The Destitution Road (between Gairloch and Ullapool)

The Destitution Road (between Gairloch and Ullapool)

ID: QZP40_CARD_0571 DESCRIPTION: The destitution road between Gairloch and Ullapool. During the 1840s there was great poverty in the Highlands. The failure of the potato crop in 1846 meant starvation for the people. The Central Board for the Destitute Highlands was set up and paid for various improvement projects. The 'destitution roads', such as this lonely road across the moor, were built by labourers in return for food. PERIOD: 1950s SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Highland Libraries' Postcard Collection Asset ID: 32493 KEYWORDS: