This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: elwynsoutter1 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.general/21891.3.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I'd take the stories of the clearances with a pinch of salt. There certainly were people cleared off the lands but the vast majority left of their own accord for the usual economic reasons. Most clan chiefs regarded the steady drain of their people choosing to emigrate as an incalculable loss and some went bankrupt trying to keep them on the land. The bloodcurdling stories of ruthless Highland chiefs forcing families out of cottages and emptying the glens are grossly exaggerated and has led to a lazy and emotional version of Scottish history. The population of the crofting counties of the Highlands actually rose from 337,000 in 1755 to 382,000 in 1801, during the period when the worst of the clearances are said to have happened. This population increase was an important factor in people's decisions to emigrate. The land, much of it of poor quality, simply could not support a significant increase in population. Wild Scots: Four Hundred Years of Highland History, by Michael Fry is a good read for anyone interested in the subject. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.