Winner of the Saltire Society Scottish History Book of the Year Award In April 1816 Patrick Sellar was brought to trial in Inverness for culpable homicide for his treatment of the Highlanders of Strathnaver, the most northerly part of the Scottish highlands. In the process of evicting them from their ancient lands he had allegedly burnt houses, destroyed mills and wrecked pastures. There is perhaps no more hated nor reviled individual in Highland history. This outstanding new book, however, gives a balanced assessment of the man, a vivid account of a terrible episode in Highland history, and a riveting narration of a tormented life. Richard's book is an account of Sellar's life and times: that he was ruthless, avaricious, devious and cruel is beyond question. But his letters suggest a streak of idealism: did he really believe that the displaced highlanders would be better off, better fed, educated and housed in their new homes? Have the Highlands in the end become more productive and prosperous? In the course of his fast-moving and gripping account, Eric Richards looks carefully at these vexed questions.
- ISBN10 1902930134
- ISBN13 9781902930138
- Publish Date 1 December 1999 (first published 15 November 1999)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Edinburgh University Press
- Imprint Polygon at Edinburgh University Press
- Format Paperback
- Pages 352
- Language English
- URL http://columbia.edu/cu/cup/catalog/data/190293/1902930134.HTM