The economic, religious and cultural transformation of the northern Highlands in the years 1790 to 1850, can be linked directly to the Clearances - wholesale evictions of highland sub-tenants and small farmers by English landlords, who wished to make way for more profitable sheep farming. The low esteem in which English speakers regarded the Gaelic community and its language is evident. Yet, far from fighting change, the clergy stands accused of abetting the landlords by preaching the need for individual repentance and submission, thus securing a population passive towards the changes. Taking evidence from the far north of Sutherland and Ross - the epicentre of the crisis, author David Paton uses unusual and revealing evidence, including Gaelic poetry and descriptions of the emotional effects of a more complex and subtle picture. The form of Presbyterianism that sustained the Gaelic community in the Northern Highlands in the face of attack by an alien culture, simultaneously prevented effective protest and hindered the expression of a sense of injustice.
- ISBN13 9780859766265
- Publish Date 11 October 2006
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 18 August 2011
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint John Donald Publishers Ltd
- Format Paperback
- Pages 251
- Language English