Tour Scotland Video Old Photographs Scottish Gypsies

Tour Scotland video of old photographs of Scottish gypsies. Highland Travellers also known as Tinkers are closely tied to the native Highlands, and many traveller families carry clan names like Macfie, Stewart, MacDonald, Cameron, Williamson and Macmillan. They followed a nomadic or settled lifestyle; passing from village to village and are strongly identified with the native Gaelic speaking population. Continuing their nomadic life, they would often pitch their tents on rough ground on the edge of the village and earn money there as tinsmiths, hawkers, horse dealers or pearl fishermen. Many found seasonal employment on farms, e.g. at the berry picking or during harvest time.

Macfie is a Gaelic patronymic name which has been Anglicised into various forms, many of which are considered associated names of the clan Macfie. The clan has a long history with the islands of Colonsay and Oronsay in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, and today many monuments to various lairds and churchmen of the clan are found on these islands.

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

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