Hi Colin or Maureen
I might have some ideas. Mine left the same area - and Loch Ken is beautiful - in the 1830s and 1840s. It might well be what is now called 'the Lowland Clearances'. It was featured in a Radio 4/Radio Scotland Series about 2-3 years ago and a book was produced.
The landowners realised that the old system of long leasehold tenures (11- 19 years) was economically unviable so they first of all introduced 'improving leases' which, understandably, meant that tenants had to improve their land and then they raised the stakes even higher. Many of the landholdings were then sold off to various wealthy people who either wanted country estates or, in the better agricultural areas, good land for stock rearing.
There was also, as you may know, various famines, crop/stock failures and agricultural slumps - this was fairly soon after the 'potato famine' in Ireland. All sorts of factors were involved.
Some of my family went to Canada, as did many Scots,. Others, including my direct ancestors went to Wales and the Manchester area.
I've written quite a bit up on this from my ancestors perspective (I have family letters) and will put it up on my website as soon as poss.
Hope this is of some use.
Gadget
PS a picture on my current 'temporary' site shows Kells Church
PPS Just found the book I was refering to its:
Aitchison, Peter and Cassell, Andrew (2003) The Lowland Clearances, Tuckwell Press
