Set Adrift Upon the World: The Sutherland Clearances

The Sutherland Clearances were an extraordinary episode in Scottish history, involving the deliberate depopulation of a Scottish county. This book by James Hunter provides a gripping, moving, and definitive account of the people's struggle for survival in the face of tragedy and disaster, including experiences not featured in any previous such account.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 620 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Birlinn General

Winner of the Saltire Scottish History Book of the Year, this book delves into the extraordinary Sutherland Clearances, a tragic episode that involved the deliberate depopulation of a significant portion of a Scottish county. Planned and executed by a small group of men and one woman, this episode resulted in the destruction of thousands of communities, the demolition of homes, and the burning of villages. While most of those involved wrote extensively about their actions, intentions, and feelings, there is no comparable collection of material from those whose communities ceased to exist. Accessing their feelings and fears may be more challenging, but they are by no means irrecoverable.

In his book, James Hunter takes readers on a journey through the Sutherland Clearances. His research spans archives in Scotland, England, and Canada, as well as the desolate straths of Sutherland and the frozen shores of Hudson Bay. The result is a gripping, moving, and definitive account of the people's struggle for survival in the face of tragedy and disaster, offering experiences that have not been featured in any previous account of this period.

The Sutherland Clearances were a devastating period in Scottish history, marked by the forced eviction and displacement of thousands of people from their homes. The motivations behind these clearances were complex and multifaceted, but they were ultimately driven by economic interests and the desire to expand agricultural land. The clearances began in the late 18th century and continued for over a century, until the early 20th century.

One of the most striking aspects of the clearances was the scale of the displacement. Entire communities were uprooted, and people were forced to leave their ancestral lands and move to new areas, often to remote and barren areas. The conditions in these new settlements were often harsh, with poor sanitation, inadequate housing, and limited access to food and other essential resources.

The clearances had a profound impact on the lives of those affected. Many people lost their livelihoods, their families, and their sense of identity. They were forced to adapt to new environments and face new challenges, often with little support or assistance from the government or other institutions. The clearances also had long-term consequences for the social and cultural fabric of Scotland. Many communities were destroyed, and traditional ways of life were lost forever.

Despite the devastating impact of the clearances, there are still many stories and memories that survive. The descendants of those who were displaced continue to hold onto their heritage and traditions, and there has been a growing interest in researching and commemorating this period of Scottish history.

In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on the legacy of the clearances. There have been calls for an apology from the Scottish government for the actions of those involved in the clearances, and for measures to be taken to address the ongoing impact of this period of history. There have also been efforts to preserve and commemorate the sites and landmarks associated with the clearances, such as the Highland Clearances Museum in Helmsdale.

In conclusion, the Sutherland Clearances were a tragic episode in Scottish history that involved the deliberate depopulation of a significant portion of a Scottish county. The clearances resulted in the destruction of thousands of communities, the displacement of thousands of people, and the loss of traditional ways of life. While the motivations behind these clearances were complex and multifaceted, they were ultimately driven by economic interests and the desire to expand agricultural land. The clearances had a profound impact on the lives of those affected, and their legacy continues to be felt today. There is still much to be learned and understood about this period of Scottish history, and there is a growing interest in researching and commemorating it.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 131 x 198 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839830303