Details

In 1923, the Metagama sailed from Stornoway, bound for Canada. On board were many hundreds of emigrants from the Highlands and Islands, sailing with the promise of a better life over the ocean and an escape from the hardship and poverty of their home districts. Her sailing signaled the last great wave of emigration from the Outer Hebrides and came at a time when the islands were struggling to recover from the tragic human losses of the Great War and the sinking of the Iolaire. The islands were suffering from economic hardship and the ultimate failure of the ambitious industrial and environmental plans of the 'Soap King', Lord Leverhulme. Many felt that the promise of land, work and freedom were broken and many were persuaded by the promise of 'assisted passage' to leave in search of a new life.

Creatives/Company

Company: Theatre Hebrides