Thank you to all who responded to my enquiry.

Manners wife, Barbara was the daughter of Stewart Murray Fullarton the laird of Fullarton.

When SM Fullarton died in 1844 his will stipulated that Alexander Manners was to repay iooo pounds to the estate (a loan) otherwise this would be taken as part of barbara's inheritance.

I suppose that Manners went to the Islnad for a legal purpose, perhaps employment with the government as being a Writer to the Signent he had a substantial legal place in Edinburgh.

The extract from the 1851 census indicates that he was blind so his working days would no doubt have ended.

Does anyone know the reason for him moving with some at least of his family and when this occurred.

I will check Brian Lawsons lists for the name McMannes