The Soay of Our Forefathers

By (author) Laurance Reed

The island of Soay nestles between the Sleat peninsula and the grandeur of the Cuillins. There can be few more magnificent settings. Despite its proximity to Skye it has been little visited. Evacuated in 1953 – the first evacuation since St Kilda – it has since been re-occupied. The history of the island is ultimately linked with that of Skye – including the great clearances. Laurance Reed’s book, privately published in the 1980’s, is the definitive account of this beautiful and little known island, incorporating a great deal of original research. This new edition incorporates a plate section of the island and its evacuation and a new epilogue. ‘The SS Hebrides was used in the evacuation. “All day,” wrote one reporter, “the Soay islanders have been packing and a quarter of a mile off this stony beach lies the steamer, her red funnel fuming as if impatient to be gone.” She sailed after midnight with Soay still visible against the sky of a midsummer night and a piper playing a lament on the deck. The date was June 20th 1953.’