An afternoon of history

After "checking in" we decided to use the afternoon to go explore the town. Now let me tell you that in comparison to a city like London there isn't much in Bettyhill. That being said if you are here it's for one of three reasons. One you are trying to get away from the world and want to relax and take in the beauty. Two, you are just passing through and are only spending he night. And finally three; you are here for your heritage like I am (though to be honest I wanted to come for the first reason as well). My family name is Macaw which is derived from Mackay. Mackay is the name of the Scottish Clan that once controlled the majority of the highlands from Lairg past tongue all the way to the border of Thurso (roundabout areas with cities to give you a reference). However all that marks this once powerful clans territory are stone pillars that state "Mackay Country". The majority of the people that lived in small croft towns were removed as part of the Highland Clearances back in the 1800s, and it wasn't until the 1920s that families were allowed to purchase fractions of the land that was once theirs and return. Now to spare you a kind drawn out history lesson I will just say that if your family has roots in the Mackay clan, then a trip to the Bettyhill museum is a must as it has probably the most complete history of our clan. We took the afternoon to explore the museum and the graveyard around it. It honestly felt as if I was returning to a long lost home as we walked through the museum and then through the graveyard where headstones completely worn away or covered in moss mark where my distant ancestors lay.