Scottish Ancestry

Thanks to some research by my nephew Scott, I have a family tree tracing our family back to Scotland from my father's side of the family. I will figure out how to post that family tree at a later time.

I did a little research on Scottish history, and learned that my ancestors (if they were Highlanders) were persecuted for about 100 years starting in 1746 with the Battle of Culloden. When I get a chance, I will research the family tree to see if my ancestors were the "savage" Highlanders (a.k.a. Jacobites), or the Lowlanders who were inclined to succumb to rule under the English Monarchy.

England engaged in systematic ethnic cleansing of the Scottish Highlands, known as the "Highland Clearances." The tartan, the bagpipe, weapons and even speaking Celtic were all outlawed. Entire villages were burned and the occupants were sometimes forced onto ships with nothing but the clothes on their backs bound for the Americas, where they were sold into slavery. That's right, my ancestor may have been a slave!

Here's the link to follow if you have the time. It's five chapters long. I was spellbound enough to read it from beginning to end. Read a chapter at a time if you like...

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/Skyewrites/clear1.html

Battle of Colloden Monument

Where's my scholarships? Where's my special privileges?