Stitched by: Meg Macleod, Sarah-Jane Donaldson, Ann Mair, Ali Cameron, Angela Lewis, Carmel Ross (Caithness)
The Argentinian government proactively encouraged settlers from northern Europe in the late nineteenth century, and in southern Patagonia the demand was driven by the vast sheep ranches which required skilled shepherds as well as administrators and managers. The sheep were profitable both for their meat and their wool. The booming industry offered comparatively high wages, enough to encourage migration. Scottish shepherds had already prospered in the Falklands, and now many hardy shepherds from Caithness were attracted to make the journey to Patagonia. Some were on fixed term contracts that allowed them to return to Scotland whilst others chose to stay.
AR02 Luchd-tuineachaidh Ghallaibh
Bha riaghaltas Arsaintìona for-ghnìomhach ann a bhith a’ brosnachadh luchd-tuineachaidh à ceann a tuath na Roinn Eòrpa aig deireadh an naoidheamh linn deug, agus bha an tiarrtas ann an ceann a deas Phatagòinia air a stiùireadh leis na rainnsichean mòra chaorach, aig an robh feum air cìobairean sgileil a thuilleadh air luchd-rianachd agus manaidsearan. Bha prothaid anns na caoraich, an dà chuid a thaobh feòil agus clòimh. Bha an gnìomhachas soirbheachail seo a’ tairgsinn tuarastal math, àrd gu leòr airson imrich a bhrosnachadh. Bha cìobairean Albannach air a bhith soirbheachail mar-thà anns na h-Eileanan Faclanach, agus anis bha mòran chìobairean laidir à Gallaibh air an tarraing gu turas gu ruig Patagòinia. Bha cuid air cùmhnantan socraichte a thug cead dhaibh tilleadh a dh’Alba fhad ’s a roghnaich feadhainn eile fuireach.