25 July 2014

 'From Black and White to Colour': Collaging with the Centre's Photo Archive

Tarbat Discovery Centre, Portmahomack

Free gala workshop for families. Drop in session between 11 and 3pm.
Further information from Tarbat Discovery Centre 01862 871351 or info@tarbat-discovery.co.uk

25 July 2014

Practical patriotism: Land reclamations and public relations in Sutherland 1868-1895

Illustrated talk by  Annie Tindley, University of Dundee

Ferrycroft Visitor Centre, Lairg. £2.

Organised by Lairg Local History Society.

In 1869 the 3rd Duke of Sutherland kicked off one of the largest land reclamation schemes of the 19th century in Britain near Lairg. The goal of the scheme was to convert 'waste' land to produce arable acres, to be let to the great sheep farmers of the county to grow winter fodder for their flocks. The Duke spared no expense, importing the latest steam plough technology, but the scheme was a failure. This paper will explore the Lairg land reclamations in detail, and how they fit into the wider picture of crofter agitation, the memory of the Sutherland clearances and political reform in the later 19th century.