The Vatersay Raiders

In 1908, ten desperate men from the islands of Barra and Mingulay in the Western Isles were imprisoned in Edinburgh for refusing to leave the island of Vatersay, where they had built huts and planted potatoes without permission. This book tells the story of the raiders and their struggle to escape from poverty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Birlinn General

In 1908, a group of ten desperate men from the islands of Barra and Mingulay in the Western Isles found themselves imprisoned in Edinburgh for their refusal to leave the island of Vatersay. These men had built huts and planted potatoes on Vatersay without proper permission, leading to an outcry throughout Scotland. The case garnered significant attention and eventually resulted in the government's purchase of the island for crofting purposes. This book, the first dedicated to Vatersay, delves into the remarkable story of these raiders and their struggle against the poverty that the policies of an absentee landowner had forced them to endure.

The Vatersay Raiders not only chronicles these historical events but also provides a fascinating account of Vatersay's earlier history and its now-deserted neighbor, Sandray. An outline of more recent developments brings the account up to date.

The islands of Barra and Mingulay, located in the Western Isles of Scotland, have a rich and complex history. The men who inhabited these islands in the early 20th century faced numerous challenges, including poverty, isolation, and the dominance of absentee landownership. The case of the Vatersay Raiders highlights the struggles and resilience of these islanders as they fought for their rights and livelihoods.

The Vatersay Raiders were a group of ten men who had been living on the island of Vatersay without proper permission. They had come to the island in search of a better life, but instead found themselves trapped in poverty and hardship. The landowner of Vatersay, who was based in the mainland, had refused to grant them access to the land for crofting or building a house.

The men of Vatersay were determined to escape their situation and find a way to improve their lives. They decided to take matters into their own hands and raided the nearby island of Sandray, which was owned by the same landowner. The raid was successful, and the men of Vatersay were able to take possession of the land and begin their crofting operations.

However, their victory was short-lived. The landowner of Vatersay, who was determined to reclaim his property, sent troops to Vatersay to arrest the Raiders. The men of Vatersay were imprisoned in Edinburgh, and their case caused an outcry throughout Scotland.

The government was eventually forced to intervene and purchase the island of Vatersay for crofting purposes. This decision marked a significant turning point in the history of crofting in Scotland, as it allowed the islanders to have access to the land and work it for their benefit.

The Vatersay Raiders' story is not just about their struggle for land rights, but also about their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. They had faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but they never gave up on their dream of a better life. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of community and solidarity in times of crisis.

The Vatersay Raiders' case also highlights the broader political and social issues that were prevalent in Scotland at the time. The dominance of absentee landownership and the lack of access to land for ordinary people were major concerns for many communities throughout Scotland. The case of the Vatersay Raiders brought these issues to the forefront of public attention and led to the implementation of policies that aimed to address these problems.

In conclusion, the Vatersay Raiders' story is a remarkable tale of resilience, determination, and community. It highlights the struggles and victories of ordinary people who were forced to fight for their rights and livelihoods. The case of the Vatersay Raiders also sheds light on the broader political and social issues that were prevalent in Scotland at the time and serves as a reminder of the importance of community and solidarity in times of crisis.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839830327
Edition number: Reissue