This is a revisionist account of the first phase of Highland Scottish emigration to Canada. With "improving landlords" threatening tradititonal social and cultural life in the Highlands, the author argues that many of the more affluent Highlanders - the tacksmen and substantial tenants - emigrated of their own accord. The book contains lists of every known vessel carrying emigrants plus every known passenger list of the period, and should prove a valuable source book for any work on the Clearances.