'The Iron Duke’: Land Reclamation and Public Relations in Sutherland, 1868–95

This article examines the little known episode of land reclamation carried out by the third duke of Sutherland on his highland estates from 1868 to 1895. The land reclamations were an attempt to increase the amount of arable land, and therefore the rental value, of an otherwise financially troubled landed estate – unfortunately for the duke, they failed in both technical and financial aspects. This article also looks at the impact of the reclamation works on the reputation of the ducal family and estate of Sutherland, in the light of later political unrest in the highlands and the family's reputation as great clearance landlords.