Scottish Clearances

The Scottish Clearances refer to a period of forced eviction and emigration primarily in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, stretching from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century. They are often divided into two main phases: the Highland Clearances (approximately 1780 to 1860) and the Lowland Clearances (approximately 1760 to 1830).

During the Clearances, many tenants were forcibly evicted from their homes to make way for more profitable land uses, particularly sheep farming, leading to significant displacement, emigration, and alterations in the cultural and demographic landscape of Scotland. The effects of the Clearances are still felt and remembered in Scotland today, and they remain a significant and often emotive aspect of Scottish history.