ISLE OF SKYE TOURIST BOARD - VISITOR GUIDANCE No.80

CUTTING PEATS ON THE ISLE OF SKYE A traditional Highland activity best approached with respect, patience and a realistic assessment of your footwear. The Isle of Skye Tourist Board is aware that some visitors are keen to experience traditional Highland life. This occasionally includes expressing an interest in cutting peat. We would therefore like to clarify that peat cutting is not simply “digging up a bit of bog”. It is a skilled job, traditionally carried out by people who know what they are doing, where they are doing it, and why somebody else has already claimed that bit. 1. ARRIVING AT THE PEAT BANK Do not simply wander onto a moor with a spade. You may believe you have found an empty patch of land. A local may know it as “where Angus cuts his peats”. Angus may currently be in Inverness. This does not make it available. Visitors are also advised not to announce: “How hard can it be?” Particularly within earshot of anyone over the age of 60. This is regarded locally as a challenge to fate. 2. THE TOOLS Traditional peat cutting uses specialist tools, technique and rather more skill than is immediately obvious. Visitors arriving with a garden shovel from B&Q and declaring themselves “ready for the authentic experience” are usually quieter after the first six inches. Donnie says the proper tool makes all the difference. Murdo says so does knowing which end goes in the ground. 3. UNDERSTANDING THE BOG Visitors should remember that a peat bog has its own ideas about personal boundaries. Ground which appears solid may not be. Ground which supported somebody else perfectly well may have taken a dislike to you personally. If one wellie disappears into the bog, do not continue as if this is a minor inconvenience. That wellie now belongs to Skye. If both wellies disappear, you are no longer cutting peats. You are becoming part of the landscape. 4. CUTTING Peats are cut neatly from the bank and laid out carefully to dry. This requires rhythm, judgement and a tolerance for standing in conditions that would cause most holidaymakers to suggest going for coffee. Donnie says the trick is not to fight the bog. Murdo says the trick is knowing when the bog has won. 5. DRYING Freshly cut peats must be laid out, turned, stacked and allowed to dry. This process takes time. Visitors expecting them to be ready by lunchtime may be disappointed. Peat does not respond to deadlines. Neither, historically, does the weather. The moment everything is laid out perfectly, the sky may darken. This is normal. Locals refer to it as summer. 6. APPROPRIATE CLOTHING Wear old clothes. Wear waterproofs. Wear boots you are emotionally prepared to lose. Do not wear white. Do not ask why. You’ll find out. “Festival wellies”, designer outdoor clothing and anything described as “too good to get muddy” should remain in the car. Possibly back in Glasgow. 7. CARRYING PEATS Once dry, the peats still need to be moved. This is the stage at which visitors who previously described the activity as “quite therapeutic” often become less conversational. By the third load, many begin to understand why older crofters have strong opinions about backs, weather and younger people. 8. PHOTOGRAPHY Visitors are welcome to photograph the experience. However, please avoid posing theatrically with a peat spade while somebody else does the actual work behind you. The moor has seen enough. Drying peats should also not be used as rustic seating, stepping stones or a convenient place to arrange lunch for Instagram. If you flatten a row of peats while eating a smoked salmon sandwich, the local atmosphere may change. 9. TAKING PEAT HOME Helping to cut one peat does not grant ownership of the moor. One small commemorative piece beside the fireplace may seem charming. Filling the boot of a hire car is another matter. Particularly when the peat is still wet. Your rental company will notice. 10. ASKING TO “HAVE A GO” Visitors often ask whether they may try cutting peat themselves. Technically, yes. In much the same way that you may technically cut your own hair. The outcome, however, may not receive universal admiration. Should you be invited to try, listen carefully to whoever is showing you. Do not improve the technique. Do not introduce “a quicker way”. And under no circumstances begin a sentence with: “I saw a video online…” 11. FINAL ADVICE Peat cutting is part of a long Highland tradition and should be treated with respect. Done properly, it is satisfying, useful and deeply connected to the landscape. Done badly, it is an excellent way to discover how heavy wet earth can become and how far a person can hop in one sock. Donnie says every visitor should try it once. Murdo says once is usually enough. And if the ground starts making decisions on your behalf, withdraw calmly. Preferably with both boots still on. ISLE OF SKYE TOURIST BOARD "Cutting peats. Come for the tradition. Stay because your wellies are now part of the landscape."