Clearances

The huge Sutherland estates initially held back from creating sheep farms, but the reluctance of the people to enlist in the landlord’s regiment led to a change of policy and the first Clearances in Assynt took place in 1812 when Assynt was reorganised into five large sheep farms. 

Resentment and anger led in 1813 to a riot over the appointment of a church minister thought to be favourable to the clearances. However the policy continued and between 1812 and 1821 over 160 families were evicted, most of whom were moved into the already crowded coastal townships. Throughout Assynt, there are extensive remains of pre-clearance settlements. See Glenleraig Longhouse