Mingulay

Synopsis

A remote, barren and ruggedly beautiful island lies at the southern end of the Outer Hebrides. Its people, loyal for centuries, have abandoned it but the beauty and history of Mingulay remain. The story of St Kilda, whose inhabitants were also forced to leave, is well known, but that of Mingulay is no less poignant, and is told in this acclaimed book for the first time. Ben Buxton documents the story of a people and of an island. In the nineteenth century Mingulay was home to up to 160 islanders who lived by crofting, fishing and by catching seabirds from cliffs which are among the highest in Britain. Looking back through the annals of history, he uncovers the traditions of a hospitable, close community which thrived under clan rule. But set in lonely isolation in the stormy Atlantic, with no proper landing place, absentee landlords and insufficient fertile land, life for Mingulay's inhabitants was hard, and By 1912, the 'voluntary' evacuation of the island was complete.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Isle of Mingulay

Mingulay is a small, uninhabited island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is known for its rugged coastline, abundant birdlife, and unique geological features. The chapter introduces the island and its history, including its former human inhabitants and their way of life.

Real Example: The chapter describes the island's distinctive "geological feature" known as the "Oonah," a large tabular rock that forms a natural archway.

Chapter 2: The MacLeods of Mingulay

The MacLeods were a clan that ruled Mingulay from the 16th century until the 19th century. They were responsible for building the island's only permanent structure, a small chapel known as the "Chapel of St. Columba." The chapter explores the history of the MacLeods and their relationship with the island.

Real Example: The chapter mentions a specific McLeod chief named Roderick, who was known for his piety and is said to have built the chapel in honor of St. Columba.

Chapter 3: The Crofting Community

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Mingulay became home to a small community of crofters. These families lived a subsistence lifestyle, relying on fishing, farming, and the collection of seaweed. The chapter describes the hardships and challenges faced by the crofters, as well as their resilience and sense of community.

Real Example: The chapter recounts the story of a crofter named John Mackay, who survived a shipwreck and lived alone on Mingulay for several months.

Chapter 4: The Clearance of Mingulay

In 1851, the MacLeods evicted the crofters from Mingulay as part of the larger Highland Clearances. The families were forced to leave their homes and find new places to live. The chapter examines the reasons for the clearances and their devastating impact on the island community.

Real Example: The chapter cites the diary of a crofter named Lachlan MacDonald, which provides a firsthand account of the clearances and the hardships faced by the evicted families.

Chapter 5: The Naturalist's Paradise

Following the clearances, Mingulay became a haven for naturalists and birdwatchers. The island's remote and undisturbed environment harbored a rich variety of flora and fauna. The chapter describes the scientific expeditions and observations made on Mingulay, including the work of the ornithologist Seton Gordon.

Real Example: The chapter highlights the discovery of a rare bird species on Mingulay, the corncrake, which had been thought to be extinct in Scotland.

Chapter 6: The Mingulay Restoration Project

In the early 21st century, conservationists launched a restoration project to bring Mingulay back to its former natural state. The project involved removing invasive species, replanting native vegetation, and monitoring bird populations. The chapter discusses the successes and challenges of the restoration efforts.

Real Example: The chapter mentions the volunteer work of a group of students who assisted in the restoration of Mingulay's sand dunes.