The Highlands and Islands at this time were very remote and difficult to access and few people south of the Highland glens had ever been there. Despite its remoteness it was the most densely populated area of the whole country.

In 1755 51% of the Scottish population lived in the Highlands and were Gaelic speakers, 31% lived in the Central lowlands and spoke English with 11% living in the Southern Uplands. By 1981 the figures had dropped to only 21% living in the Highlands but 74% now living in the Central Lowlands and a mere 5 % remaining in the Southern Uplands.

This dramatic shift in population centres has resulted in the wild and barren Highland glens which most visitors love - but they should not be like this. Had the Clearances not occurred the Highlands and Islands today would consist of many thriving towns and cities with virtually none of the windswept, picture-postcard scenes, which the name "The Highland" automatically evokes.

In the 18th century the British Army was waging war in various foreign lands, mainly against the French. Many of the soldiers fighting these foreign wars were in fact Highlanders and all contemporary writings on the Army of the day note that the Highland regiments were the bravest, toughest and most loyal of the entire British Army. They had an exemplary discipline record with no soldier of any of these regiments ever having been disciplined. The complete opposite of the commonly held veiw of the lazy, untrustworthy, dishonourable Highlander.

The very new "United" Kingdom, which had been formed in 1707 under the "Treaty of Union", was in a fragile state with many Scots being anti-union and wishing to maintain their independence especially in the Highlands where the clan society was in danger of being lost forever. There was also a very fierce animosity between Protestant and Catholic and this had a much wider effect on the events of those days than most people realize. Its effects can still be seen and felt in a very tangible way in Northern Ireland to this day. In 1715 there had been an unsuccessful uprising of Highlanders against the English. In response the government sent General Wade to the Highlands to regain control and to keep the insurgent Gaels in check. He built many roads and forts in order to do this and to this day the third verse of the British National Anthem contains the following words,

God grant that General Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring
May he sedition hush
And like a torrent rush
Rebellious Scots to crush
God save the Queen

Written and published by the Highland Clearances Memorial Fund

Back to Highland Clearances Memorial Fund Series Main Page