The Paupers, the Gallant Colonel and the Fourth Estate: Press Reporting of the Arrival of Barra Highlanders on the Scottish Mainland

Abstract

Destitute islanders from Barra arrived on the Scottish mainland in late 1850 following successive failures of the island's annual potato crop. Their presence, behaviour and the actions of their erstwhile proprietor, Colonel John Gordon of Cluny garnered newspaper coverage and comment. During the previous five years, these same, predominantly Lowland papers reported on how proprietors, the state and the public reacted to the humanitarian crisis as it unfolded throughout the Highlands and Ireland. Centuries-old Lowland views as to why Highlanders were unable to sustain themselves resurfaced, often woven into journalistic commentary on the aforementioned responses. This paper considers the state of the island purchased by Cluny, his investment in improvements and the resulting return he expected to accrue. Journalist and anti-proprietor campaigner Donald Ross attempted to hold Cluny to account for his behaviour towards his tenants when famine struck. Ross brought the islanders’ plight to the attention of readers of his columns, while also orchestrating events which achieved both positive and critical comments in the press. Finally, an assessment is offered of the relative importance of the story to newspaper editors, their readerships and Cluny’s own public legacy.