1837 - Doilgheas nam Fuadach – Heartbreak and Mass Eviction

A period of systematic clearance began in 1837. The arable land of five or six villages was cleared and converted into Timsgarry and Ardroil sheep farms. Around forty eight families (400 people or more) were evicted. It may have been in response to this episode that

Rev Alexander MacLeod wrote to the proprietor:

“The present prospects of many parishoners of Uig are most disturbing and heartbreaking. Upwards of 40 heads of families came here this day to request me to write to the proprietor on their behalf. Saying that they are without friends and without means, and upon the eve of being removed out of their present properties without any encouraging prospects for the future. That in case of their being removed from Uig, they say that there is not one of them who would feel disposed to go to Ness, there is no promise of land there or of stocks to support their families”.

^{GD 46 13:199. Letter from Rev A. MacLeod, February 22nd 1837}