Early British era Hebrides

telford s clachan bridge between mainland of great britain , seil, known bridge across atlantic , built in 1792.

with implementation of treaty of union in 1707, hebrides became part of new kingdom of great britain, clans loyalties distant monarch not strong. considerable number of islesmen came out in support of jacobite earl of mar in 15 , again in 1745 rising including macleod of dunvegan , maclea of lismore. aftermath of decisive battle of culloden, ended jacobite hopes of stuart restoration, felt. british government s strategy estrange clan chiefs kinsmen , turn descendants english-speaking landlords main concern revenues estates brought rather welfare of lived on them. may have brought peace islands, in following century came @ terrible price. in wake of rebellion, clan system broken , islands of hebrides became series of landed estates.

the 19th century time of improvement , population growth. roads , quays built; slate industry became significant employer on easdale , surrounding islands; , construction of crinan , caledonian canals , other engineering works such telford s bridge across atlantic improved transport , access. however, in mid-19th century, inhabitants of many parts of hebrides devastated clearances, destroyed communities throughout highlands , islands human populations evicted , replaced sheep farms. position exacerbated failure of islands kelp industry thrived 18th century until end of napoleonic wars in 1815 , large scale emigration became endemic.

as iain mac fhearchair, gaelic poet south uist, wrote countrymen obliged leave hebrides in late 18th century, emigration alternative sinking slavery gaels had been unfairly dispossessed rapacious landlords. in 1880s, battle of braes involved demonstration against unfair land regulation , eviction, stimulating calling of napier commission. disturbances continued until passing of 1886 crofters act.