THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES AND THE MODERN SCOTTISH DIASPORA: stories from Scotlands history

I want my land back…. I love your work bro

Like most young Americans, I really didn’t pay much attention to my elders when they came down from Cape Breton in the summers to visit my dad’s ma who lived next door. Did not even really think much about my heritage until all that knew much had passed on and then I became the elder and was embarrassed a how little I knew. I did know from a written book that I’m descended from a Peter MacDonald who arrived on PEI in 1745 and sailed to Cape Breton settling in the high woods in a small settlement of Creignish Rear. I guess I must have heard some snipits of stories because during my own investigation of geography I discovered South Uist on a map and immediately my mind said, “That’s where he came from.” With a mix of European blood like most of us in New England, I am most proud of my Scottish heritage and I want to thank you for contributing to that pride even more. And thanks to my beautiful granddaughter who was serving in the USAF and while visiting her in Germany arranged a week trip to England, Wales and Scotland where we got to visit Castle Tioram. A trip of a lifetime!

Another story right from the heart. Unfortunately it happens again and again and again and again (from the song ‘Willie Macbride’). 🌞

That was nice Bruce. I became a fan of Robert Burns through High School theater and A.C.T Theater. I love his play and his humor. I think I need to read some. Take care friend

What are you talking about Bruce?
We Scott's really don't discriminate! We'll be glad to hate anyone! Lol just kidding.

there's a Scottish media person over there who was ranting against the Independence Vote - I asked if it was strategic for the English to deport the MacBrydes in the 1700s to keep them from voting for independence in the 2000s.

I just saw this...been catching up on any videos I have yet to watch. Love this with you just talking and making me think.

The only human who can explain 4000 years of my diasporic mtdna that landed equally in Newfoundland Canada and Scotland-with humor I can appreciate.

They were vile no different to the Tories down south, how many peasants revolts do you need to see that all the workers would be enslaved if at all possible ,Peterloo and The Radical Rising of 1820 show what utter contempt the wealthy 1% have for what they see as human cattle every penny extra a worker gets is a penny less for lord of the manor
who do think put the profit of sheep above the lives of crofters ,they were evil they are evil and they are still there , raising a glass on the anniversary of peterloo
just look at Johnson and the Orwellian pigs with their snouts in our trough, the same pigs then and now

Sad. But without it, I prob wouldn't be here or at least with different ancestors.

Experienced them all, and from both sides. Well-spoken, sir.

My ancestor Lachlan MacDougall was exiled member of the house of Lorne who settled creating the town of broad cove banks in Cape Breton Nova Scotia (New Scotland). I still consider myself to be a Scottish highlander and not a Canadian.

Bruce, thank you for another informative and entertaining video! I love how your videos help tie together historical figures and events that we've learned but still may have questions about.

A very similar sitting statue of Robert Burns can be found by searching, “Burns statue Washington Park, Albany, NY.”

Well, that was powerful. In the diaspora whether Scottish, Irish, or eastern Europeans, or those who were sold into the transatlantic slave trade, and so many others. ...we are the ones who survived. This video reminds us to reflect upon the lives, the families, and lineages that did not make it. We are the survivors. It is a humble way to see ourselves.

Thanks Bruce, So true! My ancestor Abrahams Stewart, Left For America in 1780s , We recently visited Scotland saw the walls and sheep! It was Obvious the scars remain, they empty valleys carry their spirts.

My grandmother was a campbell.The moto for that clan is Forget Not.

I am proud of the strength and the courage of my scottish ancesters who lived and died under harsh conditions.with all my heart i solute you all!

I come from what’s known in English as Cape Breton Island or what’s known to its Indigenous people as Unama’ki. Scottish Gaelic culture is more alive here than anywhere else outside of Scotland and is a huge part of our identity. While the Gaels who came here were no doubt colonized, they unfortunately became the colonizers to the Indigenous Mi’kmaq. Now all people on the island are colonized in a way through capitalist imperialism from mostly Central and Western Canada, the US, and Germany. I find it useful to take pride in my Gaelic heritage not in a form of reactionary settler nationalism, but to allow myself to have more empathy with the Indigenous Mi’kmaq, another tribal clan society who lived off the land, by remembering how my ancestors went through many of the same things, therefore helping me more to identify with them than with fellow white Canadian settlers out West, and therefore developing stronger solidarity while recognizing my elevated position in society as (now) a white settler

“It’s not my fault if reality is Marxist” - Che Guevara

Highlands the true Scottish culture brothers of Irish Gaels in Ireland.

You are an excellent story teller and you did it all from your heart without a script. My DNA is 36 percent Scottish and I have no knowledge about where, when, or how my ancestors came to the USA. I know I loved Scotland when I visited but that part of my history is lost to me except the part that is in my heart.

💔😢 I may live here 🇺🇸, but my heart and soul live elsewhere, it may not sound proper, but it is my truth. Thank you for this video.
Peace love light and blessings.
🌹🦋❤️☮️

Bruce, I started watching your channel recently and I love it. Im a supporter of Scottish independence, not because I’m nationalistic, but because I’m a progressive that believes in social justice. Scotland has a different ‘vibe’ to the rest of the UK and it would be a wonderful thing for our people, the multicultural society we live in, to have that reflected by the decisions our government can make, if it gets the levers to do so. History is very important and we can see that when we walk through our cities, built on the exploitation of slaves, and we can see that when we walk through the open spaces…..predominantly owned by very few wealthy people.

Otago!! The Octagon!!😍 Robert Burns is my ancestor! Love it so that's where you got your jersey from!😍🥰😍

My Dad was a very enthusiastic farmer!!🤣😭🤣😭

I don't see color brother what I see is the person who is speaking to me

I would love to hear as much history as I can from an African Scott as I would from anyone else. even more so

I must say you do not have a funny accent. everybody else does

i was born not far from Edinburgh Castle and lived in Canada's frozen winters. I've come full circle and now live in jamaica

Another great video

I truly appreciate your perspective on the complicated nuance of Scottish history and its relevance to the oppressed/oppressors of the diaspora. Thanks.

Ever watch Canadian Hockey? I am a Lightning fan. Up until last night I thought the Scots in Canada were tough and independent until I heard the Prime minister outlaw guns last night. I bet he has all the guns he wants and as many people here in the US say only the criminals will have guns...I think you understand that we stick up for each other and do not need to sign up to let the government come to our rescue.

And from Mexico too! When my great-grandfather arrived into Mexico, the local Yaqui natives where being displaced as well

Great video...Are you aware that in Canada Cape Breton Island Galic language is traditionally the 1st language of the region...Taught in school, road and street signs...Up until the mid 20th century most people didn't speak any english at all...My friends grandmother for example...Not a word of english in her vocabulary.

Personal comment of Laura Botten: Our family never forgot those left behind, died on the Highlands or at sea! That's probably why my Scottish heritage is so important to me. I grew up on the stories and every Burns we can remember, we talk of regularly, including my great uncle, Norman Bruce Burns, who lived only 8 hours before my grandma was even born. We hold these memories dear. If you live as long as you're remembered, many Burnses, and other family, have lived a long time.

Very good Fummey, I have to say your points of view are completely aligned with mine. I grew up in Isle of lewis in a tiny village of Baravs ,its still the highest number of people in any village of or area of Scotland that still speak gaidhlig it's still around 62 % . What I've noticed, it's quite interesting. If you stop a child of school age speaking gaidhlig, for example telling them its unfashionable or seen as stupid, that child will grow up and never speak gaidhlig ( a language) again , 1000 years of language and culture can be wiped out in one generation. Thus giving birth to all the versions of Anglo saxon we have in Scotland.

Crazy how it remains in your bones & blood generations later

And the answer is . . . . Dunedin of course. Named for Edinburgh.

Where these families that emigrated refugees?

Genes of the Highland survivers live strong in Portugal as well.

Excellent story. It was Scots that drove irish out of Ulster.

I'm loving your great knowledge of Scotland history. I'm learning so many things about my ancestors. One side from Inverness the other Ulster. Excellent story!!!

thank you for giving us the story, rather than a Political Rant which passes on no information and stifles thought. your summing up at the end made me feel the hope behind "someone else can see it to"

My dad was a very enthusiastic farmer. Actual hahahah.

I immigrated to New Zealand from Scotland in the early 80's and mixed with the Maori and Islanders. I knew I was treated differently to the other Pakehas and Kiwis......but it really hit home when I was down in Colac Bay on the south coast below Invercargill. A real Scotsman was in the area?.......I was treated like royalty by the Maoris...and I mean real Maoris.

Amazing post...! Country always belong to the people...! As a MacPherson on my mother's side living in Australia of crofter heratige...I still see the same thing happening to the indigenous people nothing has changed..! It is a crime against humanity..! The people who have done this have sold there soul.. thankyou for the post 👍

My mum is from Merseyside, my dad's an Aussie with Scottish heritage and my son is part aboriginal, but yeah I can really understand where you are coming from,take it easy mate.

Yes it is much more complex, than people realise I think, the whole system is actually destructive in so many ways,we all have a responsibility to heal the situation, at least the way I see it.