I had not bumped into the clearances, but they appear to be after my ancestor's situation. He was captured at the battle of Dunbar in 1650, while the clearances appear to be from the mid 1700s. I will definitely research them. Thank you.
The Scots Irish of the American South (notice, not "scotch," that's a lovely drink, but not a people) have given the US the highest number of Medal of Honor winners and also spawned the people who clung to the "Stainless Banner," the Stars and Bars of the Confederacy. Did you know that the Confederate Battle Flag is based on the Cross of Saint Andrews? That is the flag of Scotland. Nothing remains unblemished forever in human history.
I have a (hidden) sneaking fondness for the Stars and Bars, but will not fly it to avoid offending others. I cherish the Flag of Scotland as a (so far) untainted relic of those things that were good about that culture. Read Guns Of The South by Harry Turtledove and concentrate on the character (and CHARACTER) of Rober E. Lee in that book to understand my emotional response that that issue.