Forest Heritage Scotland webpages - Laddie
Date 2009
Event ID 588224
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Publication Account
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/588224
The website text produced for Laddie webpages on the Forest Heritage Scotland website (www.forestheritagescotland.com).
Introduction: Cutting out the middleman
In 1786, John Kennedy of Laddie was served an eviction notice to leave the farm within six days. He chose to cross the ocean and join his kin who had settled in Canada. Others from Laddie followed, in 1802.
In the late 17th century Angus, chief of the Glengarry clan, took the title of Lord MacDonell and Aros, and the family adopted this name. In 1768, Duncan MacDonell became chief, but inherited an estate deeply in debt.
Traditionally, tackmen ran the land. They were often close family of the clan chief. Tacksmen were people who rented land from the chief and then divided it up and sub-let it to others. Duncan realised that, by doing this, the tacksmen made more money than they paid him; he raised rents and cut out these middlemen. Later he evicted farmers in favour of renting the land for sheep farming.
Stored in archives are the eviction notices that ordered John and his fellow tenants off the land. Records show, however, that people continued to live there until 1861. Later tenants were shepherds and farm labourers as Laddie had become a sheep run.
Today you can explore the remains of this township on the edge of Loch Garry. You can also discover other Glengarry stories at our Bolinn and Daingean sites.
People Story: "...a new Glengarry"
Between 1773 and 1853 almost 3500 people left Scotland for Glengarry County, many coming from the Glengarry estate.
Some people were farmers who had lost their living like John Kennedy of Laddie; others could not or would not pay the high rents. Many wanted the new opportunity promised to them by friends and family who had already moved to Canada.
It was often the disgruntled kinsmen of the clan chief, the old tacksmen, who led the groups of people leaving Scotland for new shores. You will find many MacDonells on the ship passenger lists.
The first group of Glengarry clansmen to settle in Glengarry County were amongst those who sailed on the "Pearl", in September 1773. They did not set out for Canada, however, but to America, a British colony. They settled in Albany, where they rented land and farmed.
In 1775, the American War of Independence broke out and the Highlanders fought on the side of the British against the "Patriot" American States. In defeat, they fled to Canada. Here, an exciting new opportunity presented itself; to own rather than rent the land.
"McDonalds...hope to found in the new land a new Glengarry"
Nancy Jean Cameron writing home to Scotland
In 1792, Glengarry County was established and families from back home were encouraged to join them. By the end of the century, the area was considered Highland territory.
"Go not to Glengarry, if you be not a Highlandman"
Warning given to emigrants in 1794.
