Hi Hamish, aye good testicles and a good mouth ,I'm glad my wife didn't use that criteria or I'd still be single. Nowt but admiration for you're parent's continuing to live the life they love,long may it continue, cheers fae Pat
Tell your mum that what she said about learning to do things that she thought your dad could only do is a relief to me. My husband has kidney failure and I have been having to do more.
Ah Deborah, I’m sorry to read this. It’s scary and sad when loved ones get ill. It’s such a hard transition for all my family to see dad’s decline but we are all more resilient than we imagine I think so I reckon you’ll be fine if you take care of yourself. Thanks for watching ☺️
That’s really kind, thanks so much Danny! I agree entirely about mum. These videos are my tribute to all that she’s done for me and my brothers and continues to do! Thanks for watching 👍
Love all the beauty you film, your hard working mum says she is grateful .......I'm so appreciative of this documentary love from Bunbury western Australia x x
Thanks Kaye. Unfortunately things have progressed since last September and dad is no longer able to be on the farm but he’s safe and being looked after where he is in the nearest town. Take care
So heartfelt a 'telling'. I admire your parents so much and honour your Mum who is absolutely indomitable in the most loving ways. I hope the season has been very productive. ❤🎉❤
Hi Hamish and clan. I just want to say how much I enjoy watching all of your videos. A wee window into the life of two absolutely remarkable, wonderful, and beautiful people, your maw and paw. It actually makes me weep to see how they have lived such a full and fullfilled life on this island compared with many in society at the moment, who bemoan their station at any opportunity. Your parents are absolute titans of rural existence and industrious endeavour. I salute them with immeasurable respect and indeed, love. ❤ All best regards. Clan Mochrie.
Ah this is such a kind and thoughtful comment, thank you very much! Mum is very pleased to be called a titan of rural existence 😃 take care and thanks for your support for what we do 👍
What a treat to find a new video about your parents! I do hope that their long good-bye to their island life continues to be filled with the sense of a life well-lived and of enjoyment of each moment they still have there.
Your documentaries on your parents’ life are incredible!! Imagine how they’ll seem to you in 5-10 years!! You are fortunate to have a personal insight into 2 amazing, devoted, hardworking people - who happen to be your awesome parents!!
This is such a lovely comment, thank you so much Sonia! I'm so SO glad I had the idea to buy a camera and make these videos. They were only ever for me to keep a record of their life and show my friends, but it's been so special to see the films resonate with other people around the world too. Thanks for watching and take care
What an inspiration they should show this video in schools. Hard work, resilience and peace and quiet. All keys to building a good family home. Kids today are more worried about what gender they Will pick next week than learning how to truly be happy
It’s always great to see another update from Auskerry, and I hope that this year’s review of the flock goes as smoothly as last year’s. How wonderful that your mom is feeling greater confidence in making all the flock management decisions: I imagine it’s quite empowering for her. How nice that Tommy was able to bring your mom home!
Thanks so much Eric! Yes I hope so too as I’ll be there again for this year’s census and choosing. We’re just trying to enjoy every last drop of our chapter of this amazing place’s history. Take care and thanks for your support 👍
These videos are so beautiful and moving. The sheep are so colourful that it's mesmerising to watch them run in fluid movement, in ever changing shades . What an incredible journey and life you all have . Thank you for sharing just a little with us as you document it for your family to enjoy forever. ❤❤
I'm a HUGE fan of your videos :) I grew up on a sheep farm in New Zealand and the life style is still in my blood.I help several friends with their hobby farms around where I live(Invercargill), managing all their sheep work for them and I've been given 4 acres to freely graze my own sheep on. If I lived in the UK I'd be coming up and helping out for sure! I have travellers that stay with me, working in exchange for board.They are well meaning, but most are useless so I know the importance of good help
😃 I hope none of your helpers see your comment, John! But I appreciate what you mean - it’s hard to train people in the ways of a farm when they’re new to it, particularly when it’s only for a short time. So it definitely helps mum when I’m able to be home as I live and breathe it! Thanks for your support - take care 👍
Realy nice to see this pop up . I hope your parents are doing good . And all the flock . Its been a different year all over . This was filmed in 2023 , it 2024. Love the sheep . Take care .
Thank you Nancy, this is really kind of you. Things have changed a lot even in a year, and unfortunately dad is no longer able to be on the island as his condition progresses. But he’s safe and looked after in the nearest town so we continue to count our blessings. Take care
@@hamishauskerry thankyou for replying . I admire your parents and you for what you have done .Look forward to a possible update . Glad your Dad is safe . And hope your mom's doing ok . Thankyou .
Hello. I love your videos and love watching your mum and dad and the loving relationship they have with one another and the island. We are coming to Orkney at the end of August and I would love to try and buy some of their wool. Would I be able to get it on the mainland while I am there do you know. Please keep making these wonderful videos 😀
Ah thanks so much for your support! If you go to isleofauskerry.com there is an email address for mum and you can liaise with her there. We have a workshop in town but it’s just in our house so it’ll have to be arranged in advance I think ☺️
Thank you Hamish! I always enjoy these glimpses into your life. I appreciate that you take the time to share with us. The sheep are really beautiful. I think this is the first time I've seen them close up and as individuals rather than part of the flock in the pasture. So beautiful!
Ah thanks so much! It’s such a pleasure to share it with you and others around the world. It’s been a lovely experience seeing the reactions of people to our family’s way of life. Take care and thanks for watching!
Hamish, your parents are saints! What an amazing and unique lifestyle. In a world such as it is in these times, you should jump at the chance to take over the farm and continue your family’s legacy.
Thanks so much for watching! These are big life decisions and I've decided to do something else with my life for now, as hard a choice as that is. But it's a beautiful place and we all want to make it possible for someone else to take it on and make their own chapter on the island.
Stunning shows, scenery beautiful, love your parents and their lifestyle.. Thanks for letting us be part of your life. We did visit the Orkney Islands when we did a tour a few years ago. Loved it all.
Ah that's lovely to hear, thanks Lorraine! It's been a genuine pleasure to see the reaction of people to our way of life - and it's certainly inspired me what my parents achieved so I'm glad it is for others too. Take care!
Those walls with doors where the sheep pens are - what are/were they for? Your time is coming for you to move back - If my memory is correct you are /were engaged, (its not for me to say) get married & give your off-spring the same as you had. I say this with a bit of envy. Thank you for keeping us in the loop, I do enjoy & love seeing what you are up to.
Thank you so much Hamish for sharing your parents with us. I love watching how people around the world carve out livelihoods from their environments. I didn't appreciate how petite the Rollies are until now and such a gorgeous array of colours. All the best to you and your parents from Ontario, Canada.
Thank you so much Sue! It’s a pleasure to share our life with people and seeing how it’s resonated with others has been really rewarding. Thanks for watching - all the best to you in another beautiful part of the world!
Thank you so much! Honestly the filming side of things is still pretty new to me - I only started really learning how to use the camera properly last year but doing this has taught me loads and I’m so glad I’ve been able to document it for our family. Thanks for watching!
Another beautifully filmed video, Hamish! I save your films to watch when I'm completely undistracted, as they are a treat to the soul. Your parents truly inspire awe and admiration. I'm so glad that you're there with them. You will never regret this time. And one last thing; I keep rewatching the ending and the tiny slight smile on your Dad’s face. Priceless 💗
This is an incredibly special and kind comment Angela - thank you so much ❤️❤️ my parents inspire me every day and I’m so glad I’ve been able to give something back by coming home to help every year. All the best to you and thanks again ☺️
thanks Hamish for yet another vlog with the latest news about the family. Very comforting to know that your Dad is being looked after in Town, wonderful snap shot of next years Rams selection. Always a heartwarming tale of life on Auskerry and the dedication of your Mum to keep the breed ongoing for this year. Best wishes to you all.
Ah thanks so much Ronald, this is a kind and thoughtful comment. Yes it’s very sad for all of us that he’s no longer able to live on auskerry as his condition deteriorates but he’s safe and looked after so that’s the main thing. This video is a celebration of my parents for all they’ve achieved and it’s lovely for me to have footage of dad in his element. Take care - all the best
My wife and I absolutely love watching your vids of mum and dad on their beautiful island. We really feel for all of you watching your lovely mum and dad deal with his illness. Take care from Jezz and Pip in Terrace, BC. Canada Our dear friends here will be visiting their best friends in the Orkneys hopefully in September to visit their dear friend who's dealing with Alzheimer's.
Thank you so much Jeremy for this kind comment. It is incredibly hard watching my super man dad decline but these videos have helped me to hold on to memories of him in his natural habitat. I’m sorry to hear about your friends’ friend in Orkney. Alzheimer’s is incredibly cruel but I hope they’re doing ok. Take care and thanks for your support ❤️
Great vlog Hamish, totally enjoyed. Your mom is a worker, maybe a power washer for her to clean the pens with your dads help, it all goes back to refurbish the environment! They are to be commended for the best practise of sheep farming. from Ontario Canada
Thank you so much! A power washer isn’t really our style - particularly as we often have to conserve water and power - but I agree it would make it a bit easier! I really appreciate your support and thanks for watching! ❤️
I just discovered your channel, and I am in love with your parents life, I've been watching a few videos today. and I keep on thinking, that I hope for their legacy and their beautiful sheep flok to continue to exists! I hope you or someone of your family can step in their footsteps! Or at least some one will be searched to keep this place going! And if so, I would definitely consider raising my hand , and dedicate my life to step in their footsteps... thank you for documenting this! Your videos are beautiful! Hope your dad's health keeps up for a while and your mother keeps to be so powerful and takes on the task for some more time! Thank you for sharing this!
Hi mate, thank you so much for your comment - it’s really kind and thoughtful. We are actively planning to find someone or a couple to take on the island and the farm after my parents no longer can. If you’d be interested, could you email lifeonauskerry@gmail.com please. I have checked out your videos on here and they’re great! Looks like you’ve got a lovely place where you live too. Take care
😂 this is absolutely true. I loved watching the footage back where you have the utter beauty of that early evening sky and its colours, and then just mountains of sh*te 😂 thanks for watching
Another wonderful video. As I enjoy one of your lamp skins, it’s such a pleasure to further understand how it derived. Your mom is certainly a warrior woman with compassion for her family and her flock❤. What are the two small buildings with the slant roofs?
Hi Donna, thanks so much for your support! Mum is incredible - these videos are my tribute to her strength. Those small buildings are the old toilet blocks for the lighthouse keepers and their families before the light was automated. Take care ❤️
Your mum talking about the softness of the wool sparked a memory of Faroese wool, there is a breed of Faroese sheep whose wool looks and feels like the coarsest steel wire wool but is incredibly warm and for some strange reason doesn't itch (it doesn't with me), my dad worked on deep water trawlers out of Grimsby and whenever the trawler he was on called into the Faroes he would get one of these faroese jumpers, and as soon as my mum washed it, hey presto she would shrink it from an extra large mans size to a size that would be perfect for me aged about 11 and very skinny. Anyway great films, very enjoyable thanks.
Aw that’s such a lovely memory to share, thanks Nick! Our sheep have really good quality wool I know that, but I myself don’t have much experience with other breeds. Thanks for watching!
Bless you for all your hard work in developing quality wool. My friend purchased skeins to make a sweater, and it will be beautiful, soft, and warm. Love from Pennsylvania, USA 💕🌷🐻
Hamish, thanks for continuing to share the story of your family's island. As a handspinner (looking forward to a raw fleece from your mom), I particularly appreciated the focus of this video on the sheep. They are absolutely beautiful creatures!
I know I'm always going to drop a like with your videos so was about to click when your Mum said "Good testicles" so thought I'd leave it a minute or two.before doing so ;)
enjoyed all your video,s, that i.ve watched more than once, every one of them are fantastic, & i hope you can continue to take time off to help your parents, esp at their busiest time,s, & long may they continue, thanks, from the lake district.
Amazing video as usual ❤ thank you for sharing your family with us. Having a herding dog myself, I wonder, have you ever had a dog as part of your family? Take care from Wisconsin, USA
Hi Karen! Thanks for watching and your question. We used to have dogs up until I was really young. The type of sheep we had originally up until about 25 years ago was a more conventional breed and they responded well to sheep dogs but this breed just ignored the dog and it drove it nuts so when the last one died we never got another one. One less creature to have to worry about I guess! Take care ☺️☺️
So glad you did the filming when you did. Your mom is amazing. I did have a question. Do they live in the lighthouse. I saw several sections of video that showed the lighthouse by the sheep pen
Hey! Thanks for your question. No, we live at a house my parents built at the other end of the island. Some of the other videos in the series show the house more than this episode. The pens were built at the other end because the lighthouse garden dykes were so useful for building the structures etc. thanks for watching!
I trust that there will be a way for the flock to "carry on" once your parents "retire". Perhaps, another young and ambitious couple who seek solitude and a more original lifestyle may keep the flame going that was sparked by your parents so many years ago. Thanks for sharing.
That is what we so desperately hope for. We've had an amazing life on this island, but our time here is a tiny chapter in the long history of Auskerry - a place people have lived at different times for thousands of years. We hope someone else sees potential in it and wants to make their own life here when we no longer can. Thanks for watching
Thanks very much Jack! We all hope to hand it over to a new young couple who want to start their own chapter on the island. My partner and I don’t think it’s right for us because we love the social side of life and Auskerry is very remote. But we hope someone would like to take it on from us!
Hard work at the farm yet it is lovey lo see how people get happiness from it like your parents do. I would have loved to see the sheep feeding routine with the sea weed. Do they use chopsticks? :) Subscribed!.
I am really fascinated by your sheep - because I see something very similiar here in Western Norway. We call them "utegangar", "Austevollsau", or "Gammelnorsk sau" (Old Norwegian Sheep.) The colors are very similiar, the horns as well, and the coarse wool looks very similiar. They live outside all year around, no matter how bad the weather is. It would not be very surprising if there were a connection, given the fact that there certainly is a cultural connection with Norway if you go back about a thousand years. Greetings from the island of Sotra.
Ah that’s amazing! I had not heard of Sotra but now that i have looked it up - I would love to visit! It would be fun to maybe make a video about Norwegian native sheep. Is there anyone you suggest I contact about visiting a local farm one day? Thanks so much for your support for the channel ☺️
What stunning images of a very remote way of life! Are there any natural predators for the sheep there? In the U.S. we have coyotes and cougars in the more remote areas. Are there any large raptors there to go after the lambs?
Hi there! Thanks for your comment. No, we’re fortunate that there are no predators for the sheep really! We have some aggressive seabirds like Great Skuas and black back gulls who would attack weak or dying lambs but that’s rare and they wouldn’t be able to take any of the other lambs. I’m glad there’s no cougars in Orkney! Thanks for watching!
Yes we are. We’d love to see someone else have their own chapter on the island and love it the way we have. So if anyone wants to take it on we’re open to the idea! Thanks for watching 👍
Most things out here can be taught and learned over time! My parents knew next to nothing when they came here in the 70s. If you go to isleofauskerry.com you'll see a section to contact my mum if you would like to help, they're always looking for help! Thanks for your support
Thanks for watching - we’re doing what we can to hand it on to someone new to have their own special chapter here. I know that for me the place will never be the same without my parents’ drive and commitment- and I don’t want to give up my own life and friends in other parts of the UK, as sad as it will be to say goodbye to the island eventually.
It's never easy! We have about 6 to 8 these days. We used to keep around 12 in total but we're trying to reduce the size of the flock to make it more manageable for mum. Thanks for watching!
Hopefully in the next few weeks! I’ve been on the farm again for the last few weeks and it’s been so busy I haven’t had a chance to edit anything. But I have filmed more and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Hi there! We don’t own the lighthouse tower itself so I don’t have a tour of it unfortunately. We own the downstairs flat and I did do some filming in that this year but I haven’t edited it yet! It will be up later this year though for sure :) thanks for watching!
Humans are by far not my favorite but on in island and in that weather with not a stick of trees. Nope. Made of a whole lot of different and stronger stuff than I am. I'm much too fond of trees, flowers, quick trips to the grocery shop, driving and seeing people from a good distance away. I grew up in vast prairies of Canada, can't get much different. Sad about your dad, my mom is here but gone. She has no concept of anything, not even how old she is. At this point I'm amazed she knows her name, if she actually does.
Hello - thanks for your comment. I’m really sorry to hear about your mum - it’s a devastating condition as you know. Life on auskerry isn’t for everyone for sure, only my dad loves it in the winter to be honest! Take care and best wishes to your family
Hello! The main reason we don’t have a sheep dog is that the breed of sheep we have completely ignore the dogs because they’re quite wild. So that in turn really annoys the dog! We had them when I was really young and then my parents moved over to this breed for the entire flock and they never replaced the last dog when he died. Thanks for watching!
Hi Howard, it’s a good question because normally in breeding can often be an issue to be aware of. However, our flock is just about big enough for it to not have an effect I think. We do check for overshot jaw in our ewes and tups because that can be a sign of in breeding but it’s very rare and we never have birth defects in the lambs. Thanks for watching 👍
@@hamishauskerry Thank you for getting back to me, i was raised on a small hill sheep farm in North Wales so have nothing but respect and admiration for your parents for living such a hard life on Auskerry, great story and storytelling, wishing you and you parents well.
Hi there, I’m afraid we don’t produce lanolin as a product, no. Our wool is washed elsewhere in the UK and that takes all the lanolin out. I suspect you could extract the lanolin if you bought some of mum’s raw fleeces. Thanks for watching!
If you'd like to support the creation of future videos, please consider buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/hamishauskerry ❤
after watching a video about the island and your family, I sit quietly and sigh, contemplate and ponder. Thankyou
That’s such a lovely thing to say, thanks as always Kris. And thank you for your generosity too. All the best ❤️
Hi Hamish, aye good testicles and a good mouth ,I'm glad my wife didn't use that criteria or I'd still be single. Nowt but admiration for you're parent's continuing to live the life they love,long may it continue, cheers fae Pat
😂😂 this really made me laugh. Thanks so much as always Pat - all the best to you
Tell your mum that what she said about learning to do things that she thought your dad could only do is a relief to me. My husband has kidney failure and I have been having to do more.
Ah Deborah, I’m sorry to read this. It’s scary and sad when loved ones get ill. It’s such a hard transition for all my family to see dad’s decline but we are all more resilient than we imagine I think so I reckon you’ll be fine if you take care of yourself. Thanks for watching ☺️
You've got great [old-school] parents, mate. They remind of mine as well - the work-till-they-drop kind. ❤
Thanks very much! Yeah I agree - my parents are special! And I bet yours are too. All the best and thanks for watching 💪
Your videos are beautiful. I am so moved by your mother’s courage and realism. Your parents are amazing, and have raised a good son.
Aw this is such a lovely thing to say, thank you so much ❤️❤️
Once again, a beautifully documented episode of the unique and oh so worthwhile life of your parents. Thank you
Aw thanks as always for being so kind. Take care ❤️☺️
Another winner. Thank goodness you are documenting Au Skerry.
That’s so kind, thanks so much for supporting what we do! 👍
Thank you Hamish, another wonderful video from Auskerry. Your parents are fantastic, especially your mum. I look forward to the next. Be well.
That’s really kind, thanks so much Danny! I agree entirely about mum. These videos are my tribute to all that she’s done for me and my brothers and continues to do! Thanks for watching 👍
Love all the beauty you film, your hard working mum says she is grateful .......I'm so appreciative of this documentary love from Bunbury western Australia x x
Thank you so much Beverley! My mum is amazing - this is my tribute to her in many ways. All the best to you 🇦🇺
I agree. A real joy to watch. Warm regards from Armidale NSW Australia.
Another wonderful video. So happy to see your parents are doing well. You are a good son.
Thanks Kaye. Unfortunately things have progressed since last September and dad is no longer able to be on the farm but he’s safe and being looked after where he is in the nearest town. Take care
Thank you for sharing these videos. I love it! All the best to you and your family ❤
Thank you so much! All the best to you too ☺️
So heartfelt a 'telling'. I admire your parents so much and honour your Mum who is absolutely indomitable in the most loving ways. I hope the season has been very productive. ❤🎉❤
Thank you so much Moira! That's really kind. I am full of admiration for my parents - what they've achieved inspires me so much. :)
Hi Hamish and clan. I just want to say how much I enjoy watching all of your videos. A wee window into the life of two absolutely remarkable, wonderful, and beautiful people, your maw and paw. It actually makes me weep to see how they have lived such a full and fullfilled life on this island compared with many in society at the moment, who bemoan their station at any opportunity.
Your parents are absolute titans of rural existence and industrious endeavour.
I salute them with immeasurable respect and indeed, love. ❤
All best regards. Clan Mochrie.
Ah this is such a kind and thoughtful comment, thank you very much! Mum is very pleased to be called a titan of rural existence 😃 take care and thanks for your support for what we do 👍
What a treat to find a new video about your parents! I do hope that their long good-bye to their island life continues to be filled with the sense of a life well-lived and of enjoyment of each moment they still have there.
Thank you Anna, this is really kind. Thanks for your support - take care ☺️
These sheeps are beautiful !
I completely agree! They have so much character. Thanks for watching!
Love these! ❤
Thanks so much! ☺️
Your documentaries on your parents’ life are incredible!! Imagine how they’ll seem to you in 5-10 years!! You are fortunate to have a personal insight into 2 amazing, devoted, hardworking people - who happen to be your awesome parents!!
This is such a lovely comment, thank you so much Sonia! I'm so SO glad I had the idea to buy a camera and make these videos. They were only ever for me to keep a record of their life and show my friends, but it's been so special to see the films resonate with other people around the world too. Thanks for watching and take care
Another excellent video.
Thank you very much for watching!
What an inspiration they should show this video in schools. Hard work, resilience and peace and quiet. All keys to building a good family home. Kids today are more worried about what gender they Will pick next week than learning how to truly be happy
Thanks for watching! ☺️
It’s always great to see another update from Auskerry, and I hope that this year’s review of the flock goes as smoothly as last year’s. How wonderful that your mom is feeling greater confidence in making all the flock management decisions: I imagine it’s quite empowering for her. How nice that Tommy was able to bring your mom home!
Thanks so much Eric! Yes I hope so too as I’ll be there again for this year’s census and choosing. We’re just trying to enjoy every last drop of our chapter of this amazing place’s history. Take care and thanks for your support 👍
These videos are so beautiful and moving. The sheep are so colourful that it's mesmerising to watch them run in fluid movement, in ever changing shades . What an incredible journey and life you all have . Thank you for sharing just a little with us as you document it for your family to enjoy forever. ❤❤
This is a beautiful comment! Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement- it means a lot. Take care ❤️
I'm a HUGE fan of your videos :) I grew up on a sheep farm in New Zealand and the life style is still in my blood.I help several friends with their hobby farms around where I live(Invercargill), managing all their sheep work for them and I've been given 4 acres to freely graze my own sheep on. If I lived in the UK I'd be coming up and helping out for sure! I have travellers that stay with me, working in exchange for board.They are well meaning, but most are useless so I know the importance of good help
😃 I hope none of your helpers see your comment, John! But I appreciate what you mean - it’s hard to train people in the ways of a farm when they’re new to it, particularly when it’s only for a short time. So it definitely helps mum when I’m able to be home as I live and breathe it! Thanks for your support - take care 👍
Realy nice to see this pop up .
I hope your parents are doing good . And all the flock .
Its been a different year all over . This was filmed in 2023 , it 2024.
Love the sheep .
Take care .
Thank you Nancy, this is really kind of you. Things have changed a lot even in a year, and unfortunately dad is no longer able to be on the island as his condition progresses. But he’s safe and looked after in the nearest town so we continue to count our blessings. Take care
@@hamishauskerry thankyou for replying .
I admire your parents and you for what you have done .Look forward to a possible update . Glad your Dad is safe . And hope your mom's doing ok .
Thankyou .
Hello. I love your videos and love watching your mum and dad and the loving relationship they have with one another and the island. We are coming to Orkney at the end of August and I would love to try and buy some of their wool. Would I be able to get it on the mainland while I am there do you know. Please keep making these wonderful videos 😀
Ah thanks so much for your support! If you go to isleofauskerry.com there is an email address for mum and you can liaise with her there. We have a workshop in town but it’s just in our house so it’ll have to be arranged in advance I think ☺️
Thank you Hamish! I always enjoy these glimpses into your life. I appreciate that you take the time to share with us.
The sheep are really beautiful. I think this is the first time I've seen them close up and as individuals rather than part of the
flock in the pasture. So beautiful!
Ah thanks so much! It’s such a pleasure to share it with you and others around the world. It’s been a lovely experience seeing the reactions of people to our family’s way of life. Take care and thanks for watching!
Hamish, your parents are saints!
What an amazing and unique lifestyle.
In a world such as it is in these times, you should jump at the chance to take over the farm and continue your family’s legacy.
Thanks so much for watching! These are big life decisions and I've decided to do something else with my life for now, as hard a choice as that is. But it's a beautiful place and we all want to make it possible for someone else to take it on and make their own chapter on the island.
Stunning shows, scenery beautiful, love your parents and their lifestyle.. Thanks for letting us be part of your life. We did visit the Orkney Islands when we did a tour a few years ago. Loved it all.
Ah that's lovely to hear, thanks Lorraine! It's been a genuine pleasure to see the reaction of people to our way of life - and it's certainly inspired me what my parents achieved so I'm glad it is for others too. Take care!
Watching this while crocheting granny squares with your beautiful wool x.
That’s such a special image - thank you so much for watching ❤️
Those walls with doors where the sheep pens are - what are/were they for?
Your time is coming for you to move back - If my memory is correct you are /were engaged, (its not for me to say) get married & give your off-spring the same as you had. I say this with a bit of envy.
Thank you for keeping us in the loop, I do enjoy & love seeing what you are up to.
Thanks Colin! They were outside toilet blocks for the lighthouse keepers and their families. Thanks for your support - all the best to you
What a wonderful video thank you! Much love to your parents!
Thank you so much! That's really kind ☺️
You finished with an absolutely perfect portrait of your dad!
Thank you so much for watching until the end! I’m so glad I got that shot of dad in his natural habitat ❤️
Thank you so much Hamish for sharing your parents with us. I love watching how people around the world carve out livelihoods from their environments. I didn't appreciate how petite the Rollies are until now and such a gorgeous array of colours. All the best to you and your parents from Ontario, Canada.
Thank you so much Sue! It’s a pleasure to share our life with people and seeing how it’s resonated with others has been really rewarding. Thanks for watching - all the best to you in another beautiful part of the world!
Very moving, archive quality account of your lives. Even though it's your real job anyway, well done. Thank you from Northumberland.
Thank you so much! Honestly the filming side of things is still pretty new to me - I only started really learning how to use the camera properly last year but doing this has taught me loads and I’m so glad I’ve been able to document it for our family. Thanks for watching!
Such a wonderful way to "get lost" to a quieter but hard working way of life
Yes it certainly is! Thanks for watching
Enjoyed another episode, thank you. Some are strong, some are weak but life goes on. I'm glad your mom can continue for now.
Thank you for your support ☺️
Thank you for sharing your farming life on the land
Thanks Nigel 👍
Another beautifully filmed video, Hamish! I save your films to watch when I'm completely undistracted, as they are a treat to the soul. Your parents truly inspire awe and admiration. I'm so glad that you're there with them. You will never regret this time. And one last thing; I keep rewatching the ending and the tiny slight smile on your Dad’s face. Priceless 💗
This is an incredibly special and kind comment Angela - thank you so much ❤️❤️ my parents inspire me every day and I’m so glad I’ve been able to give something back by coming home to help every year. All the best to you and thanks again ☺️
Lots of hard work building and maintaining a household and family. It’s a strange shift in perspective when you start winding things down.
It really is. Thank you for your support ❤️
It was really interesting hearing about and seeing your mom and dad pick the rams for breeding next year.
Thank you very much! I hope you’re taking care of yourself
thanks Hamish for yet another vlog with the latest news about the family. Very comforting to know that your Dad is being looked after in Town, wonderful snap shot of next years Rams selection. Always a heartwarming tale of life on Auskerry and the dedication of your Mum to keep the breed ongoing for this year. Best wishes to you all.
Ah thanks so much Ronald, this is a kind and thoughtful comment. Yes it’s very sad for all of us that he’s no longer able to live on auskerry as his condition deteriorates but he’s safe and looked after so that’s the main thing. This video is a celebration of my parents for all they’ve achieved and it’s lovely for me to have footage of dad in his element. Take care - all the best
Confidence booster: the best feeling👏.
Many women definitely need to feel it. 😉
Great achievement. 🎯
Hopefully mum feels more empowered seeing how everyone else views her amazing achievements ❤️ thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing another video of your.mum n Dad's life on the amazing island with those wonderful sheep 😊
Thanks so much for your support Myra ❤️
My wife and I absolutely love watching your vids of mum and dad on their beautiful island. We really feel for all of you watching your lovely mum and dad deal with his illness. Take care from Jezz and Pip in Terrace, BC. Canada Our dear friends here will be visiting their best friends in the Orkneys hopefully in September to visit their dear friend who's dealing with Alzheimer's.
Thank you so much Jeremy for this kind comment. It is incredibly hard watching my super man dad decline but these videos have helped me to hold on to memories of him in his natural habitat. I’m sorry to hear about your friends’ friend in Orkney. Alzheimer’s is incredibly cruel but I hope they’re doing ok. Take care and thanks for your support ❤️
Great vlog Hamish, totally enjoyed. Your mom is a worker, maybe a power washer for her to clean the pens with your dads help, it all goes back to refurbish the environment! They are to be commended for the best practise of sheep farming. from Ontario Canada
Thank you so much! A power washer isn’t really our style - particularly as we often have to conserve water and power - but I agree it would make it a bit easier! I really appreciate your support and thanks for watching! ❤️
I just discovered your channel, and I am in love with your parents life, I've been watching a few videos today. and I keep on thinking, that I hope for their legacy and their beautiful sheep flok to continue to exists! I hope you or someone of your family can step in their footsteps! Or at least some one will be searched to keep this place going! And if so, I would definitely consider raising my hand , and dedicate my life to step in their footsteps... thank you for documenting this! Your videos are beautiful! Hope your dad's health keeps up for a while and your mother keeps to be so powerful and takes on the task for some more time! Thank you for sharing this!
Hi mate, thank you so much for your comment - it’s really kind and thoughtful. We are actively planning to find someone or a couple to take on the island and the farm after my parents no longer can. If you’d be interested, could you email lifeonauskerry@gmail.com please. I have checked out your videos on here and they’re great! Looks like you’ve got a lovely place where you live too. Take care
Another great video insight into your families unique way of life.
All the best.
Thanks so much mate! Really appreciate it - best wishes to you too
Thank you again Hamish.
Thank you very much as always for your support! ☺️
Clever mum
She is!! Thanks 🙏
Welsh greetings from caerphilly south wales 🏴😊
Cheers John! I know Caerphilly as I live and work in Cardiff when I’m not on the island so maybe I’ll see you around! Thanks for watching
I spent a winter working on an Orkney farm, and shovelling sh*t is definitely a big part of the job! Thanks for another great video.
😂 this is absolutely true. I loved watching the footage back where you have the utter beauty of that early evening sky and its colours, and then just mountains of sh*te 😂 thanks for watching
Another wonderful video. As I enjoy one of your lamp skins, it’s such a pleasure to further understand how it derived. Your mom is certainly a warrior woman with compassion for her family and her flock❤. What are the two small buildings with the slant roofs?
Hi Donna, thanks so much for your support! Mum is incredible - these videos are my tribute to her strength. Those small buildings are the old toilet blocks for the lighthouse keepers and their families before the light was automated. Take care ❤️
Thank you for this wonderfull video!
Thank you for watching it!
Another stunning video ❤️ from PEI 🇨🇦
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching :)
Hamish another great video… I send all my love admiration and appreciation to you and your wonderful family. Hugs and kisses from Calgary Canada❤
Thank you so much Fiorenza - that’s a really kind comment and I really appreciate. Take care! ☺️
Your mum talking about the softness of the wool sparked a memory of Faroese wool, there is a breed of Faroese sheep whose wool looks and feels like the coarsest steel wire wool but is incredibly warm and for some strange reason doesn't itch (it doesn't with me), my dad worked on deep water trawlers out of Grimsby and whenever the trawler he was on called into the Faroes he would get one of these faroese jumpers, and as soon as my mum washed it, hey presto she would shrink it from an extra large mans size to a size that would be perfect for me aged about 11 and very skinny. Anyway great films, very enjoyable thanks.
Aw that’s such a lovely memory to share, thanks Nick! Our sheep have really good quality wool I know that, but I myself don’t have much experience with other breeds. Thanks for watching!
Watching from New Zealand. What an amazing video. Thanks for sharing this wee glimpse into your family life.
Thank you so much for supporting us! Take care 👍
Wow your mom is amazing & so hardworking! Well done to her, your dad & you! ❤ from me in South Africa 🇿🇦
Thank you so much Wendy for your support! Take care
Love watching the land...thank you very much......Blessings darling man from Granny Linda in OZ...😊
Thanks so much as ever Linda ❤️ g
You take care
So enjoyed the episode 😊
XXXX🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thanks so much Charisse! All the best to you ☺️☺️
beautiful place its a paradise relax place outside the city liife
Thanks for watching!
What an amazing family you have.
Thank you so much - we're all so lucky to have each other and all the memories we've made on this amazing place :)
Bless you for all your hard work in developing quality wool. My friend purchased skeins to make a sweater, and it will be beautiful, soft, and warm. Love from Pennsylvania, USA 💕🌷🐻
Ah that’s lovely, thank you Betty! I hope your friend enjoys the sweater when it’s made! Take care ☺️
Hamish, thanks for continuing to share the story of your family's island. As a handspinner (looking forward to a raw fleece from your mom), I particularly appreciated the focus of this video on the sheep. They are absolutely beautiful creatures!
Thank you so much for this kind comment! Your generosity is also so much appreciated. I hope you enjoy the raw fleece too - take care ☺️
I know I'm always going to drop a like with your videos so was about to click when your Mum said "Good testicles" so thought I'd leave it a minute or two.before doing so ;)
😂😂 that’s entirely fair enough. Hopefully it all made sense in the end! Thanks for watching 👍👍
enjoyed all your video,s, that i.ve watched more than once, every one of them are fantastic, & i hope you can continue to take time off to help your parents, esp at their busiest time,s, & long may they continue, thanks, from the lake district.
Thanks so much Michael, that’s really kind of you - all the best. H
Love the sheep. Love the situation. Well done!
Thanks as always Veronica! I hope you’re well ☺️
Just LOVE your vids! Your fam is lovely. Thankyou for sharing! Greetings from Aus 💚
❤️❤️☺️ thank you!
wonderful
Thanks so much Sue!
Cheers from South Australia Hamish, love your videos, best wishes to you & family
Thanks so much Pete! I really appreciate the support. All the best to you! 👍
Amazing video as usual ❤ thank you for sharing your family with us. Having a herding dog myself, I wonder, have you ever had a dog as part of your family? Take care from Wisconsin, USA
Hi Karen! Thanks for watching and your question. We used to have dogs up until I was really young. The type of sheep we had originally up until about 25 years ago was a more conventional breed and they responded well to sheep dogs but this breed just ignored the dog and it drove it nuts so when the last one died we never got another one. One less creature to have to worry about I guess! Take care ☺️☺️
I'm finishing my life living in miserable cement room😢😢I watch and dream and hope in another life living in some places like that...thank you
Oh Lisa I'm sorry to read this 😞 Thank you so much for watching - I truly hope you have some better luck soon. Sending my best wishes to you
Teresa is amazing! Looking forward to my order of your wool ordered by my sister in law
Ah lovely, enjoy! Thanks for your support
Bravery comes in many forms.
Thanks for watching Paula!
So glad you did the filming when you did. Your mom is amazing. I did have a question. Do they live in the lighthouse. I saw several sections of video that showed the lighthouse by the sheep pen
Hey! Thanks for your question. No, we live at a house my parents built at the other end of the island. Some of the other videos in the series show the house more than this episode. The pens were built at the other end because the lighthouse garden dykes were so useful for building the structures etc. thanks for watching!
These people know what they are doing and how to live.
Thanks Michelle! Take care
I trust that there will be a way for the flock to "carry on" once your parents "retire". Perhaps, another young and ambitious couple who seek solitude and a more original lifestyle may keep the flame going that was sparked by your parents so many years ago. Thanks for sharing.
That is what we so desperately hope for. We've had an amazing life on this island, but our time here is a tiny chapter in the long history of Auskerry - a place people have lived at different times for thousands of years. We hope someone else sees potential in it and wants to make their own life here when we no longer can. Thanks for watching
WHAT A WONDERFUL VIDEO.
THANKS FOR SHARING.
GREETINGS FROM BRAZIL.🤩
Hola! Thank you so much for watching and support. Take care
As usual Mum knows best.
Usually.... yes! Thanks for watching
Will u take over the island when your mum cant do it anymore which im sure is a lomg way away. Ur parent's must of had a amazing 50yrs on the island.
Thanks very much Jack! We all hope to hand it over to a new young couple who want to start their own chapter on the island. My partner and I don’t think it’s right for us because we love the social side of life and Auskerry is very remote. But we hope someone would like to take it on from us!
Lovely 🎉
Thanks 🤗
Thankyou
Thanks for your support!
Hard work at the farm yet it is lovey lo see how people get happiness from it like your parents do.
I would have loved to see the sheep feeding routine with the sea weed. Do they use chopsticks? :)
Subscribed!.
Ha I'm sure they'd love to use utensils! Thanks so much for your support :)
@@hamishauskerry It is my pleasure, greetings!.
I am really fascinated by your sheep - because I see something very similiar here in Western Norway. We call them "utegangar", "Austevollsau", or "Gammelnorsk sau" (Old Norwegian Sheep.) The colors are very similiar, the horns as well, and the coarse wool looks very similiar. They live outside all year around, no matter how bad the weather is. It would not be very surprising if there were a connection, given the fact that there certainly is a cultural connection with Norway if you go back about a thousand years. Greetings from the island of Sotra.
Ah that’s amazing! I had not heard of Sotra but now that i have looked it up - I would love to visit! It would be fun to maybe make a video about Norwegian native sheep. Is there anyone you suggest I contact about visiting a local farm one day? Thanks so much for your support for the channel ☺️
@@hamishauskerry I´m a retired veterinarian, and I have lived on these islands for the last 40 years. I could probably put you in touch with somebody.
That would be amazing! Thanks so much for replying. If you’re interested in discussing further, my email address is hamish@hamishauskerry.com :)
...but you do it so well.
++A
Thank you very much for watching!
❤❤❤
Thanks Stacey!
What stunning images of a very remote way of life! Are there any natural predators for the sheep there? In the U.S. we have coyotes and cougars in the more remote areas. Are there any large raptors there to go after the lambs?
Hi there! Thanks for your comment. No, we’re fortunate that there are no predators for the sheep really! We have some aggressive seabirds like Great Skuas and black back gulls who would attack weak or dying lambs but that’s rare and they wouldn’t be able to take any of the other lambs. I’m glad there’s no cougars in Orkney! Thanks for watching!
Yo, are your parents looking for anyone to take over? 'Cause they are living the dream.
Yes we are. We’d love to see someone else have their own chapter on the island and love it the way we have. So if anyone wants to take it on we’re open to the idea! Thanks for watching 👍
can I live there too? I don't know anything about sheep but I can cook and clean
Most things out here can be taught and learned over time! My parents knew next to nothing when they came here in the 70s. If you go to isleofauskerry.com you'll see a section to contact my mum if you would like to help, they're always looking for help! Thanks for your support
You best keep the life going. Cos itll be a shame to lose such. Xx
Thanks for watching - we’re doing what we can to hand it on to someone new to have their own special chapter here. I know that for me the place will never be the same without my parents’ drive and commitment- and I don’t want to give up my own life and friends in other parts of the UK, as sad as it will be to say goodbye to the island eventually.
What a difficult choice to make. How many older tups do you have altogether.
It's never easy! We have about 6 to 8 these days. We used to keep around 12 in total but we're trying to reduce the size of the flock to make it more manageable for mum. Thanks for watching!
❤
Thank you 🙏
When is the next video coming?
Please!
Hopefully in the next few weeks! I’ve been on the farm again for the last few weeks and it’s been so busy I haven’t had a chance to edit anything. But I have filmed more and I can’t wait to share it with you!
@@hamishauskerry Good to know, thank you and I hope everyone is doing fine!.
Do you have a video tour of the lighthouse and house?
Hi there! We don’t own the lighthouse tower itself so I don’t have a tour of it unfortunately. We own the downstairs flat and I did do some filming in that this year but I haven’t edited it yet! It will be up later this year though for sure :) thanks for watching!
Your aircraft looks like a Zenith CH7
Hi David, it's not our aircraft so I'm not sure exactly what it is. I think Tommy built it himself but I'm not sure of that. Thanks for watching!
@@hamishauskerry I enjoyed the story and the aircraft too. I build aircraft for a hobby and this one is a sister ship to the one we are building.
Humans are by far not my favorite but on in island and in that weather with not a stick of trees. Nope. Made of a whole lot of different and stronger stuff than I am. I'm much too fond of trees, flowers, quick trips to the grocery shop, driving and seeing people from a good distance away. I grew up in vast prairies of Canada, can't get much different. Sad about your dad, my mom is here but gone. She has no concept of anything, not even how old she is. At this point I'm amazed she knows her name, if she actually does.
Hello - thanks for your comment. I’m really sorry to hear about your mum - it’s a devastating condition as you know. Life on auskerry isn’t for everyone for sure, only my dad loves it in the winter to be honest! Take care and best wishes to your family
Did you ever consider getting a sheep dog? Great for working the sheep and great company for your parents
Hello! The main reason we don’t have a sheep dog is that the breed of sheep we have completely ignore the dogs because they’re quite wild. So that in turn really annoys the dog! We had them when I was really young and then my parents moved over to this breed for the entire flock and they never replaced the last dog when he died. Thanks for watching!
Great video, how does the process work with keeping your own male lambs for breeding and the potential for inbreeding on the island ?
Hi Howard, it’s a good question because normally in breeding can often be an issue to be aware of. However, our flock is just about big enough for it to not have an effect I think. We do check for overshot jaw in our ewes and tups because that can be a sign of in breeding but it’s very rare and we never have birth defects in the lambs. Thanks for watching 👍
@@hamishauskerry Thank you for getting back to me, i was raised on a small hill sheep farm in North Wales so have nothing but respect and admiration for your parents for living such a hard life on Auskerry, great story and storytelling, wishing you and you parents well.
Sad to think that this way of life may disappear
It is indeed, we all agree. Although we hope that maybe someone would like to take the place on one day. Thanks for watching 👍
Do you have lanolin in your shop ?
Hi there, I’m afraid we don’t produce lanolin as a product, no. Our wool is washed elsewhere in the UK and that takes all the lanolin out. I suspect you could extract the lanolin if you bought some of mum’s raw fleeces. Thanks for watching!