Peat and Our Heritage

By Karen Macdonald

...it is more important for me to preserve those bogs as an important ecological wealth that is also surely a more valuable part of my heritage; the very essence of the Highlands.

My father isn't here to tell his stories any more. But fragments of them are embedded in me as tightly as his genetic make-up is entwined in my DNA. Both are his legacy to me.

For years I convinced myself it was fine for me to burn peat. It was part of my cultural heritage, therefore I had a right and who can deny the fragrant romance of drifting peat smoke, or the earthy joy of lifting a sod to place on glowing embers.

My father told me stories of himself and brothers venturing out from Ardmair Bay north of Ullapool in a rowing boat during wild weather to collect peat when supplies were dwindling on the croft. 'The Old Man' would never quite condone those expeditions but nor would he forbid them; a strange mix of pride and disapproval, I imagine, especially when they returned perilously laden to the brim. Those were the days when whales were seen in the bay and herring would shower like rattled coins in the waves. Dad found it hard to come back and see how the place had changed so much from when he lived there.

Men rowing across Ardmair Bay

Nowadays I don't buy peat for any reason as it is more important for me to preserve those bogs as an important ecological wealth that is also surely a more valuable part of my heritage; the very essence of the Highlands. In a strange irony the last peat substitute I used in the garden was sheep's wool based, from the very animal that displaced so many Highlanders during the clearances.

Now like my father I find it hard to see the changes that have taken place - speed boats mindlessly circling in the bay, holiday houses sprouted everywhere. But the place is still special, for the memories and the beauty that is still intact. On a perfect day last summer we took the canoe over to Isle Martin opposite Ardmair. My father helped build the flour mill that operated there 1939 - 1948. It was heartening to see how the island is thriving and its rich history preserved.

We Want to Hear From You!

Share your stories of peatlands and peat working in the Highlands and Islands

Stories are at the heart of what we do as a project and we are always looking to learn more about what the Highlands and Islands means to people who live, work, and visit here.

Peatlands and the people of the Highlands and Islands have a long standing connection. We would love to know, do you, a family member, or your community have a connection to peat working or peatland restoration? Tell us your story below, we can't wait to hear from you!

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