The Rev. Hugh Mackay Mackenzie, Minister
III - Population
Language:
The language of the peasantry is Gaelic; in it they invariably converse with one another, but, owing to the influx of persons from the south, the influence of schools, and the frequency with which they go south in quest of labour, English is generally understood by the young, and spoken by many of them with considerable accuracy.
Character of the People:
The young of both sexes are ambitious to dress well, so as to make a respectable appearance on Sabbaths and holidays. This is a laudable feeling, though it sometimes leads to extravagance, by inducing them to expend their hard-won earnings in sacrificing comfort to occasional show. When dressed in their best attire they are allowed to be a fine-looking peasantry. At the late Duke of Sutherland's funeral, when numbers from the whole county were invited to attend, and directed to line the road, arranged according to their respective parishes, as the procession passed by, the men from Tongue attracted general notice for their superior dress and appearance. It might hence be expected that their comforts were also superior but no. They are, indeed, not worse of than their neighbours in this respect.
The general standard is, however, wretchedly low. No doubt a few of them are comfortable, but the generality seldom can rise above the commonest necessaries of life; and it is painful to think of how some eke out a subsistence. The consequence is, that poverty is gradually manifesting its baneful effects upon the intellects and morals of a naturally a fine and generous people. This taste for music, dancing, and public games is much on the decline, and few or no traces are to be seen of the poetic talent and sprightly wit for which their ancestors, in common with most Highlanders, were distinguished. The imaginative powers are crushed under the continued pressure of a poverty that impels the mental energies in the low direction of what shall we eat and what shall we drink; and the habits of reflection and deep-thinking are exchanged for a sharp-sightedness in looking after their little secular interests. It is impossible that circumstances which have thus operated on their intellectual character, should not also affect their morals and religious feelings. They have done so, though not so greatly as might be expected; and it is saying much to their credit, that there is so little amount of crime, and so much security for person and property.
There were never but two from this parish tried at a justiciary court, one not a native, and the other only for a breach of trust. The people are kind and peaceable, patient under adversity, submissive to laws, and respectful to authorities. They possess a good deal of religious knowledge, and much veneration for religious ordinances and usages. It is rare now to find one who cannot repeat the Shorter Catechism, and the writer knows not that such a thing exists among the native peasantry as a family without the daily worship of God. Many among them are decided Christians.
The generality, it is to be feared, rest satisfied, however, with acquiring vague ideas, and engaging in empty forms; while it is matter of painful experience that the downward earthly tendency of their thoughts, induced so much by poverty, has a fearful effect in deadening their minds to religious impressions. It is manifest, also that intercourse with the ungodly when south, and at the herring-fishing in Caithness, together with the desecration of the Lord's day by travellers from other places, (a sin till lately happily unknown) are very injurious to their morals and religious sentiments. Laziness is no longer characteristic of the people. They are alive to the advantages of industry. In proof of which many of them annually go south, because so little encouragement is given them at home. Poaching is unknown, and smuggling has been effectually put down through the exertions of the proprietor.
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