How An Island Lost Its People

A Powerful True Story of Displacement and Resilience

How An Island Lost Its People by Robert Hay is a moving historical account that sheds light on one of Scotland’s lesser-known but deeply poignant episodes of depopulation. Published in 2013 by The Islands Book Trust, this compelling work explores the human cost of economic change, environmental hardship, and forced migration in the Outer Hebrides.

Focusing on the island of Scarp, just off the coast of Harris, Hay traces the lives of the islanders from thriving community to final abandonment in 1971. Through archival research, personal interviews, and a deep familiarity with the region, he brings to life the voices and experiences of those who once called this remote island home.

More than just a local history, this book captures the broader themes of rural decline, cultural erosion, and the resilience of people in the face of isolation and adversity. Hay’s sensitive storytelling and historical insight make this a vital contribution to Scottish heritage literature.

An Essential Read for Lovers of Scottish History

How An Island Lost Its People will resonate with readers interested in the social history of the Highlands and Islands, the legacy of the Clearances, and the enduring spirit of island communities. It’s a heartfelt and thought-provoking tribute to a lost way of life.