Harvesting peat to keep my parents warm on a remote Scottish island farm
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- My parents have been farming sheep on a remote Scottish island for nearly 50 years. For half that time, they've had a flock of North Ronaldsays, or Rollies, an ancient breed of seaweed-eating sheep native to the Orkney Islands. I took a sabbatical from my job as a TV news reporter to help for four months and decided to film a documentary series about their unique lifestyle while I was there. In this episode we weigh some peat to give some factual basis to my claim to be pulling my weight, then we collect the half dried peat to take it home. Plus, we have a mail delivery from the fisherman who has been bringing it to us for more than 40 years.
If you'd like to support the creation of future videos, please consider buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/hamishauskerry ❤
My parents’ website features all the products they make from our sheep, check it out here: www.isleofauskerry.com
Please subscribe for future episodes!
Shot on my Sony A7C (28mm, 35-70mm, 70-180mm lenses)
Plus some shots on the iPhone 11
Audio with DJI wireless lavs and Rode Videomic NTG
#farming #documentary #islandlife #remoteliving #orkney #offgrid #scotland #turf
If you'd like to support the creation of future videos, please consider buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/hamishauskerry ❤
Your most moving episode yet. It’s so hugely important that you are documenting the life of your parents. Not just for your own family, but clearly for at least one million of us. Thank you
Thank you so much Elisabeth - it has made us cry too. Take care ❤️
The old worlds are passing. Good man for doing the hard work of keeping things going.
Cheers Pat, I appreciate it.
I believe there is an appetite for their return. A lot of derelict homes/farms are being bought in Ireland and being lovingly restored, by hard working people. I see it happening also in Portugal, Spain and Italy. ❤ There is hope ❤
Hard work kept John young, I would never guess he was over 80. Wonderful video.
Amazing isn’t it! He’s a legend. Thanks for watching!
@@hamishauskerry What were you farming on the island? did you keep sheep?
Hello! We farm a flock of about 600 sheep which are a rare breed that eat seaweed. They are a native Orkney breed called North Ronaldsays or Rollies. Thanks for watching!
So many things to comment on that it's just not possible. Your parents are blessed to have such a son to look after them and you are blessed to have such great parents. Really enjoyed this video. Hope you are able to make many more.
Thank you! ☺️ my parents are legends and I’m so glad I’ve been able to make this series to celebrate them a bit. Thanks for watching
Digging peat gotta be one of those universally satisfying things for guys. Digging a hole, making mud squares, setting them ablaze at some point in time???? count me in.
😂😂 I absolutely love this 👏 there is something so wonderfully primal about gathering something, drying it out and then burning it
You're a good Son. Watching for the first time from North Carolina. God bless you and your family.
I appreciate that a lot ❤️
you are a good son Hamish, and i am betting just a good all around guy...
😃 cheers Brett! I just like giving back a bit to my parents and I love the island and the farm so much so honestly I get so much from going back to help 💪
The hardest part of your journey through dementia is knowing that your loved one is not only never going to get any better but that they will sooner or later not remember who you are or even who they are. I think you hope that maybe they still know you at some level until you realise that they are not responding to their own name and it suddenly occurs to you that if they don’t know who they are it’s a bit unrealistic to think that they might remember you and it hurts far more deeply than you think it will especially because you are at this point completely consumed with their care. I have watched this video each evening since you posted it (3 times) and I didn’t want to say anything but it’s just an unbelievably moving portrait of life and it’s reality even in a remote corner of the world that I am compelled to pass comment and thank you for sharing this wonderful, thoughtful and respectful portrayal of your father even when it makes for somewhat uncomfortable viewing, you give us permission to continue to watch by not dwelling on the difficult scenario but refocusing on the beautiful island and what it brings to bare on the narrative. If I was religious I would say God bless , but since I am not all I can say is best of luck and ask that you give your mum a gentle word every now and then, it’s not easy for you, just imagine what it is like for her. Regards from Ireland
My thoughts exactly, went through it with both parents and it’s not easy.
Andy, this is so kind - thank you so much for writing this. The whole illness is so hard to adapt to because it’s constantly changing and there are no patterns to follow. It’s been hard to show my dad’s frailties in these videos because he’s still my all-action dad in my head, but I think it’s important that dementia is talked about and that the stigma is reduced. The realities of rural living with an illness or disability is also not known enough. I’m so incredibly touched that you’ve empathised so much with my parents’ and I’s situation. Take care of yourself. Best, H.
What an unbelievably thoughtful comment on an unexpectedly moving video. @hamishauskerry I can’t imagine how hard the illness is for your whole family, but the love and reverence you all have for him is obvious. It’s amazing seeing how people live (and have lived), and how important neighbours and community are to both our mental and physical health. I can’t imagine how hard it is to edit these videos, but I’m so grateful you did. All the best to you, your parents, Tommy, and of course John. I can’t believe he is in his 80s!
Those of us who are dealing with a parent declining with dementia or lost one know how hard this is least being on a remote island.
Made me tear up at the end knowing the “Hopeful Crew” won’t be by again😢
I know 😢 All of us have she’s a tear watching it too. Thanks for watching and empathising ❤️
The woodpeckers are incredible to be there...wow...
Yes...I can see the progression of your dad's condition...and its a lot on you all.He is dearly loved..so evident to see.And he lives is his happy place..I'm sure that brings great contentment to you all.
Thank you ☺️🥹
i really miss the island, back now for 2 weeks and i cant wait go again
Ah cheers Eric! I know mum is looking forward to having you back later in the year. Thanks for all your work!
Stunningly beautiful yet painfully hard watching our parents grow old - well done on a brilliant episode
Thanks very much Jonty, that’s really kind 👍
So bittersweet and elegiac. Your father is a hero and you are a wonderful son.
Thanks so much David ☺️
Peat cutting takes me back to my Falkland Is childhood. That's good black peat you have.
The method we use is very different, standing in the cut and cutting from the face along the bank, throwing the sods from a spade to spread them out as they are cut. We use a spade similar to a garden spade, producing a 9x9x6" sod.
Turned days later as you do then into 'houses' which we call Rickles. When dry it can be carted home or stacked by the bank to dry over the winter. We make a round stack leaning in on itself and as tall as a man can reach - it's the shape of a traditional beehive when finished.
When home it's usually kept in a shed - thrown in haphazardly, although stacks are common on the farms.
There is very little peat cut there these days however.
As you know it is backbreaking work and dad would have a few sweets in his pocket to keep him going. It was not unusual to find a sweet wrapper pushed into a wet sod - he'd never litter the peat bank.
Thanks for the memories.
Thank you for sharing your memories. I grew up in a rural area of a fairly large island off the west coast of British Columbia. At first we used an oil furnace for heat. I remember standing beside it after getting out of the shared bathtub, shivering and dancing about. Four children all of us girls. We got central heating later on and my Dad had a fireplace added as he worked in the woods and was allowed to take as much wood as he wanted from the bush. He sold some firewood but charged very little for it. I had two friends from single mother homes and he practically gave it to them, he even stacked the firewood for one lady. She was so happy and grateful to have assured warmth for her foreseeable future. ~ Thank you for your comments.
Ah thanks Derek - this is lovely and fascinating in equal measure! I think that sounds a lot like it's always been done in other parts of Scotland and Ireland. From what people tell me, I think we've always had a rather idiosyncratic way of doing it here but of course in the old days, dad had no one to call or ask so he probably came up with his own way of doing it and that's been passed on to me! In the other video about cutting the peat, I filmed myself eating a Tunnocks caramel wafer on the job - which is definitely necessary! Thanks again for commenting. Do you still live in the Falklands?
Ah Sharon these are wonderful memories too, thank you for sharing! Did you grow up on Vancouver island? On Auskerry in the summer months we used to bathe in the front garden in a plastic propcorn barrel cut in half! When I was a baby it was bath time in a washing up bowl on the kitchen table 😄 Thanks for watching
@@hamishauskerry Not since I was 12 - I'm 64 in New Zealand now
We cut the sods thinner easier to handle when cutting and when dry. Still it's hard work.
There is nothing easy about living in this island totally self sufficient the truly only easy thing I see is the visually beautiful landscape „so EASY on the eyes …thanking you for sharing these precious moments and this incredible life… stay safe stay blessed
Thanks so much Isabella ❤️ take care
Self sufficiency is such a myth.
I grew up in similar circumstances to these people and the dependence on the outside world is always apparent.
I came to believe we humans are at our best when like ants we are interdependent in every way.
Absolutely lovely. I remember growing up in my little rural town near Ottawa and our neighbors were always there for us in a pinch. Huge relief to have people who came by and helped when needed, especially in ice storms, power outages, and to check on the cat if needed. The last boat leaving the pier is so bittersweet, I hope you have someone else who can fill that roll.
Aw that’s a lovely story, yes it’s so important in small and rural communities to help each other when people need it. Thank you for watching ☺️
I only found you after watching your story on the Welsh spinning and weaving mill. I love your style of journalism
Ah thanks very much Sherrie that's a lovely thing to say. Welcome to the channel! :)
Thank you so much Hamish. It's not just a glimpse into your world, it's a picture of all our pasts. We may be on different continents but we still have the same responsibilities and needs. Your's are just more exciting to a lot of us.
That’s so kind - thank you for watching and your support ❤️
Having seen my mum go through dimentia, I can imagine how you feel watching your dad struggling. The only consolation you have is that he himself is probably more and more unaware of it.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you 🙏 I’m sorry to hear about your mother - it’s so very sad to watch it happen to a loved one. Yes thankfully he’s not aware at all anymore I don’t think. He’s safe and looked after and that’s all you can do. Thanks for watching - take care.
Truly amazing and so satisfying watching you cut the pete and your parents way of life,the highest respect to you and your folks best wishes 👍 john price south east Wales 🏴
Really appreciate that - cheers John!
I look forward to each video you send out. Great job and please continue on.
That’s really kind, thank you! ☺️
Ah, my heart just relates so much to the situation with your dad. My mum's farther along and it just feels sad most of the time. I'm glad you are all eking out the best of the days you have together.
Sorry to hear that 😢 this was filmed in September and august last year and unfortunately my dad is a lot further on too now so it’s hard watching it back. Thanks for your support ❤️
So glad you can com-peat with your brothers in this work.
😂😂 top of the class Billy!
Ah yes I well remember the time of the peats being brought home...in the village the men got together in groups to take the village's peats home...and if it was our turn we supplied all the meals, soup, herring, potatoes and veggies, bread, scones, pancakes...home made crowdie, butter and jams...it was like feeding an army, which it was in a way...past times that I'll never see the like of it again...memories of a life that is gone
Thank you Hamish 😁 🌠
They are lovely memories! Thank you for sharing - and also for supporting what we’re doing. Take care ❤️
Thank you, Hamish! Best wishes to you and your family. I've only handled dry peat - amazing how much the weight changes when dried!
Thank you! Yeah they're a lot more manageable dry! Cheers for watching as always 👍
Thanks for the video. It's hard to see loved ones slowing down. They've taught you a lot, I'm sure they are proud of you. Look forward to the next video
Thanks Chris - that’s really kind. I’m so grateful to my parents for the start they gave us in life. Thanks for watching 👍
Back in Ireland at my parents we do the same with the turf for heating and cooking a day in the Bog collecting the turf and bringing it home we put it in a shed all year round 200 yards of it
Wow that’s a lot of work! It’s lovely to keep these traditions going though 💪
Thank you Hamish! I always really enjoy your videos. It's important that you've preserved island and family life with your videos.❤❤❤
Thanks so much for your support! ☺️
These are absolutely the best pictures that made it to my screen today!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and showing what's really important in life 👍💞
Thank you so much! That's really kind - I'm glad you enjoyed the ep :)
These videos are such a wonderful glimpse into an amazing life and incredible people ❤
Aw thank you!! ☺️
You make the most beautiful videos. Interesting and showing humanity at its best. Thank you Hamish. 😊
Thank you so much! This really means a lot ❤️ I’m so glad I had the idea to film my home - as it’s brought me so much joy sharing it with others. Take care
lovely Hamish , ive missed your channel but know due to your work commitments its hard x
Thank you, yes it’s tricky to juggle everything - particularly now with an election on! But I do try to find the time when I can. Thanks for watching! ☺️
I just love your videos from your beautiful island. I remember my grandparents doing the same routine harvesting peat on a little island on the north west coast of Norway. I have always felt close to the hard working people in Scotland.-more so after watching your videos. And I just admire your parents so much 🥰
That is awesome! Can I ask what the name of the island is? I’d absolutely love to visit some of the Norwegian islands and see their unique sheep and the landscapes. Thank you for watching and supporting ☺️
@@hamishauskerry The name is Smøla .And Therese Are so mann beautiful Islands and plages to visit in Norway. One eksempler is Lofoten.
Sorry about the typos-l am not used to writing in english.
As I come from The Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides...which were taken and ruled over by the Vikings for over 800years but never left...I must have quite a few of your forebears to thank for my being here so...I feel very close to the Norse from your parts😁🌠
@@ChristophersMum Your comment really moved me-and I think Norwegians have a lot in common with the Scottish people. Both my parents come from small islands too -and the vikings have left a mark there too. And I also think the weather conditions are the same-a lot of wind and rain. Smøla and Edøy are where my parents came from.🥰The north west coast of Norway
Loved helping my friend’s family on a sheep farm in North Wales collect peat for their fires back in the early 70s
Oh cool! Which farm? Wales is my new home ❤️
@@hamishauskerry it is in Garndolbenmaen in Gwynedd. Of course the owners have since passed away and my school friend lives in the Lake District now. My childhood was spent up there after school and every weekend. Wonderful childhood.!
we say the same about firewood. depending on how many times you handle it or cut it, it''s always warming you up
Exactly! There’s something so rewarding about all of those kinds of things. Thanks for watching!
G'day Hamish, bloody ripper vids mate, love Mum & Dad and you're doing a great job. Keep up the good work legend. Cheers, Sean.
Thanks so much Sean! Really appreciate it mate 👍
Impressive backing the trailer 👏.
Yes, family tasks change and merge and swap over as needs must. Tweaks the heart strings and makes one ponder on the previous generations way past. Thank you so much for explaining exactly how peat is harvested and cured. Had been puzzled how it worked. Hard work handling peat and firewood from harvest. Warmed twice indeed 😊. I love gathering twigs and sticks in the scrub for kindling, very satisfying to see the boxes full in the wood shed. Keep safe, and now, warm. From Australia
Thank you so much for watching and support what we do - it genuinely means a lot ❤️ sending love to Australia 😘
It's great to see all of the work involved, good and not so.
I love the living history that you have, and your parents pass that knowledge on
Ah thank you! It’s been very special to share it with others too. Thanks for watching ☺️
Really enjoying these films well shot and produced a real highlight on my youtube watchlist 😊
Thanks so much Stephen, that’s very kind! Take care
Very special to me your videos. My father as well has demence, live is not easy. Great to see how you let him share normal daily ilandjobs. Best wishes from Germany
I’m sorry to hear that - it certainly is tough. Sending best wishes to you and your dad ❤️
Cheerio is such a New Zealand Expression! So glad to hear it.
Ah I didn’t know that! It’s great word - thanks for watching to the end! 😃
Well it makes sense. The UK made your country 😅
There’s so much to comment on in this video. After reading the other comments pretty much everything has been said or covered. However, as a new sub I at least want to share with you how grateful I am for this video and i second all the nice comments people have made. The warmth and love your family has come through the video. From the States I wish you and your loved ones well…
Ah this is such a kind and thoughtful comment, thanks so much Robert! We work hard and stick together as a family through the good and worse times. All the best to you in the States!
Ha ish I love your insights and channel. Thank you love from Calgary Canada ❤️🇨🇦
Thank you! Best wishes over the pond to you too ☺️
Like this videos . My father grew up on a dairy farm and told stories of helping to milk before and after school and moving stock with horses . he later had a teaching job , but farming is like running a small business . My mother had some altsheimers like your Dad . All you can do is be there for him
Thank you Barney, that’s kind of you. Thanks for watching
Again thank you !!🙂
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing! Absolutely love your videos and perspective.
That’s really kind ☺️ thanks for watching!
Another interesting & enjoyable video fair play to ya . Best wishes from Ireland ☘️ take care everyone 👍👍👍
Cheers Michael! Thanks for watching - take care 👍
Fabulous!!
Thank you!!
Thanks for the amazing update. I feel a bit of a wool purchase from the wool website coming on soon.
Thank you! That sounds like a good idea 😃
Interesting on so many levels - thanks. My own (late) father had dementia (he had been a very clever doctor (psychiatrist) but we were and he was very lucky his physical health also gave out within 2 or 3 years. Luckily he could stay at home and even died in the house of 50+ years. Interesting because of seeing the peat and of course the change for us all of receiving much less post these days and then the issue of when children stay and when they leave - all mine came back after university and 2 are still here. It is so beautiful there. I had ancestors on my grandmother's side who lived in Kirkwall and Stromness but in the mid 1800s moved to Peteread and then down to England - Northumberland. The one how moved to Northumberland was a sailor which is not surprising.
These are lovely memories, thanks Jane. I’m sorry to hear about your father but I’m glad he was able to stay at home until the end. Thank you for watching and take care.
Good to see got new water pump now and great see and good to see doing peat for fire in winter great to see great video
Cheers Jason!
Beautiful people I am so happy to find back this channel and I am so happy to see you all god bless I enjoyed watching checking in from Adelaide Australia 🇦🇺
Thank you so much! That’s really kind ☺️ take care
Thanks for another great video Hamish
Cheers John! Glad you enjoyed it
Very beautiful film. Very beautiful family. Not sure what's Nature or Nurture but can't imagine you'd be such a great guy/son without both.
That’s a lovely thing to say and I appreciate it 🙏 I am the product of the island and my parents - I owe them all so much. Thanks for watching ❤️
Good on ya fellas SOUTH AUSTRALIA
💪💪
Just fantastic
Thank you! ☺️
I read from true stories by a retired school teacher who lived in the Shetland islands on retiring...She wrote of the locals...One story was of a woman who lived alone and the walls to her small home was six feet thick with cut peat blocks all around the home and she had a small wind break at the back door of a five foot tall by ten feet long wall, five peat cuts deep..... What a stack..... lafffffin....Enjoyed my visit..please visit mum and dad soon..... blessings darling from Granny Linda in OZ......
Yes quite good insulation I’d imagine! I wouldn’t want it to collapse on me though 😃 thank you for watching - sending good wishes to you in Oz ☺️
Live just south of Glasgow, Just found your videos. Fabulous. Keep going😊
Thanks so much Judith! Take care and thanks for your support ☺️
Family ❤
❤️ thanks for watching
I was moved by your video. I’m 64 and live in America. My father is 89. The roles reversed several years ago. My memories flooded my mind about the things me and my father did together, and now he follows me around. Thanks for sharing this part of your life.
Aw that’s very poignant to read this, thank you so much for sharing. It’s hard to cope with that transition, but we just have to enjoy everything that we can! Take care
Funny that bit about changing roles, once your dad looked after you, provided everything and then you find yourself doing it back, strange feeling.
Yeah it really is, it struck me so much last year. It takes a bit of getting used to, and I probably never will fully. Thanks for watching 👍
Mate just discovered your channel and WAW what a way of life you and your family lead mate absolutely fantastic,look forward to the next one
Ah thanks so much Alan! My parents built something incredible - and this is my tribute to them really! Take care
So kind of you and your family to share all of this with us. What lovely, wonderful people ❤
That’s a lovely thing to say, thank you ❤️ I started making these videos just to have a record of family memories, but it’s been lovely to share our experiences with people like you around the world. Thanks for getting in touch! ☺️
Hola Hamish, gracias por compartir tan emotivos momentos con tu familia y amigos, me encanta Saludos a tu Familia.
Gracias 🙏❤️
Thanks for your episode
Thanks for your support Nina!
so good iam watching it again lol
❤️❤️
A beautiful part of the world, you are very lucky to have such family and friends, and they to have yourself. It reminds myself of growing up in the valleys of Wales, strong bonds forged through shared hardship many today will have little idea of. Enjoy your small part of the world whilst you are able, you won’t find a better place. Best wishes.
Ah a fellow lover of Wales! I’ve lived here 6 years now in Cardiff and feel like I’ve made a new home. We are very lucky with the community around us in Orkney - it’s a magical place indeed. Take care and thanks for watching
@@hamishauskerry I visited a house I inherited from my grandfather thirty odd years ago in Cardiff and took my English wife. She couldn’t believe the culture shock, everyone stopping to talk to you, and on hearing my reason for being in the area in a newsagents, a waiting customer invited us to tea at their house, they knew my grandfather, and also knew I had let his new wife remain in the house rent free.
The Celtic nations are so welcoming, before I could give an answer the newsagents asked us to tea as well, my grandfather was the local plumber and fixed most peoples plumbing outside of work for free. It made him a very popular guy. Seems everyone on the estate remembered him thirty years after he had passed.
What a beautiful tribute to family, love and hard work. Thank you for sharing this enlightening video about how you live AND how you love. ❤
Thank you so much - that's such a kind thing to write. It's a pleasure to share our lives with people like you around the world :)
Hello from Vancouver Island!
Hello to you Hillary! Thanks so much for watching ☺️
I just love your vids! Bless your big beautiful hearts 💚Greetings from Aus
Thanks so much! Sending good wishes to you in Oz too
Great episode. Watching from Jamaica. I would love to visit ome day.
Thanks so much mate!
Auskerry's version of a gym =peat cutting ❤
This is exactly what my mum has always called it!! Whenever people come to visit who haven’t been before, we always tell them they’ll have to do a workout in the Auskerry gym ☺️
My family is from Ireland, nothing like the smell of a peat fire on a cold raw day! Love your site, very interesting!!
Ah awesome! There really is nothing like it - I so agree. Thanks for watching!
What a fantastic peaceful ( Hard working) life what a place I rem Peat or Turf as we call it here in Ireland the smell I loved it . Sorry about the medical issues regarding your family in particular your Dad we nursed a family member through the same condition and very poignant when you mentioned about checking on him on the trailer as he did you once upon a time . What a life what a place Good luck from Ireland 🇮🇪.
Thanks for this! Yeah the smell is something you never forget. I’m sorry to hear about your dad, but I hope you found a way to adapt as we are trying to as well. Take care and best wishes to you
@@hamishauskerry 🇮🇪🙏
You brought back so many memories for me. Although I grew up in Aberdeenshire, not on an island, we relied on peat for heating year round. To this end, my father and our two neighbours would cut peat together at Rora Moss near Peterhead and all us kids would have to muck in and help. We had no cars and so it was a 15 mile round trip on our bikes to get there and my dad would have to borrow a tractor from a friendly farmer to get the peats home. You mentioned two heats from peat but my father always said it was three: cutting it, carting it then burning it.
Wow that’s some effort! 15 mile cycle everyday is no mean feat and then carting peat too. Ah yes I think I said something like peat heats you twice before you burn it - so I think it’s the same expression! Thanks very much for watching - take care 👍
Hello from Nova Scotia aka New Scotland!
This is the first time I’m seeing your videos. I really enjoy it. Thank you.
Ah that’s brilliant you’ve found us Brian! Thanks so much for watching - all the best to you 🇨🇦
Kia Ora & Good Evening from Caribbean Drive, Unsworth Heights, North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand ...Another Great Video Bro.
Kia ora! I bet it’s absolutely beautiful in your spot mate - thanks for watching! 👍
@@hamishauskerry Arrr ...its Winter at the moment been raining for 3 days, but it's warm so that not so bad been busy watching TH-cam ,,,
Hamish, thanks for your videos of stunningly beautiful Auskerry, and insight into your parents wonderfully authentic way of life, with all its joys and hardships, very heartwarming and moving all at once.
Regards
Graeme, New Zealand
Ah this is really kind, thanks Graeme! I’m so glad I made the decision to make these films because it’s been so rewarding to see my parents’ life resonate with people like you around the world! Take care,
H.
You and your parents are awsome. Really feel for your mum and you having to take on these caring responsibilities. Cant be easy for your dad either. thank you for sharing.
Aw thank you ❤️ my mum is incredible the way she’s carried on despite everything. Mercifully I think my dad isn’t too aware of it now, so he’s doing ok. It is tough though. Take care ☺️
God bless you for being there for your parents during tough times....not everyone does that ....
I wouldn’t have it any other way - thank you though for watching and this kind comment ☺️
It's absolutely beautiful out there, as beautiful as your family working together. 🎉
❤️ thanks so much! We are really lucky in so many ways. Thanks for your support
Another wonderful episode Hamish, thank you so much for sharing. I tried as a youngster to cut peat at my maternal grandmother's cottage in Co. Fermanagh. I managed to cut just one peat and then stacked it to dry. A great memory I must say.
As the circle of life changes, you assist, support and help your parents, giving back and sharing time with them, making memories. A peaceful and satisfying time for all
Ah Helen that's a special memory with a grandparent ☺️ It's a privilege that I'm in a position in my life where I can help my parents when they've needed it, and lucky to have a job which understands these responsibilities! Thanks for watching
Beautiful and poignant record of your parents life as always…I was even sad to see the fishing boat pull away too.
Thank you Jen ❤️ It's a hard watch for us but I'm so glad I've made a record of it. Thanks for watching
Your mum is a remarkable lady.
She is! Thanks so much for watching ☺️
Hi Hamish ,I've only used peat once,it was in the early 80's in Doonbeg ,County Clare, west coast of Ireland ,absolutely beautiful smell and terrific heat ,but I did keep the aroma in my life through a nice peaty dram😊, The auld fergie still sounds sweet it'll be around as long as you are. Another great archive of a hard but fantastic way of life,you'll look back in years to come and be glad that you have these treasured memories, cheers fae Pat
Cheers Pat as always mate - it’s a superb smell and heat for sure. I’m so glad that I filmed it while it’s all still going as these are precious memories to cherish. Take care
Thankyou for so beautifully documenting and sharing your family's unique life. There's so much to learn here about what's truly important in this life, family and hard work, dependence on friends and neighbors and discovering joy in simplicity.
That’s a lovely sentiment, and I quite agree about the importance of family and hard work. I find it hard adjusting back to my normal work in a city after being home because there’s something deeply meaningful about working on the farm. Thank you for your comment ☺️
Well done !!
Thanks James!!
You're so great ♥️♥️♥️
Aw thank you so much ☺️☺️ but I’m just trying to highlight how great my parents are!
i live on a island in the atlantic ocean , everything has to b shipped to the island , it was a uk colony for hundreds of years but now we belong to CANDA, being of irish decent, it was cod fish that my ancestors came here and looking for a better life i love your videos, hoping everything goes well for your mom and dad my be u should retire there in the future BYE
Wow that’s awesome! Which island is that? Thanks very much for watching and supporting what we’re doing on the island - I appreciate it 👍
Come on, we're all curious, what is the name of the island?
What a beautiful video. Jim in California
Thanks so much Jim! I’d love to visit California one day
Such a beautiful place, harsh sometimes I guess but away from all the crazy stuff and nonsense of the world outside. Blessings from Australia on you and your family. You’re an inspiration.
This is so kind, thanks Chrissy ☺️ We have been so lucky to have enjoyed this beautiful place for so long and it’s lovely to share it with others. Take care and thanks again
Thank you. I've only read about people using peat moss for fuel. Guess it's as hard as cutting firewood to keep warm.
Absolutely, yes - both jobs require a lot of energy use before you get the heat benefit!
Dang, that is some good looking peat. Not sure we get ours looking that good here on Lewis...
😂 I think those who cut it there would probably argue about that! We cut it quite differently on Auskerry to anywhere else I’ve seen. In Ireland and I think down your way too, they’re much smaller pieces and spread instantly. Different ways i guess! Thanks for watching
Good on ya ❤️
Thanks mate 🙏
Every year bringing home the turf is a small celebration and a sigh of relief 👍🏻
Absolutely! A good excuse for a peaty single malt too 😃
Well done to John for the many journeys he made. I really enjoyed the peat harvert, staying with my aunt in the West Cost of ireland as a child I would enjoy turning the bellow built into the side of the fireplace when the peat was being burnt
Ah yes that’s always fun! Thank you - take care ☺️
I love to learn about your life in Scotland because my Mum lived there when she was little
Ah that’s lovely, thanks for watching! Take care
Love your vid Sir, thankyou so much for the insight .................I can almost feel the atmosphere. Kind of odd in a way because i have spent many years living in the Cook Islands in the pacific ocean, yes both islands, complete different way of life
Wow that’s amazing! What an incredible place to live that must have been. Thanks so much for watching and for your support. Take care
I just subscribed, keep him home as long as you can. The best thing for you both.
Thank you Deborah, that’s very kind ☺️