Co-labhairt Eilthireachd nan Eilean Siar
Outer Hebrides Emigration Conference
When: Wednesday 1 October 2025 (see separate event listings for Day 1 & Day 3)
Where: In-person & online
Venue: Lews Castle, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, HS2 0XS
Organised by: Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean
Theme: Emigration is an important aspect of the islands’ history as it affected demographics and split families across the globe through the 1700-1900s. People left the islands for a number of reasons, whether through forced clearance, in hope of improving their economic prospects or to join family members who had emigrated previously. Speakers will present in-person and virtually on a range of topics related to Hebridean emigration.
Price:
In-person delegates: Daily Fee £24 incl VAT | Full Conference Fee £60 incl VAT
(Full conference includes two days of conference plus field trip on Day 3, tea, coffee and lunch on each of the three days, one evening reception, as well as access to recordings and to the emigration exhibition)
On-line delegates: Daily Fee £12 incl VAT
(each day includes conference proceedings and access to recordings)
Programme Day 2:
- 09:00 Registration
- 09:15 Welcome and Introduction
- 09:30
Eric Smith, Rebecca Landy, Cheryl Bollard & Catherine Proud, Genealogical Society of Victoria – Far away over the sea to…Australia – travel from the Outer Hebrides and life in Victoria
- 10:15
Dr Elizabeth Ritchie, University of the Highlands & Islands – ‘He is determined for a Scotchwoman’: acquiring an emigrant wife
- Tea Break
- 11:10
Dr Robin Sen, University of Edinburgh – An overview of what is known about the Forced Child Migration Schemes in the UK
- 11:50
Dr Joseba Achotegui, University of Barcelona – Migrant Mourning / Ulysses Syndrome and how it would have related to early Scottish emigrants
- Group discussion and Q&A
- Lunch
- 13:55
Professor Frank Tough, University of Alberta – From Island to Post: A documentary exploration of the Métis of the Northern Department of the Hudson’s Bay Company
- 14:35
Dr Joanna Rodgers, Independent Researcher – Ancestral Tourism in a Scottish context
- Tea Break
- 15:30
Dr Shamus Y. MacDonald, Highland Village Museum, Cape Breton – Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia: a’coimhead air n-ais, is a’ coimhead air adhart (Presentation in Gaelic & english with simultaneous translation for in-person delegates)
- Group discussion and Q&A
- 16:40
Liza Mulholland, DS Murray & Willie Campbell, In the Wake of Metagama Project – Musical performance inspired by emigration
- 17:10
Thanks & finish
Travel & Accommodation
Please note that delegates attending in person are responsible for booking their own travel and accommodation. We strongly advise delegates to book travel & accommodation as far in advance as possible. Please see main page for suggestions.
Conference Booking
Early booking is advised. To reserve your place click here to go to the booking page.
Refunds Policy
If you cancel before 31/7/25 you will receive a 50% refund. Any cancellations made after this date will not be eligible for a refund.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge funding support from Museums Galleries Scotland, Crown Estates & Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and the venue sponsorship from Together Travel.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us.
Return to main conference page
