Old Photograph Crofters Cottages Tarskavaig Isle Of Skye Scotland

Old photograph of crofters cottages in Tarskavaig on the West coast of Sleat on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Up until the 16th century the area around Tarskavaig was subject to feuds between the MacLeod and MacDonald clans. However, it was not until the 17th century that the MacDonalds finally established control of the area and the clan chief settled at Armadale. The economy of Tarskavaig was dependent on five key activities: the breeding of black cattle for sale, growing potatoes, fishing, kelping, and the rearing of sheep for wool. The Year of Destitution in 1837 was the turning point in the history of Tarskavaig, as the land could no longer support the rising population. After reaching a peak of 250 in 1837, the number of inhabitants declined steadily. The Potato Blight of 1846, a year after Ireland, was another massive blow to the community, as over 80% of the diet was being provided by the humble potato, and crofting there entered a period of decline. Gaelic was very much the natural tongue of the home, work, and church in Sleat during the 19th century, and it remained overwhelmingly Gaelic speaking until the end of the Second World War.





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