Balemartine grew to be the biggest village on the island, with almost two hundred people living here in 1861. There used to be three shops, a couple of which had travelling carts and then vans. There were many fishermen, with a small ruined pier still visible at the shore.
The township was home to John MacLean, who was known as Bà rd Baile Mhà rtainn ‘the Balemartine poet’. Known as one of the island’s finest poets, his songs covered love, emigration and politics, and he also poked fun at his neighbours.
