At first, the clan Chiefs decided to increase the available workforce on their land, to develop the booming kelp industry. Kelp was used to produce soaps and other consumer products. Many leading Chiefs, for example, MacDonald of Sleat encouraged larger families and the lands subdivision amongst their children, so that family farms could no longer sustain those living on them; it is hoped then more cheap labor would be available, as the ‘landless’ would relocate to the coast to help with the kelp industry.

Unfortunately, the kelp industry collapsed in 1822 when less expensive substitutes from Spain became available, and the sheep was the new way for wealthy landlords to make profits. The Highlands became an immense sheep farm, and many subsistence farmers who had inhabited the land for a millennium now stood in the new way for ‘progress’. Many were forcibly evicted from the most fertile and best farming land to the sheep grazing areas, and had to resettle on rocky and barren coastal strips where growing enough crop to survive was daunting.

Famine became widespread, particularly following the potato blights in 1845. For them voluntary emigration could be the only way out; thousands of farmers boarded ships to begin a new life in Canada or America each year, many of them dying en route due to epidemic on the crowded ships. Many villages were torched and their inhabitants were forced to leave the Isle with virtually no preparation or possessions. By the late 19th century, crofters began to fight back after inspired by the Ireland Land Struggle.

For those who wish to see the site of a forced clearance, the Suisnish-Boreraig walk is especially recommended. In this trip, you will visit a couple of villages cleared in 1853; while the old ruins in Boreraig remains a haunting spot. Other remnants of cleared villages can still be found in Lorgill, cleared in 1830, which you can visit on the Ramasaig-Orbost walk.

Many tales about the clearances have been passed down through the generations and are still remembered until now, both by people in Isle of Skye and by descendants of emigrants in the new world.

Dunvegan Castle is a place that is filled to the brim with mystery and beauty. In 1933, the 27th Chief was the first to invite the public in to enjoy its majestic beauty. The castle was most famous for being a Hebridean stronghold and has not seen a change of ownership for eight centuries. It is a castle that has been impounded by history and historic drama for many years.

The castle’s large, impressive halls hold some very pricey heirlooms and many of them even date back as far as medieval era. The gardens and landscape that surround the castle, matches the stone building with all the grandeur it has. It is nestled between rocky edges on one side and beautiful, bustling plantations on the other. The castle gardens have drawn many botanists and gardeners both near and far.

The gardens also boast of waterfalls and glades and walkway paths to sooth the wandering soul. There is even a formal round garden you can visit when you are there. Most of the land near the castle is moorland that is barren and lacks substance, but the gardens on and around the castle grounds are lush and full of life. Many plants and tree species take root and grow in a thriving atmosphere here around the castle and its grounds and you would swear that the soil has some special, magic qualities to it. There are many different Rhododendron bushes that you will find in the formal garden as well.

It was built on the rocky edge of the sea for protection. The castle consist of six main building parts to it and five of them are open to the public. The one that is not open to the public and is reserved for the owner and family. The castle has seen many years of additional building and restoration that has all added to the castles alluring pull. If you make a visit to Scotland, no trip would be complete without visiting the castle and partaking of its mystical grounds and glens. Once you visit Dunvegan Castle, you will never forget its magical and special presence. You will always remember its structured walls that have seen as many as ten different building periods and the hauntingly beautiful rooms and halls.