This website was established as a direct outcome of the highly successful Strathglass Clearances Exhibition, which was hosted by the Strathglass Heritage Association (SHA) in August 2023 at Marydale in Cannich. The exhibition received a very positive response from attendees, highlighting a strong interest in the subject matter and prompting further exploration of the topic.
The original plan had been to produce a comprehensive book documenting the Strathglass Clearances. Unfortunately, this project was put on hold due to the passing of my collaborator, Derek Flyn, last year, coupled with some personal challenges that made it difficult to continue. As a result, the idea of publishing a book was abandoned.
Despite these setbacks, encouragement from SHA members—particularly those based overseas—served as a catalyst to revisit the project. Their enthusiasm and continued interest provided the motivation to make the research and information accessible online, rather than in a traditional printed format. This website now serves as a platform to share the accumulated knowledge and findings with a wider audience.
The research undertaken draws upon a variety of sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Both historical accounts and contemporary texts have been examined, offering perspectives across different periods.
Special attention has been given to estate papers and records associated with the Clans Chisholm and Lovat Fraser. These materials, which are preserved by the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness, provide valuable insight into the activities and histories of these clans.
It is important to note that the website is not intended to serve as a definitive history of the clans involved. Rather, it aims to present information gleaned from the aforementioned sources without attempting to construct an exhaustive historical narrative.