The Scottish Home Children were part of a larger British Home Children program that saw over 100,000 children from the United Kingdom, including Scotland, migrated to countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand between 1869 and 1939. These children, often described as “orphans, waifs, and strays,” were sent away to work on farms and in homes, frequently without their parents’ consent. The Orphan Homes of Scotland, founded by William Quarrier, played a significant role in this program, sending thousands of children to Canada.

The movement was driven by a combination of factors, including poverty, overcrowding, and a desire to find suitable homes for children in the colonies. Several voluntary societies, including the Orphan Homes of Scotland and the Fairbridge Society, were involved in organizing and facilitating the migration.

Most children faced difficulties and abuse in their new homes and work environments. In many cases the children were treated as indentured servants or even as slaves.

The program’s ethics continues to be a topic of debate and investigation, with some viewing it as a form of exploitation and others as a well-intentioned attempt to provide opportunities for children in need.

Amongst the children sent to Canada were the Hammond children (Margaret, David and Henrietta) sent there by their mother Mary Ann Baird McAulay. Initially she left the children with her parents but when they could not care for them they were shipped (literally) to Ontario by Quarriers Homes. Interestingly Mary Ann followed her children to Ontario a few years later but as far as we know did not meet up with any of her children.