Broubster Clearance Village

Broubster Clearance Village - Watercolour, 25 x 36 cm

Throughout the Highlands in the Nineteenth Century, tenant farmers were evicted from their homes, or 'crofts', during the notorious Highland Clearances. Landowners, in a drive for efficiency and more profitable land use, wanted to replace the old system of small-holdings with large sheep ranches. The crofters were forced out of their scattered homes, often in a brutal manner, and re-housed in new communities. The land that they were given was often of poor quality and they had to work hard to maintain even a subsistence level of life. During this period many people took up the offer of a new life overseas, emigrating to Canada, New Zealand and Australia, where their descendants still have strong links with Scotland.

In 1839 tenants from the estates of Broubster and Shurrery, in Caithness, were resettled in a new village. Land was provided for them, but they probably had to build their own houses. The dwellings were in the form of long-houses, which consisted of a small cottage with an attached barn for the livestock. The houses were arranged around an open central area and the community became known as 'The Square'.

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/YYEQNKD5qLr

Comments

Diane said…
It is something that happened in many places, and it is still happening but in a slightly different form. You have certainly captured the emotion in your painting.
Keith Tilley said…
Thanks Diane, I find there is something haunting about these abandoned communities.

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