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My ancestors, Malcome Gilles, the McPhersons, the Camerons, the Frasers and the Martins, all left the Inverness area for the new world in Australia. They were forced to leave their ancestral homes in Skye, Fort William, Ardnamurchan and Acharacle. This was not a matter of choice.
Some were forced to leave because of their association with the Jacobite uprising. Clan Cameron had lands confiscated and there were systematic clearances, whole boatloads of Camerons.
Those from Inverness area, the Camerons, McPhersons and Martins, had forfeit their lands due to Culloden and the aftermath. The Camerons were key players in the Jacobite rebellion, and many in my family were central characters. For example, "Uncle Archie", the Gentle Lochliel's brother, was hung drawn and quartered by the British crown. They then had to pay rent to the Duke of Devonshire and Mr Riddell, rent they couldn't pay when famine hit.
On the Isle of Skye, there had been problems with blight in the potato harvests. The lands were not very arable and there was heavy reliance on just one variety of potato, the variety which was mostly affected by the blight. Thanks to the introduction of the potato to the Isles, the population had surged. During these famine years people starved.
People were left to totally rely on harvesting seaweed. In those days, seaweed was used to make soda. The highlands gathered the kelp, burnt it and sold the ash. After the Napoleonic wars the seaweed trade collapsed. People were left with no income to pay the rents and to buy food. This was especially difficult during the long, harsh and unproductive winters. There was not much other work available.The most profitable industry, sheep, was not labour intensive. There was no employment for the large numbers of people.
Since 1795 changes in the clan system meant that ordinary clansfolk could no longer rely on chiefs for protection and sustenance but still had to supply rents and taxes. When there was famine or problems, and they could not raise the rent, the chiefs determined that the tenants should be exported to the colonies, as they were not as profitable as sheep.
This was the highland clearances and the native Scottish people had to venture forth and bravely face unknown futures in a hostile and forbidding new land. Most could not speak English, only Gaelic, and some could not read or write.
The rugged landscape is a remnant of the ice age past. My early ancestors ventured there during the thaws, when the Earth tilt altered slightly and warmed the planet. Genetics indicate that their forebears had close links with Ireland and Scandinavia. The ancient continent of Doggerland was nearby and linked Scotland to Europe. They were hunter gatherers and fishermen, venturing forth in skin covered boats. They hunted Oryx, seabirds, seafood. Hunters were prized and had great skill in archery. Hunting bands domesticated wolves. The people had close ties to the land.
Farming began four thousand years ago, originating in Europe. My ancestors were farmers at the time of their migraton. They mostly ate potatoes, although they were a recent introduction. They also ate seaweed and fish, when it could be obtained. Before that they relied on Maize and Barley, cattle and sheep. In the colonies their farming skills were valued and they obtained land of their own. In Australia, they mostly settled around Morpeth, Maitland, Stroud, Raymond Terrace, fertile farming country. Many of them stuck together and could not even speak English, only Gaelic.