 In 1772, over 200 Roman Catholics mainly from the Clanranald estates of South Uist, Barra, Eigg and mainland western Inverness-shire emigrated to Prince Edward Island.The immigrants first settled at Scotchfort on the northeast side of the island, which had been established by a prominent tacksman, John MacDonald of Glenaladale with the assistance of the Scottish Catholic Church.The newly arrived immigrants however did not immediately escape religious persecution as Catholics were barred from holding land until 1780.