Character: The Highland Folk

Characterisation and Role:

The Highland Folk are depicted within the play as a collective character, rather than individual personalities. They symbolise the ordinary people who suffer under the impact of industrialisation, emigration, and capitalism.
They are portrayed as being at the mercy of powerful external forces – landowners, industrialists, and oil tycoons – with very little power to resist.
Their plight is broad and various, covering diverse groups such as farmers, crofters, fisherwomen, miners and oil workers.

The Highland Folk represent the exploited labour class. They are the factory in the “machine” of capitalism; the cogs and gears that drive the wealth and prosperity enjoyed by the elites.
They are also a symbol of Scottish culture and heritage, their traditional lifestyles threatened by modernisation and industrialisation.
Despite their hardships, the folk have a spirit of resilience and determination which is a key aspect of their portrayal.

This characterisation of the Highland Folk provides a critique of social and economic conditions in Scotland during a critical period of historic change.
The stories of the folk reflect an exploitation that isn’t confined to just Scotland but is applicable universally, connecting the play with a wider global context.
The Folk’s narrative is rooted in actual historic events and personal accounts that serve to make their struggle feel authentic and relatable.

The various hardships faced by the Highland Folk highlight the exploitation by those in positions of power, underlining the imbalance of control.
However, despite the abuses suffered, the folk often exhibit a sense of community and solidarity. This highlights their resistance and strength in the face of adversity.

Their stories and experiences provide the backbone of the narrative, driving the story forward.
They are instrumental in linking the three acts of the play - the Cheviot, the Stag, and the Black, Black Oil - consistently subjected to changing forms of exploitation throughout history.