Cutting peat for fuel on a remote island in Orkney

My parents have been farming a rare breed of seaweed-eating sheep on a remote island in Scotland called Auskerry for nearly half a century, but age and ill health is forcing them to face a future away from their island home. With so much still to do on the farm, I've left my job as a TV reporter in Cardiff, Wales for four months in order to help. I took a camera and some lenses and decided to make a KZbin series to show what life is really like on the island where I grew up, and was named after. In episode 3, I get to work on cutting peat for fuel with the same methods that have been used on the island for hundreds of years. Plus dad finds a beautiful Snipe chick in amongst the thistles and my partner Faye and I share some special moments with our resident seal population.
Please share and subscribe for future episodes. I'd love to see your comments on the series so far as it's the first time I've done something like this!
Shot on my new Sony A7C (28mm, 35-70mm, 70-180mm lenses)
DJI RS3 gimbal
Audio with DJI wireless lavs and Rode Videomic NTG
And one shot with a drone filmed by my brother, @RoryOnAir
#farming #documentary #islandlife #remoteliving #orkney #offgrid #scotland

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much for your support for my videos! As a family we're facing a lot of challenges to our way of life, but knowing what we do is resonating with people around the world genuinely makes it easier to approach the future. If you'd like to support the creation of future videos, please consider donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/hamishauskerry ❤

[@Imhotep_86]

Nice information about peat and how it's harvested but I hope part 2 shall show more on how it's actually burned?

[@soorplum1551]

Hi Hamish. I helped paint the lighthouse many years ago,my first infact. Your parents were very kind to us,we went fishing for mackerel in pretty rough seas and had a beer and homemade scones. Send my best wishes to your parents.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah no way! That’s very cool. Was that before my brothers and I were born? We made friends with a couple of the painters on one occasion when we were kids - and they took us fishing with them. My first ever fishing rod was given to me by a lighthouse painter! I’m so glad you enjoyed your time on the island. We all send our best back to you 👍

[@jvtyrr]

Hamish, Really beautiful film of a very special place… it has such a huge identity to the West of Ireland in every way. Your Parents and their Lifestyle represent the very best in the Traditions of Island Life and the Bounty of the Bog to keep the Home-fires burning and avoidance of Oil and Gas which are a great source of pollution.. keep these lovely Vlogs coming…👏👏

[@birchthebirch4593]

Im a big lump of a lad , older than i should be ...you made me cry . I moved to the mainlands a long time ago and i miss it , i have a smartphone , i have a house near a shop with everything i want and need for nutrition, i have all of the things i dont need , i have every distraction and i have every peice of entertainment i wished for as a child . If i hadnt found the love of my life mainland id be back in what the city lads would call " the wild " and i wish for it every day . Hopefully when she retires she'll say yes to moving away back home . Dont you dare tell her i cried 😂

[@hamishauskerry]

This is beautiful! Never be ashamed of some tears. We’ve all shed quite a lot of tears watching the videos back because dementia progresses so fast and some of what I filmed in the summer seems like a lost age with my dad already. I’m glad you found the love of your life - that’s pretty important! The wild will always be there for you in the future 🤞 thanks for watching!

[@ratheonhudson3311]

"seaweed-eating sheep" sounds astoundingly sustainable. I'd love to live there and enjoy the life there with satisfying work

[@hamishauskerry]

They are incredible and yes very sustainable! They are perfectly adapted to their environment and require very little human intervention. They lamb themselves naturally, they don’t require additional feed or shelter, and their wool and meat is high quality. My parents are always open to people wanting to come and help! Isleofauskerry.com Thanks for watching!

[@jeremychambers1949]

God stored that carbon away eons ago to keep your family warm! I can feel the warmth in your fathers heart from hear! It’s a shame that society has gotten its selfish worries all the way out to your island. They will damage of this earth tweeting about y’all burning peet, than yall burning peet will have. Sweet family. We romanticize sea peoples, seeing this I know why mythology has been so kind and held you all with such esteem. Your fathers hands are worn and rough, but can love and hold with such care and regard, he is why even in this mean and cold world we long for simpler, even harder times.

[@hamishauskerry]

This is an interesting and kind comment, thank you!

[@user-km3ei2kp3i]

God doesn't exist. It's called science.

[@imoutodaisuki]

Actually, most modern peat bogs were formed only about 12,000 years ago. This is far from the "eons" that you mentioned. If they were formed eons ago, they would have already transformed into coal or other types of fossilized organic material.

[@californiadreamer2580]

Who needs a fitness club when one is cutting peat for fuel and performing the work of shepherds😊 Very interesting life there!

[@hamishauskerry]

Absolutely! We call it the “Auskerry gym” 😀 Thanks so much for watching!

[@user-ym4xy6us5e]

Blue collar workers seldom visit gyms for the same reason. Thanks for your condescension guv'na.

[@Lochlann13]

Ah I wish I had a father who complimented and reassured me like your father did while your cousin was cutting the thistle. The man seems like an absolute treasure. I would listen to his stories for hours given the chance.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you - that’s very kind! Take care

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer.😇

[@thepickledpixie9052]

Agreed. They're the kind of folk you could just listen to for hours. A genuine connection with nature and so much wisdom to share.

[@xXRedyzXx]

Your pop's top, thanks for sharing!

[@richardraymond9108]

That's gotta be great. My dad was a butt kicker. We'd get our asses kicked and not know why. We learned to run out the back door when he came home

[@mikewest712]

I cant explain how much it hurt to see your dad swing the scythe. Something about having the heart and not the strength. Reminded me of my grandfather, hardest working man i have ever known.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Mike, that’s really kind ❤️ Take care

[@tremoloharmonicadavewoodco1495]

A beautifiul island but a hard life. All the best to your dad.

[@marilynm8812]

Very interesting about the grades of peat and drying time. I could not survive the weather on the island.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you, this is very kind! Best wishes to you

[@wanaraz]

I always appreciate when I see a good son. It's a refection of the good parents. Yeah I never knew peat was a fuel and how it is dug but I take away much more from this. The Love between a Father and a Son. Well done sir.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you 👍 My parents have done so much for me - it’s my pleasure to give something back

[@snodrog5]

Radio 2? Radio Orkney, Hamish! (At least for 'Around Orkney' in the morning!)

[@hamishauskerry]

haha well yes if I'm up in time! 😂

[@Emilthehun]

The only thing more awesome then burning Peat , is you going to help your dad out. This tells me he raised a proper man! God bless you and your family.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! It’s the least I can do to help my folks ☺️

[@ClutchingPearlz]

I’m glad you go home to help your parents and to show us this fascinating way of life.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much for watching. It was the most meaningful 4 months of my life to go back to help :)

[@stormperez-casana335]

Your a good son helping your folks

[@mastercreamer1398]

This was the way of life. We live in a fake reality now.

[@lintonrentfro]

@@hamishauskerry We need one person doing what you're doing in every community here in the U.S. The music and editing was perfect, btw.

[@hamishauskerry]

@@lintonrentfro That’s really kind, thanks! I’m still learning so much about filmmaking so I really appreciate that

[@shb4200]

Snipes are real, holy cow. I have been sent to hunt for those before

[@hamishauskerry]

They’re beautiful!

[@catofthecastle1681]

@@hamishauskerry Late to the game on this! But there are no snipes where I live in Arkansas, but one of the biggest tricks to play on city kids was to take them snipe hunting! We usually didn’t even tell them what they looked like! Hours of the meanest fun ever! Even better with a couple of beers in them!

[@omarra6781]

Beautiful country. Honestly, this is a very interesting video. I wish KZbin and such had been around when I was a kid because I've always been very curious about behind the scenes things most people don't even think about.

[@hamishauskerry]

Yes it's fantastic to be able to see how other people around the world live! The joys of KZbin for sure. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@faithrecap]

Hello, Nigerian here. I learnt about peat in my senior secondary school chemistry class, I'm lucky to interface with it via this video. We have large deposits of coal in Nigeria but not this exact one. Hopefully I'll come to see it live some day in Ireland as i plan on migrating to Canada to practice pharmacy post grad. Nice and satisfying video. My regards to your old man.❤

[@hamishauskerry]

Good luck with your future move to Ireland or Canada! Both are beautiful and friendly countries. Thanks so much for watching and commenting ☺️

[@alexhealey4878]

Hamish, these are absolutely fantastic mate. Well done!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thankyou so much Alex - That’s really nice of you! I’m learning loads doing them ☺️

[@louisajones3535]

Oh that was so beautiful! I loved the snipe…hadn’t realised how Viv their colouring was. But the seals…and dolphins…stunning. Thank you 🎉. Just realised the autocorrect…’Viv’ should read vivid! Sorry. 🤭

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much Louisa, that’s really kind! It’s such a beautiful place ❤️

[@seeharvester]

what's a viv?

[@MJ-qt4dm]

It is so admirable that Dad is an integral part of your videos despite his challenges. Life as it really is and the graceful manner in which your family has adapted to a changing landscape remind us how important itis for us to take care of each other.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! Family is so important and filming it has made the grief at his illness easier to deal with because I have visual memories to hold on to. Thank you for watching ☺️

[@patrickstarnes2355]

🙏 Thank you for uploading this. Something special unique on KZbin.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Patrick! Hope you enjoy the rest of the series 👍

[@walshjoseph7991]

Hard work cutting turf, we called the stacks coirce or coirceogs; Nothing easy about cutting with a scythe.... Must say these are top wonderful people....hats off

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much for watching! It’s very hard work but it’s so satisfying to know I’m keeping my parents warm all year :)

[@dartnurse3449]

Your father is very fascinating, keeping him in his home is soul replenishing. To be certain there is no net carbon zero fuel source.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! You’re quite right. Take care!

[@tryscience]

@@hamishauskerry well, I guess this explains why my comment regarding passive solar housing was deleted... the post was a sincere attempt to provide an easier-to-manage way to keep your folks comfortable and safe, but clearly it was not appreciated.

[@brightmoonweavingstudio6954]

Incredible and moving, Hamish! It is a real gift to see the beautiful and very real details of life on Auskerry, thank you and your lovely family for sharing with us all! Best wishes, Imogen

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks for all your support Imogen ☺️

[@kylsters]

Brilliant again. It's like I am watching the ITV's take on Countryfile.

[@hamishauskerry]

Haha thanks Kyle! I’ll take that as a compliment…

[@BobG127]

I am so envious of your parents... To have an island to yourself with the one you love and raise a family there is a perfect life. Nevermind the work required -- that's life. I've never been averse to working hard. I am about the same age as your parents and dealing with some of age's challenges, but to have lived such a life in concert with nature... I am rarely at a loss for words, but somehow find myself there now. Whatever your parents' challenges may be in these times, encourage them to be thankful for all that they have enjoyed. Many of us would love to have had such fulfilling lives. Thank you so very much for sharing this look into your family's life with us. For me, it is touching beyond measure.

[@hamishauskerry]

This is so kind, thanks Bob. My parents have always been grateful for the life they’ve had and even with the challenges facing her now, my mum is still very much glass half full about it all. Your comment has really touched me actually - thank you for your honesty. And thanks for watching. Take care Bob 👍

[@BobG127]

@@hamishauskerry Hi, Hamish. It's good to hear these things. I'm not surprised to hear that your mum is the glass-half-full type. In these short videos, one can't learn all there is to know about someone, but she did strike me as the positive type. I've an aunt who has Alzheimer's, so I've seen firsthand effects on both the afflicted and family. Your dad is blessed to have your mum -- and I 'd bet she feels the same about him. Two such dedicated partners may come together by chance, but it's more than chance that keeps them together for life. Here's wishing you and all of your family all the best. You take care, too.

[@peterthornton2396]

A few years ago I worked in Kirkwall for a month and I explored the island. Absolutely beautiful I miss it dearly

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah brilliant, what were you working on? It’s a beautiful place - always hard to leave! Thanks for watching

[@peterthornton2396]

@@hamishauskerry you are very welcome it’s lovely to see how you all live up there. I were working for Stagecoach at the bus depo im a mechanic. I decided I were going to live up there but once I got back home life gets in the way! Fascinating ww2 history etc it’s just perfect.

[@teresaburnette3778]

The island is beautiful. As long as your parents are happy and want to do what they are doing I say go for it.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you Teresa!

[@ryandann9362]

I hope someone continues living there and raising sheep. Seems like a great life for someone.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you Ryan 👍

[@timothyortega5608]

Return of the prodigal son to help on the farm. That's beautiful. May your family be blessed.❤😇🙏

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Yosef_Morrison]

I wonder who among my ancestors was the last to cut peet? How awesome it would be to have the ability to travel through time and meet all the ancestors in their time.

[@Mistabushi]

When you think about it you’re gonna meet successful warriors who took part in biggest battles, successful hunters and folks who traveled thousands of miles to find their place to live and thrive.

[@hamishauskerry]

Yeah it's an interesting question - I wonder! Thanks for watching

[@muffledalla3121]

Hamish you are honoring your parents and for that the Lord will bless you.Burning peat is the same a chopping wood to light up fires for us in remote areas of Africa.Some children went to University on wood sales chopped by their parents.So bless you Hamish you have warmed my heart for the love you display for your parents.Wish every child would follow the example because some don't once they reach the cities.🇿🇦

[@hamishauskerry]

❤️❤️ this is lovely - thank you so much for your comment. Sending best wishes to SA!

[@robertdiamond2830]

My family also live in this region and they also cut peat as a fuel. They talk of long winter nights around the peat fire, warm and telling stories of old and safe from the weather. What a wonderful life.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s lovely - thanks for your comment Robert and thanks for watching!

[@tinab8965]

Really enjoying this series Hamish thank you, please keep it up when you have time. Really enjoy the details and logistics stuff, I love to know how things really work. Fantastic thing that you’re doing helping your parents 👏 I can certainly see the appeal; outdoors, hard work, self sufficiency, beautiful natural surroundings and sweet sweet simplicity. Wonderful.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks so much Tina and nice to hear from you! It’s tricky to find the time to film and edit but episode four is nearly done! It’s a wonderful place for sure and it’s a pleasure to share it with folk. I hope you’re taking care 👍

[@MiddleAgedLosers]

Your love poured back into your father and mother, speak dearly to their love poured into you over the years. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@hamishauskerry]

Quite right - they deserve all the help they get after giving me an amazing childhood. Thanks for watching 👍

[@DaveThompson_thedave]

Dude, go live there and carry on the legacy! This is awesome. Your parents are special.

[@hamishauskerry]

They are very special - thanks Dave 👍

[@shipofglory1971]

I came across your video early this morning, and I’m totally fascinated! My great great grandfather and grandmother immigrated to America from Ireland. So, I’ve always been interested in Irish life. You’re a great son helping your folks! What a blessed family you have! Thank you for sharing about your life and about peat for fuel. Amazing work! I wished I could smell it burning… Blessings to you and your family!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much for your comment! My dad’s side is half Irish and I’ve just got my citizenship so that’s cool! I’m so lucky to have amazing parents and I love helping on the farm. If you buy some single malt Scottish whisky you might just be able to smell the peat! Take care and thanks for watching

[@elsands9774]

As children our parents sent us to our grandparents each summer to Ireland. Have some beautiful and heartwarming memories of going up the mountain and cutting peat/turf and bringing down the mountain. As a child it didn’t seem like work.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah this is a lovely memory. It’s special helping your older relatives, but it still feels like work sometimes to me 😂 thanks for watching!

[@elsands9774]

@@hamishauskerry , Now as an adult, I am sure it would feel like work to me also lol….

[@davebloke829]

I love the smell of a peat fire, there is something very homely about the scent of it! Having said that a good fire in general is so homely on a winters evening!

[@hamishauskerry]

Quite right Dave! Thanks for watching

[@veronicabalfourpaul2288]

amazing. -Thank you for filming this.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you for watching Veronica! I hope you enjoy the other episodes too ☺️

[@chickenj90]

Aww that snipe chick was so cute

[@hamishauskerry]

Isn’t it beautiful! Thanks for watching :)

[@sarahjines7791]

Personally, I love the smell of a peat fire. Growing up in the Southern U.S., we had a wood burning fire place. Loved that too. Nothing more comforting than sitting beside a glowing fire in winter, or a campfire in spring.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah Sarah you’re so right! It’s the best thing when the weather is wild outside. Plus in this house, the peat fire warms all the water for washing and the central heating so it’s vital! Thanks so much for watching - take care!

[@cdnc9871]

Great piece. You are a good son and I’m sure you will always remember this as an important part of your heritage. The hard work has kept your parents looking very young!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thankyou! It was the most meaningful 4 months of my life being there - I’m lucky I was able to take the time to help :)

[@goddam9925]

Thank you !!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you too!!

[@6gorks]

You harvest peat similar to how I shovel snow!☃️❄️🏔️Made me sad to know there will be no one to carry on after your parents. Really caring of you to go back and help with the work. You have wonderful family.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much this is really kind ☺️ we don’t get too much snow here because of the salt spray! But a lot of wind and rain 😃

[@mikemoore9757]

I commend you for taking care of your parents as they age. That's a very noble thing you are doing. God bless and a salute from the USA!

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thank you Mike! It’s the least I can do and I absolutely love it there. Thanks for watching 👍

[@redeyedmongoose2963]

Thanks, Faye

[@hamishauskerry]

She says thanks back! 😆

[@tjblackforest69]

Your parents are such sweet people! And you are a good son! Thanks for sharing

[@hamishauskerry]

That’s lovely - thank you for watching! ☺️

[@coltonthiesfeld2320]

What pretty remote Island with sea lions 🦭, lighthouse.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you!

[@miriam2909]

From someone that lives an entirely different lifestyle I found this fascinating. Ty for sharing

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you for watching Miriam!

[@GaryBellman-sv4wy]

My grandma who lived in the west of Ireland, place called Kiltimagh, Co Mayo always burned turf. All life revolved around the kitchen and the turf fire. It also smells wonderful went it is burning. Great filming and content, loved the seals and puffins. Good man on helping your parents.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah this is really nice to hear, thanks Gary! My grandparents on dad’s side were from Ireland and grew up in Athlone. So there’s a lot of Irish in me! It’s a brilliant smell - there’s nothing like it. Thanks for your support for the video 👍

[@stuartgraham4891]

Love the smell of a peat fire. A real seasonal smell

[@hamishauskerry]

There’s nothing better! Thanks for watching

[@JP-vs1ys]

you are a good son...and here are some good vibes for your dad.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thank you! Best wishes to you too. Thanks for watching

[@swingforthefences777]

This was so well done!!!!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@deedorothypapineau6920]

How beautiful. I’ve always wanted to visit the Orkney Ilses. I hope your father’s health endures the months ahead and your videos grow. I subscribed.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you that's really kind. I hope you've enjoyed the latest videos too. Take care!

[@Alastair510]

Such a contrast to the peat banks on Lewis. Your bank is under a layer of turf; ours is under heather and moss. The heather roots are very hard to cut through!

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah yeah I can imagine! We have a lot of heather on the island but the place we’ve always dug is just grass thankfully. Thanks for watching Alastair!

[@Inexpressable]

Lovely cinematography, editing, music choice; such a great video and I'm going to have to watch more. Island life is fascinating.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much that really means a lot! I just wanted to create something beautiful that honours how much the place means to me - but it was all very new for me with camera work and editing etc. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series! Take care

[@krissader4855]

Hi, I am wondering if the seals are leapord seals? Also, Iove the peat houses! I have dyed wool and cotton for many years, gathering plants along the way. I am so glad I happened upon your channel. What I love the most is after 50 years I still hear the wonder in your parent's voices of all that surronds them. Thankyou, Best, Kris

[@hamishauskerry]

Hiya! No the seals are grey seals, which are common around here. That’s cool about your dyeing! It’s a wonderful process. Thanks so much for watching!

[@johnwright9372]

Leopard seals live in the Antarctic.

[@angelareimann6433]

Golly! It is heavy 1st out of the ground. So interesting to understand the process. I've visited a peat dig and have burned a small brick. Astonishing to think how early people learned to harvest peat.

[@darrenturcotte7799]

It’s not rocket science.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Angela! There’s nothing like the smell of a peat fire! I once took some peat back from home for a colleague in Cardiff - he wanted to smell it! ☺️

[@ingabarney5763]

My father was from Orkney, I’ve fond memories of helping his family cut peat and the distinctive smell when it burns

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s great Inga! It’s a stunning place

[@austinmetro6317]

Greetings from Ireland. Very interesting to see turf cutting on Orkney. I never expected it. This is the same way we used cut turf here in North Tipperary.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s very cool! I’m applying for Irish citizenship at the moment though my dad’s father so this is a nice wee link! Thanks for watching.

[@RonniesRambles]

Peat, I had no idea it was fuel. Your parents are amazing, and you for stepping up. I so glad you chose to document this story. There are so many things to learn from this. Thank you.

[@cerberus6654]

Peat has been burned for heat and cooking for millennia in Northern Europe. There's massive peat bogs in Russia as well.

[@treeaboo]

Peat is THE most efficient carbon sink in nature, ancient peat bogs turned into much of the world's coal. It's an extremely easy to obtain fuel source that's been used for millennia, unfortunately burning peat for fuel releases astonishing amounts of CO2 compared to other sources, luckily though this is a fairly uncommon and small scale practice these days.

[@cerberus6654]

@@treeaboo Yes, I remember some years back a peat bog outside of Moscow caught fire below the surface and for months the air quality in the city was pretty bad - and putting out an underground peat fire is often next to impossible. Here in Canada a lot of peat is burned industrially to generate electricity but with global warming the northern bogs are drying out and that will be a tremendous potential fire and smoke hazard in the near future.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much! I’m so glad I’ve protected all the memories of the place at its best ☺️

[@lindabonomi7274]

Beautiful, beautiful videos...thank you so much!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you for watching! ☺️

[@colincolwill1941]

I like to say that I enjoyed 2 of stories.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you Colin! I hope you've enjoyed the latest episodes too 👍

[@lisaschweitzer7767]

I am quite interested in the windmill set-up if you are thinking about additional content. Lovely videos. Your parents are amazing, and I love how much love and respect you have in your voice when you talk about your mum.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ok I’ll try to incorporate that if possible! Thanks very much for watching :)

[@brettsabey7301]

cool country. your a lucky guy

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Brett, I agree!

[@gordonbradley3241]

Fabulous ! ! I've in Shetland for 6yr. Many a peat fire ! Many a PISS-up ! magic !

[@hamishauskerry]

😂 not necessarily in that order Gordon! Thanks for watching 👍

[@lizreyes4382]

My ancestors are from that area , and this was so wonderful to watch. Thank you 🙏

[@hollyporter1193]

My ancestors came from Islay to Canada, then onto homesteading in North Dakota in the late 1800’s

[@jensonthebastard]

@@hollyporter1193 99% of modern americans ancestors arrived in america in the late 1800s they all lie and pretend they are scottish or irish because they think they have victim points

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much for watching! ☺️

[@techeteri]

Respect for the hard work. Wish I had a father like yours!

[@hamishauskerry]

He’s lived an amazing life for sure! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@FaezehElahi]

Respectful family and great son , hard working,

[@hamishauskerry]

Thankyou very much ☺️

[@fionn1119]

My mother's family are from Westray. You've no idea what memories I had watching one of your videos with your mum in her garden, the fuschia hedge espscially. The soil used to be so sandy, but wow, the BEST potatoes in late June early July. I'm loving your Orkney footage.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks so much Fionn! Westray is such a beautiful island, I’ve not spent enough time there but I’ve always loved visiting. I’m so glad this evoked some memories for you! Thanks for your support ☺️

[@leannemayor5755]

What a beautiful way of life and what a beautiful part of the world . Wow xo

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Leanne! Best wishes to you 👍

[@girmaybass68]

You are a good son for going back and helping your parents! 🙏🙏

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you for watching! My parents have done so much for me and my brothers. It was a pleasure to go back to help ❤️

[@lindajesse8250]

Truely a hands on labour. Keep busy everyone!

[@hamishauskerry]

Rarely a day off here, but when you love your work it’s (almost) always a pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@mayareece318]

So is there more peat below the 3rd cut, & its just too hard to get it up & out? Or is there like a bedrock down below that? Thank you for sharing this, its beautiful!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks for watching! Under the third cut comes very quickly to a layer of clay! We cut pretty much as deep as we can. :)

[@williammount6496]

Great video . Thanks. Dr Mount

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much Dr Mount! I really appreciate your comment 👍

[@FoodForestPermaculture]

Amazing

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you!

[@simeon2851]

I have always been a bit of a recluse and National Geographic was my favorite periodical growing up. This channel has all those vibes.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s brilliant to hear! I’ve never tried filming and editing short documentaries before so it’s been a big learning curve. Thanks for watching!

[@simeon2851]

@@hamishauskerry Thank you for these videos. The really touched me. I have been binge watching since yesterday, and was pleasantly surprised to find that Rory- who I have been subscribed to is your brother. God bless you.

[@squaretriangle9208]

Everybody is in awe about this life style, noone wants to do it themselves🤔 too lonely, I guess But so lovely that you documented your parents' life and the seals, no wonder that in the folk tales they are believed to be humans under a spell

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! Seals are magical in their own way ☺️

[@stephenplunket4476]

Love to you! I'm happy to understand the skill. In West Ireland I first smelled peat burn. I love islay scotch. Great love to you for taking care of your father and even more love to him for doing it all like the ancients! All my respect.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you Stephen! It’s such a brilliant smell isn’t it? It’s been so meaningful to be there to help when mum and dad needed it most. Thanks for watching!

[@Tangaroa775]

Your ole boy is one tuff bugger much respect

[@hamishauskerry]

He certainly is! Thank you for watching 👍

[@jalton9416]

You and your family are blessed to to live there. You should move back home and keep the family tradition going.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks for your support 👍

[@oddveigvorkinnslien9753]

Beautiful and so inspiring! Love from Norway😊

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! I really want to visit some of the beautiful Norwegian islands! Best wishes to you :)

[@bunberrier]

That is fascinating! Thanks for a glimpse into a world far away and sharing your family with us. Question though. Why not mechanise the peat extraction? That looks like a backhoe type machine could make quick work of it, even extract it in those tidy blocks if it was set up with the proper end effectors.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it 😃 it’s not a terrible idea, it’s just that we have a lot of other pressures at the moment so we haven’t wanted to invest in more kit etc. sometimes the old fashioned ways are the best when you’re on a remote place where you don’t have access to a lot of tools etc. but I’m sure it could be done!

[@jayyoung5423]

The good son, what parent could ask for anything more in their twilight years, peace good man.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much Jay ☺️

[@smmcb647]

Wonderful history. Your Dad is a treasure.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! He is :)

[@gayleandrus7050]

This is such a wonderful account of a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL island in Scotland!!! My hats off to you and your parents for ALL you do to care for this land and its inhabitants! Thank you so much. ❤

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much! That’s really kind. We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful place. Thanks for watching! :)

[@praxiskuhmania186]

Thanks for the great video. I’ve always wanted to visit the Scottish islands. This video makes me want to visit even more. Harsh country, but my kind of country 🤗

[@hamishauskerry]

It’s a beautiful country for sure! If you’re ever in the area and fancy some hard but satisfying work on the farm, do contact us at isleofauskerry.com :)

[@maybeebuzzy2265]

13:57 "They're so interesting to watch". The seals are thinking the same about you🤣🥰

[@hamishauskerry]

😂😂 they are so inquisitive! They probably think we’re very silly being so impressed with their yawns 😂

[@hydrashieldbasementservice8453]

My mother was frim Ireland and her turf was the greatest smelling fires ever. Never forget how lovely a turf fire was.

[@hamishauskerry]

It’s a fantastic smell! Not so good when you dry clothes over the fire though 😃 my dad’s father was fully Irish so there’s a good link with his past too!

[@LitHouseTieDye]

This is my first video and I'll going to watch the others right away. I subscribed in the first 3 min. What a remarkable place and people. I'm sorry to hear about your Fathers illness. To be able to share this time with others is such a beautiful gift to them and the rest of the world. I've always been fascinated with the Scottish isles. The sea and simple life is so appealing. I understand why they raised their family there. Watching with gratitude and interest from the forests of New Hampshire.

[@hamishauskerry]

That’s so special you’ve found these videos in New Hampshire! Thankyou for watching and your kind comment. Alzheimer’s is very cruel indeed but recording these memories has made letting go a bit easier. Take care and enjoy the rest of the series so far!

[@LitHouseTieDye]

@@hamishauskerry I was my mother in laws caregiver through dementia. It is tough but there are so many special moments that do ease the journey a bit. Many wonderful memories still to be made.

[@carenclemmons5002]

Best part sometimes when the sufferer doesn’t feel pain especially when they have understanding company to chat with them to ease their mental stress. Forgetting about pain is very welcomed sometimes. May your family continue to enjoy the lovely life of simplicity. Let go of the pain caused by the hard stuff of living, get on keeping things easy as you can. Beautiful souls are created there it seems quite remarkable. Continue to live in Gods grace and be blessed in all ways. Thanks for thinking to chronicle your family’s’ life. A gift to me here in West Texas, USA.

[@hamishauskerry]

@@carenclemmons5002 Thank you so much - this is very kind 😊 Take care

[@janetblackman1951]

I have just discovered your films and am watching from New Zealand. I am lucky to have been to Orkney 3 times as a friend has an off grid cottage on Westray. It’s lovely to have happy memories rekindled. I do have a scarf made from the North Rolandsay wool but I do find it a bit prickly. I have enjoyed seeing the sheep shearing and processing the sheep skins.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks for watching Janet! Westray is a beautiful island. Take care

[@iwritechecksatthegrocerystore]

“It’s quite boring laborious work.” And yet here I am watching it… 😂

[@hamishauskerry]

😂 There’s something quite satisfying about the process all the same! Thanks for watching :)

[@patrickcronin6829]

You’re a good man, Hamish. Lovely video and I enjoyed the little bits of what you were listening to in your headphones for context juxtaposition. We live in an amazing world!

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thank you Patrick! I love the radio thanks to my dad’s passion for it my whole childhood. Thank you for your support 👍

[@janmitchell641]

Fascinating stuff! Better health to your dad.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! 🙏🙏

[@edgarjohnso841]

Quite interesting how you fuel your homes with peet the cutting laying out and drying is all quite a process and dedicated hard work thank you

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Edgar! Take care

[@mrsillywalk]

It is the smell that puts the smile on peoples faces. The next best smell to good grass or hash.

[@hamishauskerry]

😂😂 quite right, it’s a great smell!

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Not searching for this at all, random suggestion from YT algorithm, was not disappointed. Throughly enjoyed this and had no clue Peat was a fuel source.

[@hamishauskerry]

It’s so cool that people all over the world have stumbled across my channel! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

@@hamishauskerry Absolutely, thanks for sharing! love from Montana USA!

[@soniatriana9091]

Wow!!!Thank God your video appeared on my KZbin Feed!! Your video was a total pleasure to sit back and watch & completely enjoy every aspect you filmed!! You & your brothers must truly treasure the beauty, simplicity, & amazing lives you experienced while growing up in this stunning environment!!! What an extraordinarily rare gift your parents gave to each of you!! I hope you also write a book to showcase the lives of your parents & the other people who also lived such remarkable lives!! Congratulations on creating & sharing something so magnificent!!!

[@hamishauskerry]

Sonia! This is so kind and beautiful - thank you! Sorry for my slow response 🙏 My mum is writing a book so I’ll let her have her moment and then maybe one day I’ll try too 😆 thanks so much for watching and take care!

[@JS-zb1vv]

What a wonderful life . Thank you for living this way.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! I really appreciate your comment 👍

[@seemanair3833]

I never knew about such a thing. Thanks for the video brother. From India 😊

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much for watching! That’s so cool you’ve seen it all the way over in India ☺️