The Highland Clearances

Just south of the River Helmedale on the hill overlooking the village of Helmsdale, stands this magnificent sculpture, which was unveiled by The First Minister of Scotland, The RT HON ALEX SALMOND MSP on 23rd July 2007.
This commemorates the people who were forced out of their homes in the Highlands and Islands by the Lords and Estate owners in the 17th and 18th centuries to make way for sheep.
The inscription on the statue I thought was very poignant. It reads thus:
The Emigrants.
Commemorates the people of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland who,
in the face of great adversity, sought freedom, hope and justice beyond these
shores. They and their descendants went forth and explored continents, built
great countries and cities and gave their enterprise and culture to the world.

This is their legacy.

Their voices will echo forever through the empty Straths and Glens of their
homeland.

That is a real piece of history and my blip for today.