Saoghal Mòr Farsaing Emigration Conference

Emigration has played an important part in the history of the Outer Hebrides. Over the last 250 years or so people have left the islands for a number of reasons, whether through forced clearances, in hope of improving their prospects or to join family members who had emigrated previously. This affected demographics and resulted in families being dispersed across the globe.

A three-day conference, organised by Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean, is being held at Lews Castle, Stornoway, from 30th September to 2nd October 2025. The conference will consider the theme of emigration from a range of perspectives. There will be a mix of in-person and online speakers. Delegates can attend either in person or virtually.

Days 1 and 2 will consist of presentations, interspersed with Q & A sessions, while Day 3 will offer the opportunity for delegates to visit community heritage venues and historical sites on Lewis. There is a choice of three field trip options on day 3.

Programme & how to book

The full programme with detailed information for each day, prices, and a link to the booking system, is available here:

Travel and Accommodation

Please note that delegates attending in person are responsible for booking their own travel and accommodation. We strongly advise delegates to make bookings as soon as possible.

Loganair: flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh & Inverness to Stornoway Airport: www.loganair.co.uk

Calmac: ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway or Uig (Skye) to Tarbert/ Inter-island ferry Barra to Eriskay  and Berneray to Leverburgh: www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb#/

Accommodation: a variety of hotels, guest houses, B&B & hostels is available in Stornoway:

www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk

www.airbnb.co.uk/

www.trivago.co.uk

Emigration Exhibitions

Alongside the conference, both our museums will be showcasing exhibitions on the theme of emigration. ‘Cianalas ’s Dòchas | Homesickness and Hope’ will tell the stories of those who left island shores behind: the often-perilous journeys, reasons for leaving, challenges and obstacles of foreign lands, homesickness, survival instincts, the opportunities and the legacy. As well as artefacts and archives from our own collections, we will be borrowing artefacts from National Museums Scotland, the Fleming Collection and others to tell these engaging stories.

The exhibitions will run at Museum nan Eilean, Lionacleit, from 31st May until 29th November 2025, and at Museum nan Eilean, Stornoway, from 14th June until 29th November 2025.

Further information and research sources

The Emigration conference and exhibitions are part of the Hebridean Homecoming 2023-25 initiative. For more information on this, and other events and resources related to emigration, please visit our Hebridean Homecoming page.

Acknowledgements

Our conference has been funded by Museum Galleries Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, with venue sponsorship from Together Travel. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the commain eachdraidh (local historical societies) and community venues who are hosting the tours on Day 3.

Museums Galleries Scotland logo
Museums Galleries Scotland logo
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