Martyrs

Glendatle and the Revolution in Skye

A powerful exploration of martyrdom and conviction

About the Ebook

In the 1830s and 1840s the district of Glendale on the island of Skye was swamped by immigrants cleared from other north Skye estates. The resultant overcrowding and over-use of land caused simmering discontent - not against the incomers, but against the landowners, who regarded their tenants as no more than chattels.

This book is a definitive account of what happened when the powder-keg erupted and a full-scale land-war ensued. Pitched battles with police, factors and bailiffs, military intervention, arrests, trials, imprisonment and the personal intervention of the Prime Minister were to have huge consequences for crofters all over the Highlands, who, ultimately, were the victors.

At the heart of the rising was a man named John MacPherson of Lower Milovaig in Glendale, a courageous, charismatic and articulate crofter who was twice imprisoned for leading a rebellion against a system which kept all but the wealthiest in a state of bitter servitude. MacPherson quickly became known as 'the Glendale Martyr'.

Martyrs tells the story of John MacPherson, his comrades, his allies, his enemies and his final success.

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Discover the stories of those who paid the ultimate price for their faith or cause
• Explore the historical, religious, and personal dimensions of martyrdom
• Engage with thought-provoking writing on conviction, sacrifice, and meaning
• Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher

About the Author

Roger Hutchinson is an award-winning author and journalist. After working as an editor in London, in 1977 he joined the West Highland Free Press in Skye. Since then he has published thirteen books, including Polly: the True Story Behind Whisky Galore. He is still a columnist for the WHFP, and has written for BBC Radio, The Scotsman, The Guardian, The Herald and The Literary Review. His book The Soap Man (Birlinn 2003) was shortlisted for the Saltire Scottish Book of the Year (2004) and the bestselling Calum’s Road (2007) was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature’s Ondaatje Prize.

Publication Details

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd

Publication Date: 15 October 2015

Print Length: 236 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9780857908803

Format: Ebook

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