Into the Peatlands

by Robin A. Crawford

The peatlands of the Outer Hebrides are half land, half water. Their surface is a glorious tweed woven from tiny, living sphagnums rich in wildlife, but underneath is layer upon layer of dead mosses transforming into the peat. One can, with care, walk out onto them, but stop and you begin to sink into them. For time immemorial the peatlands have been places - for humans at least - of seasonal habitation but not of constant residence.

In this book Robin A. Crawford explores the peatlands over the course of the year, explaining how they have come to be and examining how peat has been used from the Bronze Age onwards. In describing the seasonal processes of cutting, drying, stacking, storing and burning he reveals one of the key rhythms of island life, but his study goes well beyond this to include many other aspects, including the wildlife and folklore associated with these lonely, watery places.

Widening his gaze to other peatlands in the country, he also reflects on the historical and cultural importance that peat has played, and continues to play - it is still used for fuel in many rural areas and plays an essential role in whisky-making - in the story of Scotland.

Genres: Natural History, Nature, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Robin A. Crawford is an author and illustrator, with a particular interest in the culture and natural heritage of Scotland. His first book, Into the Peatlands: A Journey through the Moorland Year, was longlisted for the Highland Book Prize.

He lives in Auchtermuchty in Fife.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part enlightening ode to the peat bog and bot dull reverie - this is a book of two parts. The focus on peat cutting, stacking, and burning was fantastic, the random wanderings of the author less so.

[Chris Shepheard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating eulogy for Scotland's peat bogs and mosses. Somewhat flowery in parts, it's still a well researched and written history into the social history of these marginal lands and the people's than lived on them.