opposed to land re-settlement, seeing this as perpetuating an outmoded way of life. Meanwhile, the landless people of Lewis found themselves existing in overcrowded, squalid conditions, alongside empty arable acres given over to sheep, deer-stalking or grouse-shooting.

Vigorous agitation for land reform broke out in Ireland from 1880 and soon spread to Scotland. It involved rent strikes, destruction of livestock and farm property, physical occupation of the land, and violence against agents of the landowners.