The History of the Highland Clearances

Alexander Mackenzie was a Scottish historian, writer, editor, and politician born in 1838 in Gairloch, Scotland. He was the son of Kenneth Mackenzie and Annabella Maciver. Raised in a rural crofting community, he had limited access to formal education and worked early in life as a laborer and ploughman. His deep connection to Highland culture and history inspired a lifelong passion for preserving Scottish heritage, especially the traditions and stories of the clans. Eventually, he moved into journalism and became the editor of the Celtic Magazine, a significant publication focused on Gaelic culture and Highland affairs. Mackenzie published numerous genealogical and historical works, with a particular focus on clan histories, which gained him respect among Scottish scholars and nationalists. Through his books and magazine work, he became a vocal advocate for the cultural and political interests of the Highlands, often critiquing land policies and supporting tenant rights. His ability to blend folklore, oral history, and documentation into accessible narratives helped shape public understanding of Scotland s past. Alexander Mackenzie died in 1898 at the age of 60, leaving behind a substantial contribution to Scottish historical literature and cultural preservation.