The Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou Nova Scotia Canada is a popular historic site located on the shores of the Northumberland Strait. Pictou, Nova Scotia, known as the "Birthplace of New Scotland," is celebrated for being the site of the first enduring Scottish settlement in Canada. In 1773, the ship Hector brought 189 Scottish immigrants to the Northumberland coast after a grueling 11-week voyage crossing the Atlantic. These early immigrants overcame numerous challenges, with assistance from the local Indigenous communities, and went on to make lasting contributions to the cultural, political, and industrial landscape of Nova Scotia and Canada. The Scottish migration was fueled by the Highland Clearances, a period between 1750 and 1860 when many Scots were evicted from their lands due to changing agricultural practices and economic hardship. Many sought new opportunities in North America, and Nova Scotia, originally claimed as "New Scotland" in 1621, became a prime destination. The Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou now stands as a living history museum, featuring a full-size replica of the Hector, along with exhibits showcasing the settlers' journey, their challenges, and the tools of early shipbuilding. It features fascinating exhibits and artifacts that help us understand what life was like for the early Scottish settlers before they left home, during their voyage, and once they reached the New World. One of our favourite parts of visiting the Hector Heritage Quay was exploring the inside of the full size replica of the ship Hector. It was hard to imagine how 189 settlers could have lived in such a tiny space while crossing the rough seas of the Atlantic!