Strathnaver Museum

Strathnaver Museum
Ewen Robertson (1837-1895) was known as ‘The Bard of the Clearances’.
The following poem expresses his anger about the emptiness of Mackay Country after the removals. A carpenter by trade, Robertson worked in the shipyards at Greenock and in England before returning home. He was one of many locals who gave evidence to the Napier Commission. A memorial cairn commemorates him outside Tongue.
Mo Mhallachd aig na Caoraich Mhòr (My curses on the Cheviot sheep)
Three score and three years have passed
Since we left Mackay Country;
Where are the noble lads of my heart
And the beautiful young girls?
My curses on the big sheep,
Where are the children of the dear people?
We separated when we were young,
Before North-west Sutherland became a desert.
Now out with you Sellar, you died;
If you received any justice, you would feel the heat;
The fire with which you burnt others –
May you get plenty of it.
My curses on the big sheep,
Where are the children of the dear people?
We separated when we were young,
Before North-west Sutherland became a desert.
Sites to visit:
Ewen Robertson Memorial, Tongue
Achanlochy pre-clearance settlement (part of the
Strathnaver Trail
)
Rosal pre-clearance settlement (part of the
Strathnaver Trail
)
Poulourascaig post-clearance settlement
Read more:
Ewen Robertson’s Life Compiled
by W Alex Mackay
Venture North Heritage App
Historic Environment Record
Items in our Collection relating to Ewen Robertson:
Original Death Certificate (DOC3)