On September 15, 1773 an old Dutch cargo ship, well past her prime, arrived in Pictou Harbour. In her hold "200 tons burthen" were 33 families, 25 single men, their agent and a bagpiper. These people left their homeland from the the image of Scottish retreat, which they were continuing 25 years after the Battle of Culloden.

The voyage had been much longer than expected, and lives had been lost. Blown many weeks off course it seemed even fate was against their heavy-hearted decision. These families were fleeing more than physical hunger; they were fleeing from a famine of spirit.  Indeed, life in Scotland had become insufferable. To bow to a distant monarch was a reality that could be shirked in their hearts. To lose their land was a great burden to be endured. But there could be no denying the pain borne by the removal of their tartans and their pipes, for these were the essence of a Highlander.

In Canada, today, the re-construction of the ship Hector stands as a tribute to the courage and determination of these individuals who, in the face of great odds, left an indelible mark on this place. The Ship Hector Millennium Project serves also as a symbol of journey and discovery for all people who have made the decision to leave homeland and begin anew.

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This Hector features:

• Scratch-built

• plank-on-frame

• All parts are wooden or metal

• Masterly painted

• Realistic old-looking thin sails

• Wooden base

36" long x 28" tall   $1,200   S&H is $130

Display case: https://www.modelshipmaster.com/products/accessory/displaycase.htm

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