§ MR. FRASER-MACKINTOSHasked the Lord Advocate, If he can explain the circumstances under which fifty of the Glasgow Police Force have been sent to the Island of Skye; and, whether this step has been taken with his sanction, and on whom the cost will fall?
THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)Sir, for several months past the crofters—small tenants—at Braes, in the Island of Skye, have refused to pay any rent unless on condition of getting back a piece of hill grazing of which they say they were deprived some 17 or 18 years ago. In consequence of the crofters taking this position, Lord Macdonald, the proprietor, or his factor, sent a Sheriff's officer to Braes, on the 7th of this month, to serve summonses for the payment of rent, and also summonses for removal upon crofters. The Sheriff's officer was accompanied by an assistant, and also by a ground officer in the employment of Lord Macdonald. When they came to Braes, they were met and stopped by about 150 persons, who assaulted them, took from the Sheriff's officer the summonses, burned them on the spot, and at the same time threatened the officer with more serious violence if he returned. It was a clear case of premeditated assault on an officer executing a legal warrant, and I accordingly directed that four or five of the ringleaders who had been named should be apprehended and tried. The authorities of the county—Inverness-shire—stated that they believed that the force of constables at their disposal might not be adequate for the apprehension of the offenders, and they therefore applied to the police authorities at Glasgow for aid, under the provisions of the Glasgow Police Act, and the Glasgow authorities gave the services of the constables in regard to whom the Question is asked. These steps were taken with my approval, and the offenders were apprehended and lodged in prison yesterday morning with a view to their trial. The cost will fall on the county of In- 1033 verness-shire, as the constables were required for the vindication of the law in that county.