Yes, it's one of those things that always makes me a little melancholy, the whole 'history being written by the victors' thing. Still, at least there are some stories and, perhaps, others hidden somewhere, yet to be discovered (I remember buying a box of books at an auction, mostly paperbacks of bestsellers, which I donated to the charity shop. Hidden beneath these, however, were several leather volumes, dating back to the late 1600s to the 1700s. In one of the latter, I found beautiful handwriting which turned out to be a draft of a poem. There were other notes throughout this volume and, one day when I am reunited with my library, I'll have to transcribe these and take some photos. My sister also bought a similar box at a different auction, many miles and years apart, and that one had a child's sketchbook and journal in it, which covered the late 1930s, all the way through the war, as she grew up. Remarkable stuff.)?
Such a sad period of history, however. It is one of those things so many still do not know about, either. Sigh.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story of bravery and determination.
I have visited Coigach many times - it is one of my favourite locations on the west coast but I had never heard this story. The memorial seems a fitting way to remember these brave women and I hope to see it one day.
The local community wrote and performed a play about 20 years ago. I think someone is planning/writing a novel. Two local musicians have written new material inspired by the events (one of the women is their great great grandmother) and they will be touring that later this year.
The stories are there, but in the records are generally written through the male gaze or lens of authority. Oral history within communities will have recorded so much more but unless they are constantly retold or written down they are lost. Thankfully there is some recorded oral history from this community, although some of that history was relegated to an appendix in one of the text books on the subject. The author subsequently apologised to the community for doing that.
Fab stuff. My friend Barbara Henderson wrote a book for young people called Fir for Luck, based on the clearances near Durness. It’s a fictional account, but based on a lot of research. I loved the fact that her hero was a young girl.
Women, I suspect, were rarely ‘silent’ but they are certainly mostly silenced from history by the men who generally tell the stories. Thanks for letting these feisty ladies tell their tale.
Many thanks for sharing this, really found it fascinating!
Thanks, Alexander. There will be so many untold stories of this period in history (as others) because they aren't written in the available records.
Yes, it's one of those things that always makes me a little melancholy, the whole 'history being written by the victors' thing. Still, at least there are some stories and, perhaps, others hidden somewhere, yet to be discovered (I remember buying a box of books at an auction, mostly paperbacks of bestsellers, which I donated to the charity shop. Hidden beneath these, however, were several leather volumes, dating back to the late 1600s to the 1700s. In one of the latter, I found beautiful handwriting which turned out to be a draft of a poem. There were other notes throughout this volume and, one day when I am reunited with my library, I'll have to transcribe these and take some photos. My sister also bought a similar box at a different auction, many miles and years apart, and that one had a child's sketchbook and journal in it, which covered the late 1930s, all the way through the war, as she grew up. Remarkable stuff.)?
Such a sad period of history, however. It is one of those things so many still do not know about, either. Sigh.
Wow, the books sound like fantastic finds!
Yes, a sad period of history.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story of bravery and determination.
I have visited Coigach many times - it is one of my favourite locations on the west coast but I had never heard this story. The memorial seems a fitting way to remember these brave women and I hope to see it one day.
Thanks Gill - it's a beautiful area.
There is still a way to go with the fundraising efforts, but everyone is determined to make it happen!
Love the image of them throwing the sheriff’s officer into the sea! Someone should write a novel/play or make a film about their lives.
It's great, isn't it!
The local community wrote and performed a play about 20 years ago. I think someone is planning/writing a novel. Two local musicians have written new material inspired by the events (one of the women is their great great grandmother) and they will be touring that later this year.
Oh, that's great to hear! Wonderful. ✨️
Wow this was fascinating! What incredible spirit and strength. Thank you so much for sharing. X
Thank you - so glad you enjoyed it!
A brilliant story of bravery and resilience, thank you for sharing it as part of the daisy chain xx
Thanks, Lyndsay - glad you liked it.
Ahh Lynn, what a wonderful read highlighting the strength of will of female strength! I loved this story!
How is it these stories are overlooked and never recorded?
And, Why has there never been a film made of this brave solidarity amongst women?
The stories are there, but in the records are generally written through the male gaze or lens of authority. Oral history within communities will have recorded so much more but unless they are constantly retold or written down they are lost. Thankfully there is some recorded oral history from this community, although some of that history was relegated to an appendix in one of the text books on the subject. The author subsequently apologised to the community for doing that.
That makes your job even more appreciated and important the!
An amazing story of the strength of will and bravery of these women - thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Lin - glad you enjoyed it.
Fab stuff. My friend Barbara Henderson wrote a book for young people called Fir for Luck, based on the clearances near Durness. It’s a fictional account, but based on a lot of research. I loved the fact that her hero was a young girl.
Women, I suspect, were rarely ‘silent’ but they are certainly mostly silenced from history by the men who generally tell the stories. Thanks for letting these feisty ladies tell their tale.
Yes, I doubt women were silent, but their voice is rarely heard in the historical records.