Leaving Scotland


Over the centuries the reason Scots have left their homeland has remained largely the same: most have sought a better life abroad.

In the Highlands, the escape from poverty, the landlord, taxation, and the prospect of obtaining fertile land elsewhere encouraged emigration. In this section, you can find out about Flora and Allan MacDonald who emigrated to North Carolina in the 1770s to escape poor economic conditions and absentee landlords on Skye.

For many Scots, the colonies offered new opportunities and, in some cases, such as the Australian goldfields, the possibility of obtaining great wealth. The desire for political and religious freedom also influenced the decision to emigrate. This section includes the story of John Salmond who emigrated to the Otago Settlement, New Zealand, which was established by members of the Free Church of Scotland.