Syre, Scotland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Syre
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![]() The 19th century church in Syre |
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OS grid reference | NC693439 |
Council area | |
Lieutenancy area | |
Country | Scotland |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Postcode district | KW11 6 |
EU Parliament | Scotland |
Syre (Scottish Gaelic: Saghair) is a small community located in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. It sits within an area called Strath Naver in Sutherland.
Contents
Exploring Syre and Its History
Syre is a quiet place with a rich past. It is known for a few special buildings. These buildings tell stories about how people lived here long ago.
The Unique Tin Church
One important building in Syre is its tin church. This church was built in the late 1800s. A tin church is a building made with a frame of wood or iron. Its walls and roof are covered with sheets of corrugated iron. This material was popular because it was cheap and easy to build with. Many of these churches were built in remote areas. They could be put up quickly for communities that needed a place to worship.
Syre's Past: The Highland Clearances
Syre is also close to places that remind us of a big change in Scottish history. This period is known as the Highland Clearances. The Clearances happened mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries. During this time, many landowners decided to change how their land was used. They wanted to raise sheep instead of having many small farms.
This meant that thousands of people who had lived on the land for generations had to move. Some moved to new villages in Scotland. Others moved to cities or even to other countries. It was a very difficult time for many families.
Patrick Sellar and His House
In Syre, you can find a farmhouse known as "Patrick Sellar's House". Patrick Sellar was an agent for a powerful landowner during the Clearances. He played a role in moving people off the land. His house is a reminder of this complex time in history. It stands as a witness to the changes that happened in the Highlands.
The Village of Rosal
Not far from Syre are the ruins of a village called Rosal. This was once a thriving community. However, it became one of the many "clearance villages." Its residents were forced to leave their homes during the Clearances. Today, you can see the stone foundations of the old houses. These ruins help us remember the people who lived there. They also show us the impact of the Clearances on Highland life.
Visiting Syre and these historical sites helps us understand a significant part of Scotland's past. It shows how communities changed and adapted over time.