Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is relishing the opportunity to meet with his Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee (RACCE) colleagues, as he welcomes them to his constituency in Skye (Aros Centre) on Monday the 7th of September.

Mr Thompson said, "It is always great to have a committee meeting out with the confines of the Parliament and it is especially relishing having the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee (RACCE) coming to Skye.

"Skye, as well as being a beautiful island, has resonance where rural affairs are concerned.  For centuries the crofters of the Highlands have tended the landscape, cultivating often small pieces of land to the benefit of their families, for which they paid landlords rent.

"However, in 1882 the relationship between crofters and landowners reached breaking point as crofters ignored a ban to graze their own stock, withheld their rent, and exploitative landowners attempted to clear families away in favour of sheep".

Dave went on, "This culminated in what has become known as the Battle of the Braes.

"50 policemen arrived from Glasgow to enforce the law, but angry at such a display of force, the crofters responded with sticks, stones and any other weapons arsenal they could find. The battle resulted with several folk being injured with some crofters arrested and fined for their part in the encounter.

"Although, all was not lost for the crofters, as such widespread alarm and publicity that was created, ultimately paved the way for the Crofters Act of 1886, meaning better security for crofters.

"So, with land reform very much on the Government agenda what better place to have a meeting of minds, than in none other than Skye, a place with a passionate history for progress".

Notes:

RACCE Visit: Monday 7th of September - Aros Centre (Portree) - 10am.

Key Facts: "Battle of the Braes":

• Date: 1882
• War: Highland Clearances
• Location: Camastianavaig, Isle of Skye, Highlands
• Belligerents: Skye Crofters, Glaswegian Police
• Victors: None, although the battle led to the Crofters Act of 1886
• Numbers: Crofters around 100, Glasgow Police around 50