Emigration
Many Eriskay families have had to leave the island in recent years in search of work and some historic island families have few or no descendants left on the island. An example of these families is the MacInnes' who were a prominent island family at the time of the Kissling film but now number just four members of the extended family dwelling on the island, and active in crofting, shell-fishing, building work, as well contributing to the community.
Many of those who leave for the mainland are young as - in common with remoter rural areas generally - there are few work opportunities and limited access to further/higher education. To move away from home and find a way in the world is in most cases all to the good, but the real problem for Eriskay is the lack of opportunity and means to return to the islands whilst still young enough to make the greatest possible contribution to their native land.
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