Gloomy Memories by Donald MacLeod

Donald MacLeod’s invaluable personal account of the Highland Clearances has been reprinted by Strathnaver Museum. Donald was born in the village of Rosal at the end of the 18th century, 20 years later he witnessed the brutal eviction of himself and his neighbours.

“This is the story of a humble stonemason single-handedly taking on the establishment. Macleod brought the Highland Clearances to the attention of the world when his book was published in Canada. It has been said that ‘he faced the entire armament of the Sutherland estate with what weapons he possessed: his knowledge of English, his intelligence, and a courage that never yielded.’ The book collects the 21 letters he published in Edinburgh Weekly Chronicle in 1840.”

Donald’s family were moved to Strathy Point, where he continued his campaigning which led to them being evicted twice.