Home of the Clan Sutherland
We get many people from all around the world visiting us in Brora on the quest to find the next stage in their family tree. There seem to be strong Sutherland links with Clan MacLeod, Mackenzie, Munro and Robertson.
Some facts about Clan Sutherland
- Until 1819, when the first road was built in the area, their native tongue wasn't English, but Gaelic.
- Throughout the 18th century, the majority of families rented just enough land to be self sufficient but were predominantly very poor. The harsh weather of its time meant that harvest often failed, causing devastating effects on their families and livestock.
- The whole county of Sutherland was owned by a total of 5 landlords - The Countess of Sutherland being the largest and her tenants would require her permission to get married!
- 1745 - Prisoner statistics showed that the average height of a Highlander was 5 feet 4 inches tall
- 1799 - the annual croft rent was between 4 and 12 shillings.
- 1809 - saw the clan shatter when the agents of the Duke of Sutherland drove, with force, over 2,000 people away, forever. Many Sutherlands went to start new lives in America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the lowlands of Scotland and England.
Although many things have changed, including the severe winters, there is still an admirable passion for the land. Please contact us at the hotel if you wish for any local information.
