1851 - “Beannachd leis an Talamh Eòlach…” – “Farewell to the Familiar Earth…”
When the work schemes were withdrawn new estate proposals involved the removal of 400 people. John Munro-MacKenzie, Sir James Matheson’s factor, kept a diary of his transactions, including the logistics of forced emigration. The estimated arrears of each village, and the pitiable value of the stock, are recorded in the diary.
Village | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Kneep | 6 | 43 | £74 | £25.5s | 1 |
Valtos | 8 | 50 | £111.15 | 39.15s | 1 |
Breanish | 4 | 27 | £52 | £6.5s | None |
Islivig | 3 | 18 | £54.9s | £14.5s | None |
Mangersta | 6 | 34 | £72.15.5 | £38.12s | None |
Carnish | 12 | 61 | £183.10.8 | £57.5s | 5 |
Crowlista | 6 | 44 | £38.8.4 | £16.15s | None |
Aird Uig | 8 | 43 | £41.10s | £68.00s | None |
Geshader | 2 | 4 | £19.9.7 | £10.10s | None |
Carishader | 2 | 11 | £22.1.6 | £3.10s | None |
Enaclete | 1 | 8 | £1.10s | £10.10s | None |
1 = Families to emigrate: 2 = Souls: 3 = Arrears: 4 = Value of stock: 5 = Willing to emigrate
The Poetry of Calum MacLeod, Crowlista, as he left for Canada in 1851
Chunnaic mise là an dealaich Aig an eaglais mhòir ud
Leigeil beannachd le na clachan ’S leis an talamh eòlach.
I saw the day of the departing
At the high church there
Leaving farewell to the stones (walls) And the familiar earth.
Source: Comunn Eachdraidh Uig, Sanas (1986)