The MacAskills
by Bill MacAskill
MacAskills Appear in AssyntIt was at this time, the mid 18th century, that the MacAskills moved into Assynt to become tacksmen at Loch Beannoch, Duchlas and Polgarver. It is highly probable that tenancies were quite difficult to come by at that time and opportunities would have to be grasped as they ocurred when new tacks were 'set'. In any case, as we shall see by the description that follows, the Assynt opportunity was not at all bad.Many Skye MacAskills of earlier generations had emigrated to the Carolinas and were doing well. It would appear that the excess in this particular generation had sufficient funds available to remain on farms in the Highlands. (Some of us may wish they had all gone to the Carolinas!)
What follows is an extract from 'Homes Survey of Assynt' commissioned by Sutherland Estates. It contains areas, rents, lists of residents, descriptions of contents, etc., but sadly almost nothing about the character of the people. However, he made one statement which is of immense importance to those of us who have long speculated on what life was really like before the clearances. He clearly states that there was no evidence of poverty in Assynt. November 1774 Donald MacAskill, Loch Beannoch Farm. Con-Joint Tack on 2019 acres. Total rent: £8.0.0d. Five households of 29 people. 5 men, 5 women, 18 children, 1 servant.
Observations: Loch Beannoch Farmstead lies at the end of the farm at the march with Little Assynt. The infield has a convenient declivity and aspect towards the south and east and is pretty well sheltered by the hills which surround it. The infields lie pretty compact with a few grassy baulks and some rocks interjected therewith, the ground is a light black soil and yields good corn. This farm is occupied by four Tacksmen who have it *Run-Ridge amongst them. There are seven Sheeting Places upon this farm about one half whereof is presently in corn which is remarkably rich and luxuriant. All the Sheeling Places lie near the Farm Houses except No 7 which lies toward the south and about three miles distant. All the Hill Pasture is generally coarse and abounds mostly with large tracts of wet Moss. The best Pasture lies next the Infields and around the loch of Loch Beannoch from which the Farm takes its name. The islands in the Loch are covered with Wood which is quite inaccessible as the Loch is very deep and no boat on it.
* (W.W.M Note. Run-Ridge was a system whereby the arable land was cultivated by different individuals in rotation to ensure equitable use of good and bad land by all who worked it.)
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