Quote Originally Posted by Jock Scot View Post
It has always been the same, only these days the local "big estates" in these harsh economic times can help even less than they used to. What usually happens and this has gone on for at least 100 years, is that the cleaver ones leave the area to make their fortune and then retire back to the area.Generally speaking it is they, that are buying the properties up here and not the English.
As Jock says, the migration from the land is nothing new, nor is it limited only to the Highlands and Islands. I would disagree, however, that the big estates "can help" as they have never been run as philanthropic ventures. Jobs there have been at the whim of the owners and when estates have changed hands the loyal staff are usually the first to get the sack. Skauwt's great grandfather would probably have experienced this job insecurity and chosen a more certain future for him and his family in the urban south. It is interesting, Jock, that you have chosen to mention the "E" word in connection with incomers buying up properties but rather than get involved in a xenophobic discussion I think we should stick to the large swathes of Scotland owned by mostly absentee landlords. I know those of the English persuasion such as the Vesteys and the Duke of Westminster own huge tracts but so also do (or did) the likes of Mr Al-Fayed of Harrods fame (and Princess Diana infamy), the Dutch owner of the Makro stores, no doubt some Arab sheikhs etc. all of whom can be found here - http://www.whoownsscotland.org.uk/index.php so it is incorrect to lay the blame at any one door.