Old Photograph Glengorm Castle Scotland

Old photograph of Glengorm Castle, Isle of Mull, Scotland. The Mishnish estate was purchased in 1856 by James Forsyth of Quinish. Forsyth was a hated figure on the island, he cleared the crofters from the area by bullying and concerted pressure. One old woman had a title to her land which Forsyth took from her and throwing it into the fire told her she had a week to leave. Upon his return he was meet by the woman and the local minister who had kept the original. Forsyth incadescent with rage decided to fence her in so that she could not leave to get provisions. However the woman managed very well it was said that men climb the cliffs near by to bring provisions. When Forsyth was building the castle he was told by an old woman he would never live in the place. He died just before it was opened. Forsyth when building asked an elderly woman what he should call his splendid new house, she said call it Glengorm, he did not understand that it means blue smoke a comment on the peat smoke that would no longer be seen from the houses of the people he had made homeless. Many of the folk moved into Tobermory to find work.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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