The statistical accounts refers to a colony of highlanders on Walls Orkney (see below). Does anyone know anything about this colony? Where was the colony located? Family names? Etc? The 1891 census shows a Beth Nicholson 82 years old at Bessier who was born Reay Caithness and speaks Gaelic and English. Could she be a remnant of that colony? Or was there a lot of movement between Orkney and Caithness? Darryl From The Statistical Accounts of Scotland – 1791-99 Written by Rev. Mr. James Bremmer; Parish of Walls and Flota, Orkney: "What accounts for this increase of 71, is the settlement of a colony of Highlanders, who had been forced to emigrate from Strathnaven, where their farms were converted into sheep pasture. These people, it would appear, had been comfortably situated in their former residence, as they all brought with them, to this place, a very considerable flock in horses, cows, sheep, and goats, and also in grains. As to all other property, every man of them might truly say, Omnia mea mecum porto. Their household furniture must therefore be described negatively. No bed, no table, no chair. These the highlander does not reckon among the necessaries of life, as he can make the earth serve him for all three. In his shealing, composed of earth and a few sticks, you find no other furniture than a few dishes for his milk, and a barrel for his meal: so true in fact, as well as philosophy, is the maxim, Natura contenta eft paucia." --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.458 / Virus Database: 257 - Release Date: 24/02/03