27/04/2025
The abandoned settlement of Poulouriscaig is a great way to get off the beaten track on the north coast. This is a beautiful walk with great views where you can get a real sense of just how tough life must have been for those removed from the inland straths to make way for sheep during the Highland Clearances.
Poulouriscaig is a typical coastal post-Clearance settlement and was settled by people cleared from Strathnaver between 1814 and 1819. The Sutherland Estate Rent Roll for the parish of Farr lists 7 tenants living there in 1835.
The people had to call on the resourcefulness inherent in the Highland character to ensure survival in a harsh, inhospitable terrain. Tenants were expected to augment their diet with fish but the coastal cliffs are very high and rugged and although Poulouriscaig is thought to mean "Pool of the Anchorage" fishing was not an easy option.
The site was abandoned in 1943 and although the houses have now lost their roofs most of the walls are still intact and the land is still green in contrast to the surrounding heather, clearly showing where each boundary existed.
Our short film A Part of Who We Are, available on our YouTube channel, explores ceilidh culture and stories from Poulouriscaig: https://youtu.be/CuhbdIPNPL0?si=_TQTsK49jl8Liysw
For more life before, during and after the Highland Clearances come and visit us in Bettyhill.
The walk to Poulouriscaig begins in Armadale, we have walk guides available in our gift shop or check out Walkhighlands. There are often sheep grazing so best to keep dogs on leads.
