The Thistle And The Silver Fern
This book is a combination of family pride, delight in Highland history and folklore, and years of dedicated research. It is a notable addition to the ever popular history and literature devoted to the emigration and settlement of thousands of Highlanders, whose courage and virtues have enriched so many lands, far “From the lone Shieling and distant island.” This is a tale about a family from Altandhu, carving more of “a reality” than “a myth,” to show us who they are. It leads us from the MacLeods of the Lewes and Assynt to their clansmen and women of Coigach and Altandhu. We read of the reprisals of a frightened government, persecuting “the loyal men” who had fought for Prince Charlie. The breakup of the old Clan System and the emigration of the gentlemen Tacksmen were the results. But much worse was to follow. The author writes, “If your name is MacLeod, there is nothing glamorous about claiming descent from the families who lived in C...