From obscure beginnings in the Early Middle Ages to the massive changes wrought by revolution, war, and industrialization, the story of this humble village provides a fascinating window into the wider currents of European history.
A croft is a small agricultural unit, and the person who lives on this land is called a crofter. Crofts are usually rented, akin to sharecropping, and are located in one of the crofting areas designated by the government in Scotland. Crofters live on and work the land. They are tenants of the person who owns the land (the croft), but some of the tenants have now bought their crofts and become owner-occupiers. Traditionally, croft land is used to raise animals and grow vegetables.
"The early modern period (c. 1500-1800) witnessed profound political, religious and social change in Scotland. What began as an independent Catholic kingdom closely aligned with France ended as a stateless Protestant nation formally united with England."