29: The Scottish Isle. Journey Back in Time-Scotland, Highlands, Hebrides, Island, Off Grid, History

Using fresh seaweed as fertiliser for vegetable beds. The history of seaweed harvesting in Scotland. We test lime mortar for repointing the stone walls. ‪@CharlesDowding1nodig‬
Welcome to The Scottish Isle, where we share the captivating world of our life on this private island in the Hebrides. Our channel is your window to the rich treasures of this unique way of life, showcasing Scotland's beauty, local traditions, and the enchanting, old-fashioned lifestyle we embrace. Join us on this exciting journey as we explore the stories and wonders that shape our island life, from breath-taking landscapes to cherished traditions; the renovation of a 300-year-old cottage, and the restoration of antiques. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. Let's embark on this remarkable adventure together!
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Title music 'Wild Mountain Thyme'; a traditional Scottish folk tune, performed by Tara Howley.
Background music frequently used:
Reidun Schlesinger on harp, a Belgian classically-trained musician plays Fanny Power, attributed to Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738).
harpmusic.ie/
Please follow her KZbin channel at / @rheidun
Reidun Schlesinger on harp, a Belgian classically-trained musician, playing Blind Mary - attributed to Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738).
harpmusic.ie/
Please follow her KZbin channel at / @rheidun
Rocio Galena playing The Clergy's Lamentation, traditional Irish folk tune by Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738).
/ @galenaros
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[@TheScottishIsle]

Please support our channel at www.ko-fi.com/thescottishisle Paypal: [e-mail] Patreon subscription: www.patreon.com/TheScottishIsle 4K Ultra High Definition Camera campaign: ko-fi.com/thescottishisle Please follow The Scottish Isle on Instagram: instagram.com/thescottishisle... Amazon Wishlist: www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/... For further information please contact us at: [e-mail]

[@lindashortall8761]

Kate voice is amazing when she tells a story.if they ever do a documentary on Scotland she would be a great narrator

[@joanoneill381]

I love the old photographs…they’re priceless! It’s mesmerizing to listen to you reading from your books. Thank you so much.

[@karenbradley8851]

Kate works so hard. I love when she tells a story.

[@2to-tango]

I also love when she cooks. 💕

[@davidcressey]

I love the biblical narrative that sits so appropriately alongside your journey of life.

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you, David, for taking the time to acknowledge this.

[@sergiomanzetti1021]

What a woman!! Rare to find, hidden from all glare, beauty preserved, beauty kept.

[@bilbobaggins3336]

Katie you are an amazing hard working woman. Love the history you tell of and your voice is so pleasant to listen to.

[@tricial4330]

I need to tell my physician about my new found method to lower my blood pressure. I've just discovered your channel! While I know I'm not tough enough to live this life, my ancestors were MacKay's. What a magical, rugged place! Kudos to you!! Love the sheep too!! Thank you for sharing-the pace of your presentations, the music, your voice and of course, the surroundings, are perfect!

[@richardfinney5081]

Lynn here on Hubby's phone mines playing up 😏, Your so right , watching this channel lowers my blood pressure and brings my Anxiety off the ceiling, Take Care 🤗

[@sandfly60]

It looks like an old box bed in the photo at 24:18. I’ve only ever seen fancy ones in photos. It would be a good way to stay cozy.

[@lynettegriffiths9740]

Very interesting, researched, and worth watching. Thank you . I visited Harris and Lewis. Such a different feel of the wilds in the Hebrides. Absolutely pleased by your dedication to keeping the traditional way of rendering etc. In all your work. But most importantly for sharing your day to day life with us . XOXOXOXO

[@paulashaham6282]

Love the bagpipe, the sheep, the black kitty, the view and your life style! Thanks for sharing!

[@bernicebest]

My goodness I only found your channel two days ago and I’ve watched 30episodes, I never thought I would be addicted to anything ever again since watching ‘Outlander’ for ten seasons let alone a restoration project in the Scottish isles, but I’m completely captivated by your videos and your charming pets, perfect ‘friends’ who obviously adore the both of you, Brie is so cute when she flirts with the camera sheepishly fluttering her eye lashes at you Scott, and I’m amazed the way little white socks goes walk about with Katie, what could be more ideal than four companions living their dreams with you:) I can only sigh when I look at the views from your front door, it’s going to be a beautiful home when you finally finish the renovation, and you figure out a stair lift of some sort to the top of the hill behind you 👍🥰🤗

[@bergannon6585]

Yes, I agree 😊 don't know how they manage those hills. Total respect for whoever built the house and to our ancestors 👏

[@bernicebest]

@@bergannon6585 👍 I admire their tenacity, I don’t think I could have taken on that challenge in my much fitter days, let alone in my eighties, the scenery is very beautiful but the hills look rather daunting, what a privilege though to wake up to those beautiful sunrises and magnificent views, must be an incentive to crack on! 🤗

[@pitchforkcustom]

same.. it’s great. we stay in a remote cottage and I can say that even two days repairing a collapsed section of dry stone wall is blooming hard going. 😅The jobs you both get through is incredible.. hope you praise eachother. lovely watch 😊 x

[@ElectricScot]

I used to sell dutch pipe tobacco some 50 years ago and when I first picked up my car with product to sell there was an amazing wonderful aroma. After that first day I could no longer smell it.

[@geraldinemoreno1486]

I am glad you started on the garden. I also like your little talks.

[@katharinecart8026]

Great to see the work on the garden so far. And you are absolutely right, us French, German, Scots, Irish, British ect are all just different branches of the same tree. Great episode, well done.

[@katharinecart8026]

Fucking KZbin demonic janitors. How does a KZbin creator not have control over their own comment section on their own video.

[@emtboss]

Anyone who would suggest that you clean up the seaweed clearly does not know anything about the ocean, lol. That’s just silly. Loved your reference to Abram and where we all came from; thank you for sharing that.

[@sandfly60]

Hahaha clean up seaweed?🤪

[@kimsheather3745]

The seaweed smell is seasonal. I found in Australia where we live that it appears to be worse during the winter when we have king tides and it tends to pile up on the shore and decomposes everything contained in it. I think it’s the oceans way of cleansing itself, but that’s just my thoughts

[@carolyndifiori-hopkins6960]

Really beautiful video. I’m an artist-wonderful landscape and charming vignettes. You’re helping me connect with my Scottish heritage!!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@donnam4612]

Here in NL, Canada we use seaweed on our veggie beds every fall, we plant garlic, carrots, onions and potatoes. It rots down over the winter and provides nutrients to the soil. Loved the video.

[@jennifercopley1626]

That Brie when is sitting, is a little bundle of cuteness.

[@2to-tango]

And when she looks away from the camera. She is adorable. 💕

[@wildflower1335]

I so look forward to "visiting " with you. I feel welcomed, your life is so honest, heathy and gives such a sense of accomplishment. Just look at all you done so far. Amazing 🎉❤

[@brendakilberg5727]

Seaweed is incredible for building the soil and for fertilizer! We collect it on the West Coast of British Columbia! Seaweed is an ancient, natural part of your beautiful, rugged landscape!

[@bergannon6585]

Seaweed baths are the best 😊

[@eilsmile8732]

You 2 humans are a match made in the heavens 😊

[@southwife]

My heart is kindled and I rejoice in The TRUTH in your videos.

[@kathleenhoffart1633]

Your vlog has inspired me to learn more about my Scots ancestor’s way of life. Of all the places I have traveled to, western Scotland speaks to my heart. The reference to God’s promise to Abraham is not often made; thank you for reminding me of it.

[@judiehavard4903]

The charcoal ash from the fires are good for the garden as well.

[@ColinMaxwell-oc1ok]

Yes wood ash great potassium for flowers and fruit..👍

[@taniasierens5286]

Calendula, what a beautiful flower., ideal to make good crèmes of! Wonderful!

[@carebearann4613]

One of my favorites as well up here in Alaska.

[@joanoneill381]

History & old photographs were wonderful. A lot of work on your part to research and coordinate into the episode. Thank you for taking the time!

[@Lkristina65]

Beautiful video. Thank you for sharing. GODD BLESS YOU ALL❤️🙏🏻✝️

[@Barneysma]

You probably know this, but deer proof fencing tends to be a minimum of 8’ high. Deer love vegetables and you will need to take some serious measures to keep them out of your patch. Maybe that’s why the patch was netted. Thoroughly enjoy your vlogs, thank you.

[@christinekeay8456]

Hope you get good results with your seaweed fertiliser, I always used it on my garden overwinter, just let it rot down into the soil. I grew great potatoes, leeks, Brussels sprouts etc when my boys were at home. Now I’m too decrepit to haul it up the slipway my garden is all flowers 🌷

[@annehicks9992]

I am on my 2nd day of bingewatching your channel, absolutely fascinated. We have a cottage much the same as am finding it helpful to see what you are doing. I think you might have solved our chimney smoking problem. R😊

[@ColinMaxwell-oc1ok]

Will Yee go lassie go brilliant start to video 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@dottiebaker6623]

Good job on the veggie patch, Katie! I tried Charles Dowding's no dig method for the first time this year, and was VERY pleasantly surprised. Literally, all I did was part the existing vegetation (weeds and last years leaves from the trees), plop a couple of acorn squash seeds in there, and make sure the seedlings got enough water. I think when they were a couple of inches high I put on one little dose of fertilizer, but that was it. I had a bumper crop of LARGE squash, which is now sitting in a part of the garage that doesn't freeze. Amazing! Try it and you won't be sorry!

[@StBridgit]

The yellow flowers look like Calendula. You can use it to make tea and they will easily re-seed every year. The other blue flowers look like borage, also edible and also used in tea, and it too is a ready self-seeder.

[@GrumpyOldGamer9221]

22:50 great improvement with the new mics 👍🏼🎙️🎤

[@minsadmin]

I just wanted to share with you a memory your video brought back to my mind. My Grandfather, whose Grandparents emigrated from Scotland to Melbourne, Australia, once suggested to my parents they put "seaweed' on their gardenbeds after my Mother was complaining that nothing would grow at our new home. I remember we all laughed and teased Pop that he was crazy. This was in the late 1970's. My Pop passed not long after and we never managed to grow very much. Now you can't take seaweed from the shore. Sorry Pop. Thankyou Kate and Scott.

[@katenickels617]

beautiful and I love the banter between you

[@peebee39]

I've just recently found your channel and started watching for the first time on Friday evening. I'm only on number 12 so far and won't watch this one yet but I will once I've caught up. I just want to thank you both for the story so far, I'm hooked, and let's be honest the type of people that watch your channel probably all dream of doing the same as you 2 lucky people. So thank you both for helping me escape the mad world the rest of us now live in. God bless you both.

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you very much! You'll be sick of the sight of us by the time you reach episode 29! 😂 Welcome aboard, and God bless. Kx

[@FromThePrairies]

I hope you’ve started a compost pile. All the garden debris along with your sheep manure will make a nice hot pile that will kill most of the seeds that may end up in there.

[@marypasco2213]

A pitchfork would be a handy tool to have for collecting & spreading seaweed and the like.

[@obiwankenobi6952]

I am always amazed how nice your weather is..here in mid west Germany it hadn’t stopped raining for 4 weeks…😮 but the fall has been very mild, not really any cold nights yet and most Roses still bloom…Katie I love the Way you clean out that vegetable plot..you sure you don’t want to show your stone throwing skills on some highland game…? 😂😂👍👍

[@kevinmcarthur1690]

When we re pointed our cottage with Lime Mortar the colour was determined by the sand and where it came from. We did the courses at the Lime Centre down at Limekilns in Fife. The mixture we used was one builders bucket of sharp sand, one of builders sand(fine) then 4.2 Kgs of NHL Lime. Just mixed it with water until is was like a stodgy porridge consistancy. Rake the joints out, spray with water then point.

[@lizstevenson7801]

If you want a rough finish effect to your lime morter, its best to make it a bit more wetter when applying as you are wasting dry particles that are falling. Then just before its dry tap it lightly with the bristles of a scrubbing brush or nail brush, it will look just as effective as years old morter. I pay quite a bit to add seaweed compound to my garden and plants as it smells freash and as you said plus nicer than using 'blood and bone' garden fertilizer. Loved the history. Thank you both 💕🇦🇺

[@michaelmartin9783]

24:46 - the photo is Village bay , St Kilda. I’ve wandered in ruins of those very houses. Your much closer than me, If you ever get the chance you should try visit St Kilda as they were the hardiest of folks and I’m sure you would come back with a wealth of knew knowledge of how they lived so remotely. Keep up the good work as usual, enjoying your journey.

[@abbynormal8608]

I’d be throwing a bunch of that already composted leaf mold from the forest on top of the seaweed.

[@lieuwina]

I love it when Katie tells us some history of what people did and about the seaweed and its uses. I enjoy watching her and Scott walking and working together and the banter they have between them. As for some one commenting that you should clear the seaweed I wonder what they would do if they were living there, would they clean it every time the tide came in and out, really. That was very interesting about the seaweed as fertilizer. Katie you have a lovely voice as does Scott you are both very good story tellers. Have a lovely day.

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you very much! Kx

[@user-dt6tc1qr9d]

We grow great cabbage and spinach with liquid seaweed

[@ritahobbs5256]

Big up Charles Dowding! I’ve been gardening for many years and his style is undoubtedly the best… looking good guys ❤

[@mackers5205]

Love the shout out to Charles Dowding. Go with no dig

[@carebearann4613]

I would love to hear the story of your first meeting if you don't mind the telling. ☺

[@alwaysaheart1645]

So lovely to see you using the old ways to compost your plot xx

[@jenniferwalker9060]

Regarding the midges, Avon skin so soft, shower gel in fact the whole range are natural mosquito repellent, works on midges too. My friend and used it when we went to Cuba, a place where you get eaten by mosquitos. We were the only ones at the evening meal not covered in bites. It really works🙂.

[@barbarakujawa320]

Aye! ‘‘Tis a beautiful island. Filming is lovely. Background music brings wondrous memories from my youth. Gorgeous cloud photo.❤️❤️❤️👍

[@aruvielevenstar3944]

I love your dress ❤

[@user-dt6tc1qr9d]

So much of interest tonight thanks

[@raneemilliman7130]

That was very interesting about the seaweed. I've heard of others (Australia, maybe?) who also gathered seaweed for the same purpose. It seems a sensible option as it is there and readily available, over and over again. I really enjoyed this video and love seeing Katie at the fire with your cat, resting and reading. The views you show almost hurt my heart; they are so beautiful. Thank you again for sharing this experience with us.

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you. 😊

[@lauraautry6992]

Always love to hear your stories…never knew what seaweed was good for. A beautiful place 🤗🤗

[@damogranheart5521]

Some varieties of seaweed are eatable. A lot of cultures enjoy them.

[@geoffpriestley7310]

For a smaller pointing trowel try an old galvanised bucket handle . If you can find one

[@irmibullinger1421]

Good job on the growing bed! You can also add the fallen leaves from the trees, even later for weed control

[@PhilONeill]

Thanks for the mention. Great barra handling there x 😊

[@StuartWoodwardJP]

Yes, the nose can become accustomed to constant smells, a.k.a. “olfactory adaptation” or “olfactory fatigue” when the scent receptors in the nose become less sensitive to a particular pong after prolonged proximity.

[@barbarakujawa320]

BOAT BRAVADO Katie! 👍❤️❤️❤️

[@chrissiemorton4126]

On the east coast of Canada they use the sea weed for fertilizer...great show!!

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you! Kx

[@robynclarke5274]

If you can get your hands on cardboard/newspapers to cover the garden after the seaweed is on. This will keep it warmer over winter. I also follow Charles Dowding with a few adaptations for our climate.

[@53221carvel]

Your pet sheep are looking better than when you moved there. Island life agrees with them

[@girlnorthof60]

The temperature here hit -53 twice this winter, it's forecast -26 w/ windchill tonight. That's normal for our region in northern Canada. Your videos are a welcome sight for sore eyes... I eagerly await spring. Last spring I still had a 5ft snowdrift in my yard the beginning of May, so I'll be binge-watching you for a while. 🙏 Thank you Scott & Katie

[@raymondporter2094]

That blessed Algorithm! It has served me well this time by directing me here. I have watched this but clearly I will have to go back to the start and watch the series right through. It may be some time before I catch up. This one was very interesting though, and I enjoyed watching it. I suppose that must be obvious if I intend to watch the lot....

[@TheScottishIsle]

Welcome!

[@emmetnolan2329]

Pitch fork for the seaweed gathering would be easier no ?….if not it’s a good digging and weeding tool.

[@maryannknox7158]

Kate your a great historian thank you for sharing your knowledge it is so interesting 🧐 my great great grandfather John Paterson was born and married on the isle of Mull before immigrating to America 🇺🇸 hearing the old ways makes me Smile 😊…..And I have Kearney ancestors from Galway Ireland 🇮🇪 also

[@TheScottishIsle]

I've been to the part of Mull where the boats left from to take folk off to the Americas. Such a stunning spot: turquoise waters and white sand, with heather on the hills and the pale green machair. Must have been a special sight they took with them of their last glimpses of Scotland. Kx

[@RebuildRetreat]

I'm glad you had fun with the lime mortar! It's amazing stuff, we repointed our crumbling cottage with it, it's recommended by Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings ✅

[@karlab9557]

Yay! another video!

[@megmills4798]

Microphone is working great😊

[@clairedelune7057]

The Indie Projects on KZbin renovated a stone barn. The did an awful lot of repointing with lime mortar. There might be some tips and tricks you could glean from him. Do the marks go right down to Bree’s skin?

[@TheScottishIsle]

No, they're just on the surface, and they wash off. Hmm...

[@webds]

I bet that seaweed adds all kinds of healthy nutrients to anything grown there!

[@Andrea.S.Alvey12]

You have wonderful CAT-ervisiors! 💚🖤💚🖤

[@TheScottishIsle]

They certainly think so! 😆

[@colleenmckinlay2916]

You are certainly a hard worker. I learn so much from your channel. Not only the events on you craft but the historic info too. Brie is such a cutie. So interested in everything that you are doing. Hope the sea weed does the trick. My husband’s uncle always used sea weed on his garden and it was amazing. Veggies, flowers, evergreens…..you name it- everything grew so well!!

[@paulaharris4667]

I enjoyed the video!❤

[@loulaevert-smith1728]

Katie.....your pointing looks stunning!! Well done love. . The preview of the video looked like you were reading reading to the "cats'. That looked sooo adorable. Tnx for all the information...i love history.

[@janwilletts1986]

Seaweed just laid on top, will grow great potatoes. No dig is brilliant for the soil and easy for the gardener!

[@marionbartley214]

Kate you are an amazing woman, digging up that container would have done me in. Then spreading the seaweed out 😓 and applying the mortar is there anything you can't do? Thanks for sharing this video.

[@user-oh2cb2fk9g]

❤

[@cherylargenziano7475]

It looks like your mix is a bit dry, imho. What a lovely landscape to enjoy everyday.🥰

[@marylyon1230]

Too dry, needs be like thick smooth paste.

[@farmkay]

Yep to dry

[@timothyhood3143]

Watching your videos from Alabama USA, really enjoy your videos keep them coming

[@petrimurphy6152]

Thank you for heaven on earth,God bless.

[@mareesharples5480]

I also practice no dig in the garden, and it's amazing how the fertility of the soil has improved. We have an abundance of produce and share it with the neighbours.

[@TheScottishIsle]

That's lovely, and bless you for sharing it! Kx

[@gala1ish]

From my experience of using seaweed direct from the shore was a massive increase of weeds - best to compost until completely broken down just sayin' Cheers love your work.

[@larrydirks285]

I have always loved the sound of bagpipes.

[@KatyThompsonHaley]

Beautifully spoken words of wisdom…we are all kin. Enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing!❤🌿

[@ernie5291]

Hi, on a tour of the west coast at Poolewe we watched them harvest the seaweed and load it into trailers, now I know why,!!! Look forward to your next blog.👍

[@joannegrace7131]

You're such a hard worker kate you did soo much in this episode you'll soon have things all done, could the sheep have sat too near the heatlamp to cause that mark on her wool ? x

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you! We both work hard, but I love learning new skills so you'll see me often just wading in! Not sure about the lamps, as wool isn't really flammable...but we should maybe cut a wee bit of wool off and do an experiment! Kx

[@lindagage7315]

Loved this episode with the seaweed, in nova Scotia we use seaweed as well, we don't live there anymore but we miss the salt air and the habits of old,well done!

[@glynislaidlaw4064]

Another wonderful video, I wanted to get right in on the seaweed gathering for the potato patch, my Dad used seaweed on his garden out here in NZ. May I suggest Kate buying a ladies fork they are so much lighter and easier on your back. I would not be without mine I use it for all sorts of jobs in the garden, love love your stories, they bring to life my Scottish ancestors lives. Always looking forward to your next installments, Thankyou so much for sharing what you do on your little patch of paradise!

[@susangotchy2887]

That was a nice match for the wall. The garden is in a wonderful location. Interesting information on the seaweed. I enjoyed the use of history and pictures as well. Katie I love your voice it's so beautiful and peaceful. You would be great for voice over work on audio books.

[@Toni-rp3hs]

Hi folks from Australia 🇦🇺 again I put newspaper or cardboard down for the weeds keep up the great work. Remember the midgie spray on your shopping list!!

[@britishgal1808-Sue]

Terrific vlog as always. You shouldn’t run out of seaweed anytime soon. Maybe Brie is lying too close to the heating lamps. :)

[@slowecoliving]

Great work guys can't wait to see how the seawood works on your veggie patch!! I'm really into making natural skin care I bet it would make a great face mask! ❤

[@TheScottishIsle]

Well, we have similar interests, then, I make my own products too. Never use store-bought! Now you've got me thinking what else I can use seaweed for... Kx

[@beatieswanepoel3004]

Today, I am going to try the treacle scones from a previous episode 🤞

[@annehicks9992]

Put the sheep droppings on your veg patch as well.

[@candacewilliams6869]

So great that you are steadily working away ay improvements! I'm here visiting Scotland and going to Skye tomorrow. It's every bit as beautiful as you portray it to be! So marvelous to be able to see, hear and even smell this place where some of my forefathers came to from the land of Abraham and spread across the ocean. God's word tells us to walk as His dearly loved children as you are! Thank you for sharing !

[@TheScottishIsle]

We hope you enjoy your visit to Skye! The "fairy glen" on that island is worth a visit, quite an interesting landscape, and the Cuillin Mountains are beautiful. The coastland opposite Skye on the mainland is just beautiful,too. And thank you; we try to keep our minds on what's most important. God bless. Kx