Early in September 1786, a group of some 500 Scottish Highlanders, the majority of whom were Macdonells, arrived at Quebec. They were led by their parish priest from Knoydart, Glengarry, the Reverend Alexander MacDonell (Scotus). Forced to emigrate because of the depressed economic conditions of the Highlands, they had been encouraged to come to Canada and settle among their fellow countrymen in what is now Glengarry County. Despite initial hardships, most of these Scottish pioneers settled successfully in this region, where their loyalty and military prowess were frequently demonstrated. Father MacDonell founded the parish of St. Raphael, one of the province's earliest Roman Catholic congregations.

Location

At the ruins of St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church, which had served the settlers' congregation, King's Road, St. Raphaels

Themes

• Communities