Locals aim to buy Clearances village

AWe have some really exciting ideas for things to be done at Rosal and Borgie

north Sutherland community could bring life back to a village devastated by the Highland Clearances. Between 1814 and 1818, anyone living at Rosal in Strathnaver was forced out as the Countess of Sutherland wanted the land for sheep farming.

Ruins of longhouses are still visible in the area, and Strathnaver Museum tells the stories of those who lived there.

Now the museum team, with members of North Sutherland Community Forest Trust (NSCFT), and Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Community Council, have come together to consider a community land buyout.

The intention would be to buy Rosal Clearance Village and the surrounding forest, around 100 acres of land. It could also include a log cabin at Borgie.

The group is considering building a small settlement around the site, without

disturbing any of the structures that still stand.

Any further development or use of the area would be in the hands of the community.

The idea was discussed at the NSCFT’s annual meeting in January and a survey is asking members of the community what they think of the proposal.

Tim Curtis, director of the trust, said in an online post: “We have some really

exciting ideas for things to be done at Rosal and Borgie and a team of consultants has been engaged with Scottish Land Fund money to explore the potential benefits of these community buyouts.

“Once the consultants have helped us narrow down the options we will be extensively consulting with our communities to gauge the level of support in the community. Without community support the purchases will not go ahead.”

The community tried to buy the land in 2014 when Forestry and Land Scotland, the current owners, tried to sell. That was blocked by the environment minister at the time due to the site’s historical significance.

Rosal sits on the NC500, the tourist route around the north of Scotland.

ECHOES OF LIFE: A plaque and crumbling walls mark where the settlement of Rosal stood before the Clearances.

Strathnaver Museum, an old church, tells the area’s story.