INTRODUCTION. XXX1H 



SKAEBOST 



Several crofters had been removed from one place to 

 another, but no evictions, in the usual sense of the term, 

 have been carried out The reader must now take a long 

 drive to 



KILMUIR, 



The property of Major Fraser, the first portion of the 

 Island in which open expression was given to the dis- 

 satisfied feelings of the people. As he passes along, the large 

 farm of Skorrybreck, showing unmistakeable evidence of 

 having at one time supported a large population, is left on 

 the right, while on the left and in front, between him and 

 Kilmuir, are the large tacks of Kingsburgh and Skirinish, 

 both of which, also, at one time maintained an extensive 

 population in positions of great comfort, while the large ten- 

 ants themselves were none the less so. 



John Gillies, South Creil, Uig, said that he had been 

 removed five or six years ago, with five others, while at the 

 same time, an equal number of families were cleared from 

 the opposite side of the loch, and he knew no reason for 

 these removals "except the will of the landlord". There 

 was land not far off which would be suitable for the people 

 if they could get it. " Glenuig is a beautiful glen. It is in 

 possession of Mr. Urquhart, the Innkeeper. That glen, 

 fifteen or sixteen years ago, was in possession of small 

 tenants. The overcrowding in the district was caused by 

 the clearing of the glens to make room for large sheep- 

 farms." Peter Macdonald, Glenhinisdale, stated that the 

 hill pasture was taken from the people, there, sixty years ago, 

 to be added to the already large farm of Kingsburgh. 



