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Homecoming Conference investigates Extradition of Catholic Highlanders
28th September 2009
The University of Aberdeen’s Dr Marjory Harper will lift the lid on some of Scotland’s twentieth-century emigrants when she addresses Scotland’s Global Impact Conference in Inverness, from 22 to 24 of October.
Among the characters to be featured is Father Andrew MacDonell who as an emigration agent in the 1920s, orchestrated the controversial movement of several hundred Hebridean Catholics to Canada.
Awarded the MBE in 1955 for his recruitment activities, he provoked outrage in the affected communities, among both the emigrants and those who were left behind.
It is claimed that Fr MacDonell simply fed his own ambition by attempting to create a colony of Catholics from Barra, South Uist and Benbecula on the prairies, where they fell victim to poor planning, an impossible climate and the ravages of the Depression.
More controversially, it is claimed that he fuelled the fire of an anti-Catholic estate policy that sought to get rid of unwanted crofters through emigration. The enthusiasm of the proprietor, Lady Emily Gordon Cathcart, for colonising western Canada was allegedly tinged more by her share-holding interests in the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Hudson’s Bay Company than by a concern for the well-being of the colonists.
“Dr Marjory Harper said: “This conference gives people the opportunity to look forward as well as back, to discuss the future in the context of the past.”
This, and many more aspects of Scotland’s history will be revealed as part of Scotland’s Global Impact, a 3 day conference forming part of Highland Homecoming, the regions two week festival contribution to Scotland’s Homecoming.
Marie Christie Project Director at Homecoming Scotland, said: “As part of Homecoming Scotland, we are excited to be supporting Scotland’s Global Impact conference. It is an opportunity for all to get involved in Scotland’s history, particularly emigration that changed so many Scottish lives. This event allows anyone with an interest in our country’s history to discuss, debate and argue about Scotland’s contribution to the wider world.”
Scotland’s Global Impact Conference will reveal this study in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness from 22 to 24 October 2009.
This Conference will reveal much about the people of Scotland, exploring why they left their country over many centuries and unravelling the huge impact this small nation has made on the rest of our planet.
Chaired by the BBC’s Lesley Riddoch, the Scotland’s Global Impact features a number of controversial speakers, including Eric Richards, author of Patrick Sellar and the Highland Clearances.
For more information or tickets go to http://www.scotlandsglobalimpact.com
Ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
Images available
Principal Partners: Homecoming Scotland, The Highland Council Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Bòrd na Gàidhlig
Major Partners: Scottish Arts Council, LEADER, EventScotland
In Kind Partner: Ashers’ Bakeries
Event Partners: UHI, University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh, Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, University of Glasgow
Homecoming Scotland 2009
1. Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to engage Scots at home as well as motivate people of Scottish descent and those who simply love Scotland, to take part in an inspirational celebration of our culture, heritage and some of the many great contributions Scotland has given to the world.
2. 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, with the programme’s design guided by Scotland’s unique position as the home of Burns himself, Golf, Whisky, Great Minds and Innovations, and Scotland’s culture and heritage which lives on at home and through Scotland’s global family.
3. The budget for Homecoming is £5.5million and the target is for an 8 to 1 return on investment i.e. £44 million revenue additionality.
4. Homecoming Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by EventScotland the national events agency in partnership with VisitScotland, the country’s national tourism agency. Homecoming is part financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.
5. For more information on Homecoming Scotland please visit: http://www.homecomingscotland2009.com
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