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, was held at Lews Castle, Stornoway, from 30th September to 2nd October 2025. The conference considered the theme of emigration from a range of perspectives. There was a mix of in-person and online speakers. Delegates were able to attend either in person or virtually.
Days 1 and 2 consisted of presentations, interspersed with Q & A sessions, while Day 3 offeredthe opportunity for delegates to visit community heritage venues and historical sites on Lewis. There was a choice of three field trip options on day 3.
Programme
You can listen to the recorded lectures by clicking the links below – please note that these were recorded live at the conference rather than as pre-records so we apologise for any technical glitches
• Keynote Speaker: Professor Marjory Harper, University of Aberdeen (in-person)
Overview of Hebridean Emigration
• Dr Frances Wilkins, University of Aberdeen (in-person)
The evolution of a Cree Fiddle Tradition, Canada with roots in the Hudson’s Bay Company
• Theo Albano, The Fleming Collection (in-person)
Artistic portrayal of emigration
• Pauline MacLean, Highland Village Museum, Cape Breton (virtual) – issue with sound quality at the very start
Chain migration & settlers from island communities in Nova Scotia
• Margaret Stewart, University of Glasgow (in-person) – still to be added
’S e Crìoch Gach Comunn Dealachadh: Contextualising the experiences of the emigrant Gael through their poetry and song.
• Amber Buchanan, Independent Researcher, Nova Scotia (virtual) – still to be added
“What is the indigeneity of the Gaels?”
• Dr Timothy S. Forest, University of Cincinnati (virtual) – still tobe added
Planting Thistles in Imperial Gardens: State-Directed Colonisations of Hebrideans, 1880-1930
Day Two
• Eric Smith, Rebecca Landy & Catherine Proud, Genealogical Society of Victoria (virtual)
Far away over the sea to Australia – travel from the Outer Hebrides and life in Victoria
Apologies for lack of sound and visual in the first 2 mins
• Prof Frank Tough, University of Alberta (virtual) – This presentation is not available online –
From Island to Post: A documentary exploration of the Métis of the Northern Department of the Hudson’s Bay Company
• Dr Robin Sen, University of Edinburgh (in-person)
An overview of what is known about the Forced Child Migration Schemes in the UK
• Dr Joseba Achotegui, University of Barcelona (virtual) – apologies for the sound quality
Migrant Mourning /Ulysses Syndrome and how it would have related to early Scottish emigrants
• Dr Elizabeth Ritchie, University of the Highlands & Islands (in-person) – still to be added
‘He is determined for a Scotchwoman’: acquiring an emigrant wife
• Dr Joanna Rodgers, independent researcher (in-person)
Ancestral Tourism in a Scottish context
• Dr Shamus Y. MacDonald, Highland Village Museum, Cape Breton (virtual)
Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia: a’ coimhead air n-ais, is a’ coimhead air adhart
Day Three
Delegates were given the opportunity to select one field trip. This element was in partnership with Outer Hebrides Heritage Forum members.
- Ness & West Side
Ness Historical Society, Barbhas & Bru Comann Eachdriadh, Carloway Historical Society & Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
2. Kinloch & Pairc
Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument, Pairc Land Raiders Memorial, Ravenspoint Museum & Kinloch Museum
3. Point, Tolsta & Back
Gress Land Raiders Memorial / Back Historical Society, Aignish Land Raiders Memorial / Point Historical Society & Tolsta Historical Society
Emigration Exhibitions
Alongside the conference, both our museums were showcasing exhibitions on the theme of emigration. ‘Cianalas ’s Dòchas | Homesickness and Hope’ which told 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 have borrowed artefacts from National Museums Scotland, the Fleming Collection and others to tell these engaging stories.
The exhibitions were showing 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.
Acknowledgements
Our conference was 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 hosted the tours on Day 3.
