

The words of Christ Child Lullaby, traditionally sung at Midnight Mass in the Highlands, are believed to have been written by Fr. Ranald Rankin. The hymn was originally titled Tàladh ar Slànuighear (the Lullaby of our Saviour) and sung to a tune called Cumha Mhic Àrois (the Lament for Mac Àrois).

Obituary of Ranald Rankin from the Scottish Catholic Directory of 1864.

Pray for the soul of the Rev. Ranald Rankine, who died at Little River, in the Diocese of Melbourne, Australia, on the 14th Feb. 1863.

Mr Rankine was born at Fort-William on the 21st Dec. 1799. He was a student at Lismore, and afterwards at Valladolid. Being ordained in 1828, he was for several years Missionary in Badenoch, and subsequently in Moydart. In 1855 he obtained permission to emigrate to Australia.