Eviction at Strath Fleet, Sutherland

This extract is from a letter sent by Mr. J Campbell of Lairg, to the 'Inverness Courier' at the time of the Clearances. Mr. Campbell was witness to an eviction carried out at Strath Fleet, Sutherland. The extract is read by Roddy Maclean.<br /> <br /> 'They burned the rest of them; and this crofter's was the last. He pleaded hard to be left in the house till his wife was well. The factor did not heed him, but ordered the house to be burned over him. The crofter was in the house, determined not to quit until the fire compelled him. The factor told us the plan we were to take - namely, to cut the rafters and then set fire to the thatch. This we did, but I shall never forget the sight. The man, seeing it was now no use to persist, wrapped his wife in the blankets and brought her out. For two nights did that woman sleep in a sheep cot, and on the third, she gave birth to a son. That son, I believe, still lives, and is in America.'<br /> <br /> This audio was produced for the schools' resource package, 'Highlanders on the Move', Am Baile's contribution to Homecoming Scotland 2009.