Donald Ross and the Highland Clearances: 'Yet still the Blood is Strong'

The Highland Clearances was a dark episode in Scottish history when thousands of people were forced off lands that they and their kin had lived on for generations. Donald Ross was a Highlander born in Sutherland in 1813 who became the most outspoken critic of the Highland Clearances and wrote many detailed newspaper articles and pamphlets about mass evictions on Barra, Knoydart and Skye. He supplied over 8,000 books and pamphlets for emigrants on the ill-fated Hercules and raised money to help poor people in the Hebrides, but his efforts were cut short by a scandal that saw him and his family emigrate to Nova Scotia. His inspirational story makes him an unsung hero of the poor.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The Highland Clearances, a tragic chapter in Scottish history, saw the forced eviction of thousands of people from the lands they and their families had inhabited for generations. Some sought refuge in the colonies of America and Australia, while others found themselves in desolate plots by the coast or in urban slums. A few individuals, like Donald Ross, courageously spoke out against the atrocities.

Donald Ross, a Highlander born in Sutherland in 1813, took over the family mill after his father's passing. However, his family faced eviction, and they fought against it in the Supreme Court, ultimately losing the case. Determined to make a difference, Donald relocated to Glasgow and, within two years, became the Agent for the Poor, assisting over 1,500 people in securing poor-relief payments that were being withheld by local parish boards.

In the 1850s, Donald emerged as the most vocal critic of the Highland Clearances, penning numerous newspaper articles and pamphlets that detailed the mass evictions on Barra, Knoydart, and Skye. His most famous work, "The Massacre of the Rosses," vividly depicted the brutal beatings of women in Strathcarron who refused to accept eviction notices. Donald's commitment to the cause extended beyond his writings. He generously supplied over 8,000 books and pamphlets to emigrants aboard the ill-fated Hercules, providing them with valuable information and resources for their journey. Additionally, he raised substantial funds to support impoverished individuals in the Hebrides, particularly during the infamous Potato Famine.

However, Donald's remarkable efforts were tragically cut short by a scandal that led to his family's emigration to Nova Scotia. Despite this setback, Donald's inspirational story remains an unsung hero of the poor, a testament to his unwavering dedication to helping those in need and his unwavering commitment to social justice.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398104266