Forest Heritage Scotland webpage - Bolinn
Date 2009
Event ID 588097
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Publication Account
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/588097
The website text produced forBolinn webpages on the Forest Heritage Scotland website (www.forestheritagescotland.com).
Introduction: A fresh start
On Bolinn Hill, above the waters of Loch Garry, lie the remains of this small township. In 1802, the MacDonells and Stewarts of Bolinn were on the passenger list for a ship to Canada.
Like many others from the surrounding area, they left Scotland and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to a new life. These families were following in the footsteps of their own kin who had already settled in Glengarry County in Canada.
At Bolinn, the landowner served eviction notices to the tenants in 1787; they had to leave their land. People did not completely abandon the township at this point. Local parish records show people from Bolinn still getting married and registering the birth of their children until the early 19th century. The last record was in 1819, announcing the birth of Duncan Grant.
You can discover other Glengarry stories by visiting our Laddie and Daingean sites.
People Story: Crossing the Atlantic
Duncan MacDonell of Bolinn was one of the tenants served an eviction order in 1787. His name, along with those of his family, can be found on the emigration passenger list for the three ships that left Fort William on the 3rd of July 1802. Over 500 people set sail with them for Canada.
By this time Glengarry County had already been established. Find out the story by visiting Laddie.
Many people from the Highlands made the trip across to Canada and America during the late 18th century. On several occasions, the Glengarry clansmen organised large scale emigration of their people.
The start of war with revolutionary France in 1793 made travel to Canada difficult and dangerous. In 1802, however, a brief period of peace afforded the opportunity for another voyage. This was led by Archibald MacMillan of Murlaggan and his eight lieutenants, charged with the duty of "preserving good Order among the People".
McMillan chartered three ships to carry the people across to Quebec, the [i]"Friend", [/i]the [i]"Helen"[/i] and the [i]"Jane". [/i]Each passenger paid 5 guineas. This paid for a small space to sleep and basic food for the journey. Many arrived with only enough money to travel from Quebec to Glengarry County.
Family and friends met them on their arrival. Many earlier settlers had been given land by the government, but by 1802 this was happening less. People rented until they could afford to buy, supported by their Highland community.
