Sheina Macalister Marshall, who was born on 20 April 1896, was the second of the three daughters of John Nairn Marshall, M.D., of Stewart Hall, Rothesay. Their grandfathers on both sides of the family came of farming stock. Her mother, Jean Colville Binnie, had a great grandfather who took Linlithgow Castle from the English for Robert the Bruce, and there were Covenanters on both sides of the family, one of whom fought at the Battle of Drumclog. Both sides were strong members of the Scottish Church and the Calvinistic characteristics of probity and hardiness were carried down to the daughters. Sheina was educated first by a governess at home and then at Rothesay Academy and at St Margaret’s School, Polmont. She evidently acquired an early interest in science for during her schooldays, when she was ill for two separate years with rheumatic fever, she read many of Charles Darwin’s books. The sisters received much encouragement in the study of natural history from their father who was a much loved G.P. and surgeon of the old school. He was an Honorary Member of the Glasgow Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons. He founded the Buteshire Natural History Society, which 50 years ago became responsible for the Rothesay Museum. The children kept a freshwater aquarium and made a dried flower collection for the Rothesay Museum. Their mother was also gifted, being musical, a great reader, and a good needlewoman who passed on this gift to Sheina. She took an active part in setting up the District Nursing Association in Rothesay.
The Milroy Lectures on the Natural History and Affinities of Rheumatic Fever: Delivered before the Royal College of Physicians of London, March, 1895
