The Struggles of Crofters: A Glimpse into the Life of John MacGillivray

The Crofter's Commission and Its Impact

With the establishment of the Crofter's Commission following the Napier Report, a new chapter began for many crofters. The commission set out to examine those who had applied for rent reductions. This was a crucial moment in history, as it aimed to address the grievances of crofters across Scotland.

On April 19th, 1890, the members of the commission arrived at Iona. Present were Sheriff Brand, assessors Watson and McVean, along with Chief Clerk Mr. MacKenzie. The Duke of Argyll's representative, Mr. Archibald Craig, was there, as was Mr. J.M. Campbell, who represented the crofters.

John MacGillivray: A Voice for the West End Crofters

John MacGillivray was the last of the West End crofters to testify. Like many of his fellow crofters, he was examined through an interpreter. As reported by the Oban Times, when Sheriff Brand asked him about his age, John replied that he was seventy years old. His rent was ten pounds and seventeen shillings, and he had arrears amounting to twenty-one pounds, three shillings, and one penny.

Mr. Campbell then questioned John about how he had built his house and steading approximately twenty-three years prior.

Cnocoran photograph taken by the author in 2016 - the house built by John MacGillivray

Following a further inquiry from Sheriff Brand, John described the land he took on as "hard as pavement." He undertook significant improvements, building dykes and making drains, as noted in Echoes of the Clearances. John was candid about the reasons for his arrears, attributing them to "hard times and rack renting."

The Reality of Rack Renting

Rack renting was a strategy employed by the eighth Duke of Argyll in managing his lands. On the Ross of Mull and the Isle of Iona, he was supported by his Chamberlain, John Campbell, who raised rents to exorbitant levels. Those who could not afford these rising rents faced eviction or were forced to emigrate. The Glasgow Daily Mail harshly criticized the Duke's policies, stating:

"He had kept the crofters in poverty by exacting excessive rents."

This sentiment was echoed in an article titled "The Rack Renting Duke," published on May 15th, 1890.

When questioned by Mr. Craig, John revealed that his sales the previous year amounted to thirty-eight pounds. He "reared and trained horses to make both ends meet." The Duke had previously compensated him with twenty pounds for losses incurred some years prior.

John had not taken in any of the Barony children—poor or orphaned children from Glasgow—so he did not receive any financial support from that source. His only income came from his croft, supplemented by the help of his family.

The Commission's Findings

After several weeks of deliberation, the results of the Crofters Commission review were announced. The Glasgow Herald reported on May 14th, 1890, that crofters on the Ross of Mull received an average rent reduction of 39%, with 63% of arrears wiped from their records. On Iona, where 16 crofters sought relief, they received an average rent reduction of 27.5% and had 70% of their total arrears eliminated.

John MacGillivray himself received a rent reduction, bringing his annual rent down to nine pounds ten shillings. He also had six pounds one shilling and three pennies of arrears eliminated. At its peak, John's rent on Iona was over twenty pounds, making this reduction significant for him.

Reflections on the Past

The substantial reductions granted to crofters highlight the unfairness of the rents charged during the mid to late 1880s. It is evident that these rents were not reflective of the land's true value or the struggles faced by those who worked it.

As I reflect on John MacGillivray's story, I am reminded of the resilience of the crofters. They fought for their rights and sought justice in a system that often overlooked their plight. Their stories are woven into the fabric of Scottish history, and it is essential that we remember them.

Conclusion: Preserving Our Heritage

The Mull MacGillivray Heritage Project aims to become the central hub for MacGillivray family history and Scottish heritage on the Isle of Mull. By connecting with ancestral land and preserving the stories of the Highland Clearances, we can ensure that these narratives endure for future generations.

Let us honor the legacy of individuals like John MacGillivray, whose lives were shaped by the land they called home. Their experiences remind us of the importance of community, resilience, and the ongoing journey of understanding our heritage.

Information taken from the Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, April 19, 1890, Glasgow Herald, May 14, 1890, and Glasgow Daily Mail, May 15, 1890.