Scotland

The Outer Hebrides is a far flung island region off the North Scottish coast consisting of the Isle of Lewis, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula and Barra. These islands have a history of population emigration, either due to to failure in industry- trade in kelp (seaweed ash) was a source of employment before the Napoleonic wars- or ruling landlords forcing the islanders out when sheep-farming became the new industry. 'The Clearances' was the name given to forced emigration when landlords no longer needed the workforce in the 1820s. However, plenty of pioneers set off to make new lives for themselves, many to Cape Breton in Canada. Other destinations for the islanders over the years have been the Falklands, Australia and the United States.

Like no ther region featured on this website is there such a professional and well-organised 'research' industry on the geneology of families looking for heir ancestors.

Nowadays, the community still has a well-developed sense of identity, perhaps exactly due to its cut-off existence. Also, the clan system provides a strong sense of identity and belonging, as well as causing feuds between rivals. Traditional music, as with Tarantella in Caulonia, is another source f community. The Hebridean Celtic Festival, Ceolas Music Summer School and the Harris Arts Festival attract foreign visitors and provide a way of passing on these traditions as well as numerous bands. Religion forms a strong basis in the lives of the islanders. The Sabbath is observed as a strictly holy day with no work or stress.