84: The Sheep Are Finally Sheared! A Whale In The Loch & Cottage Excavations | The Scottish Isle

It's taken us literally months to figure out how to optimise this kit, but we believe that we are finally there. So please kick back and enjoy watching what we do here in glorious 4K High Definition!
Welcome to The Scottish Isle. A 'fly-on-the-wall' channel 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!
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions expressed within 'The Scottish Isle' vlogs are solely those of Scott and Katie. They do not represent the beliefs, mindset or judgements of anyone else.
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01: 'Sí Bheag Sí Mhor' - attributed to Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738). Performed by Lily Neill on harp. Reproduced with her kind permission.
The original performance can be found here: • Sí Bheag Sí Mhor - Lil...
02: 'James Betagh' - attributed to Turlough O'Carolan (1670 - 1738). Performed by Lily Neill on harp. Reproduced with her kind permission.
The original performance can be found here: • Turlough O’Carolan’s “...
03: 'Sí Bheag Sí Mhor' - attributed to Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738). Performed by Lily Neill on harp. Reproduced with her kind permission.
The original performance can be found here: • Sí Bheag Sí Mhor - Lil...
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[@TheScottishIsle]

The wild thrift plants in this video were propagated by separating small portions of much larger plants, leaving the main body of the plants behind in their natural place. In this way, the plants can be encouraged to grow in other areas of the island, too.

[@user-zp9hx3bs4f]

I am in 😢 because we have lost our connection with nature. However, we must return to that way of life if we ban plastic where we can and create a demand for wool. The power of consumers is still capable of influencing corporations and the world. Boycotting has been effective for consumers, and Green Peace has promoted petitions for various actions. We just have to get involved!❤ I loved the beautiful history lesson about wool. Thank you! Love and blessings to you all.🌻🍀🐑🐑🐑🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@user-zp9hx3bs4f]

Brilliant 👏 point about leaving the main portion of the plant in place and using a bit of the plant to spread around the yard.❤

[@nickywhite9079]

​@@user-zp9hx3bs4f Yes a small business in N.Z is using waste wool & turning it into weed matting. For example around bases of lemon trees or fruit trees. Breaks down over years & feeds the soil too. Thinking out side the box. Only buy natural clothing products. The more we each change our ways will help for sure 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@meryle.hawkins880]

I live in New Zealand where we have more sheep than people and some of the best shearers in the world. I have always thought it was such a brutal thing to watch and I love the way you did it with your gorgeous sheep. They look lovely

[@jimileekelso9120]

Well you'll never win a shearing competition but it's a beautiful job! Thanks to the viewer who sent the shears. I love how gentle you both are ❤

[@DebStyles]

So cool to see how kind and gentle Scott was with bree. You both did such a great job with her. I'm really loving watching your little slice of paradise. Such a beautiful part of the world. I know I don't comment often but I really look forward to it. Its so wholesome.

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you so much!

[@user-dc9yv9ql5x]

The level of trust shown by your sheep was heartwarming. Can you get Bree to have a word in Crowdie's ear? It'd make shearing next year much easier.

[@aruvielevenstar3944]

I really LOVE the way you treat your sheep, I have ducks and chicken and I don’t want them to be traumatized of afraid as well and treat them as my children, give them everything they need. Animals are our best and dearest and most faithful friends who suffer enough in the world

[@saudilass]

Aww, what a good girl Brie was 😊 Those electric clippers looked great at speeding the job on and you two were so gentle and considered about keeping her calm, good job everyone 🙌👏

[@carlyntucker5280]

The “rusty axe head” is a splitting maul head, clean it up a little or a lot, put an edge on it. I found something similar at a friend’s farm, took it down to the old local hardware store(not big box). The old guy there smiled and set me up with a proper handle, he even installed the handle for free. I think he got a kick out of someone cleaning it up and using it, which I did, and still do. Best regards, CT from Columbus, NC

[@iamshotty]

I'm sure the sheep preferred you doing the sheering. You were so gentle, Bree looked so contented and relieved. Thank you, always love your updates. Lots of love xx Teresa 🇦🇺♥

[@Knit-A-Rainbow]

The segment on the wool! As a fiber artist and spinner, you made my heart happy 🐑

[@MyHelena67]

I’m a hairdresser and would love to have a go at shearing a sheep ❤❤ well done guys great job ❤❤❤

[@tinawelch3005]

truly, a Proverbs 31 woman. You two demonstrate your joy in life in every episode. The photography is stellar!!

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you, Tina!

[@joyceglaister2086]

Hi thank you once again - brilliant! I love both hand and machine knitting with Shetland, lambswool and merino wool which cannot be beaten for quality. 🐏🐑🐑🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@brenwyckoff]

Thank you so much for the fiber history...and for reminding us of the loss so many of us experience who have forgotten the advantages of natural fibers. Also, thanks for the narrated "mind-movie" of the whale sighting .. we missed ! ; > )♥

[@judymcgovern8454]

Aww Bree what a wee star. She obviously loves and trusts you both 100%, you were so gentle with her. That was a really lovely narrative you did Katie, it’s true beautiful home knitted items are much better. Far too much of our traditional crafts have disappeared 😢. ❤xx

[@user-dt6tc1qr9d]

Lots of TLC today for the pets 💕

[@lovelyskull3483]

This is such a lovely video. The quality makes me feel like I’m right there with you. So beautiful. Thank you and cheers.

[@staciecats7801]

I think you did a beautiful job shearing! Isn't the goal to remove the wool without harm? You accomplished that goal gloriously! Thanks for another wonderful episode.

[@jenniferfarrah3134]

So interesting , loved watching you shear Brie , how gentle you both were , she looked like she was enjoying the experience . Your stories Katie are so interesting & informative 👍. How great also to see a whale so close . Thankyou for sharing . Best time of the week . 😘

[@lilac9639]

Awwww you're both loving and gentle with them! It's the first time I've been able to watch Shearing as I find it horrendous to watch.. xxxx

[@georgebaird8805]

Lovely phrase"exchange a checkout for a handshake"

[@allonesame6467]

Love your "no drama" way of sheering!💖

[@dthomp06]

What a place! I loved your piece on sheep, wool, and supporting the farmers. Buying their goods.

[@tangie777uk]

WOW Nice job with the shearing. You certainly have a little piece of heaven with your beautiful cottage. Thank you for sharing, I love to watch your videos

[@DavidGreen-or7dz]

hi all 😊

[@lauraautry6992]

This video was very interesting learning the history of wool with Katie. You both did a wonderful job shearing Brie…she has to feel so much better. Thank you for sharing 🤗❤️

[@AndrewKendall71]

I'm so glad you both showed what you're doing and talked about the amazing importance of wool and its superiority as a product and cultural importance. My goodness, I wish it was more in use, forming a proper economy to correct the cost trouble with it. It's so so much better and more natural and human to use. What an excellent lesson.

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

What's Shona done to her front leg? I completely agree on using wool, i started my working life on a sheep station and somehow end up in a woollen mill before it eventually went the same way as all the other mills. Such a shame wool has fallen out of favour, so superior to the crap we wear now.

[@TheScottishIsle]

She caught it in the doorjamb. She's fine, though. Kx

[@noompje86]

As a hand spinner and weaver. thank you for this beautiful piece of history. (and the rest of the video of course :P) a way of life that we really shouldn't forget

[@yvonneward]

In south Derbyshire just now and it’s been 26 past 3 days but got to have my Scottish Isle 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 fix 😊❤ I think Bri liked the clippers more than the shears and I think you both did a great job well done x❤😊x

[@andrewmason7207]

had minky,s visit loch long of the clyde last month , great to see

[@ChezzyCherry]

As a historical textile obsessed person and sheep being my fav farm animal, I adored this video. My how Shauna has grown too! Love your gentle approach

[@TheScottishIsle]

I love historical clothing, too! Kx

[@MaximusMatthews_123.]

Loved seeing all that wool .i could here my knitting needles clanging in the background itching for me to pick them up again .anyway so much going on out there in the world that you sharing your life is like a piece of heaven x

[@Maeceea59]

I feel your pain. Our garden is Canadian clay! The sheep look great. We have a Cockapoo that needs clipping every 8 weeks. He is not a fan!!!! Love Scotland! Can't wait to come back!

[@jojomomski3344]

Beautiful!! You have such a lovely voice for narration! I wanted to hear an entire audio book 🙂

[@whiskeycook3323]

50 years ago here in Wisconsin I used to layer cotton in my quilts . They were thick like a comforter

[@stuartrogers621]

Absolutely love your vlog! More people should live the way you live, it's very special xx

[@ishka28]

Amazing how tolerant the first sheep was for the shearing. I think this was a really interesting episode. No it wasn’t a dandelion, they have much narrower and denser petals.

[@fullframecoach]

You both definitely win the prize for being so gentle and respectful of your beautiful, characterful sheep! I love how resourceful you are Katie, very inspirational. ❤ whales, maybe basking sharks - how exciting!

[@soniayoung5097]

Thank you for sharing your life!! I'm from Chico, California and love your beautiful Island. I love your accents!!!

[@davidcohencrumpton9884]

Video looks great. Loved it. Nice job shearing.

[@Rescueluv]

Loved all this episode love the gardens,wildflowers etc, how wonderful to hear and see a whale. I can’t wait to see a dinosaur 🐳🦖

[@jamesprentice5503]

That's a lot of trimming you've done,you're gonna be sore in the morning! Lots more it appears ,to do! Then cold and frost will finish it til next spring,lol! A never ending story! Every year it gets better here in our patch of Tennessee, we just keep at it,most briars and blackberry briars not as thick this year and deer and wild turkeys help eating and pushing thru it,mashing it down too! A hot bath helps! Enjoy your show and the banter!

[@jackiegammon6854]

Thanks for sharing with us! I love the wildflower meadow idea. It will be lovely! I am the plant nerd that tags along with you on your adventures. One of the apps I use for plant ID is PlantNet. I don't know if it is available or useful to you in Scotland or not. You can take a picture of a bloom, or leaf and it will identify the plant if it is obvious, if not distinct enough, it will give you options of what it could be, so you can examine more closely and decide what it is. After I converted Celsius to Fahrenheit I got a kick out of you saying you were getting a heat wave at 70F. I live in Florida, and our heat wave this week is mid 90F (35C) with humidity making it feel like well over 100 (38C) As much as I would welcome some cooler temps, I would be forever cold at your temps!

[@lindseyreadyhough8225]

Wow you both work so hard.. the strimming and front garden make it look so much prettier ( if that's possible) I can hear the relief from the wool being removed ..well done to you both great video take care ❤❤❤

[@weecharlie01]

I think it’s tragic that wool no longer has the value it did.

[@pip-woollycwtches]

That is the gentlest shearing i have ever seen. Well done you two. 👏. As a knitter and spinner. Talking woollen fleece is right up my alley 😉. Interesting fact …that my ex son in law keeps Welsh mules and their fleece usually goes to make carpets. He was getting 50p a fleece during covid as factories weren’t selling their carpets to cruise liners etc. didn’t even cover the cost of the shearing. The yellow flower is rough hawkbit. I hv the “picture this”app on my phone identify plants x

[@57motherbear]

I have the same maul head! A previous owner (unknown to me) welded a steel handle to it. I use it often for all sorts of things. Grande prairie, Alberta, Canada.

[@user-sm9fm3vl7h]

Sorry I’m late again will go back to the beginning when you finish 😊

[@megmills4798]

You both are a great team❤😊

[@christopherforster6555]

I've never seen a sheep sheard like that before but a good job they are very tame .😊

[@nancybottemiller2522]

Love watching the shearing of the sheep and how awesome to spot a whale!

[@jkom601]

Love how you brought in your sweet sheep into the kitchen ❣️have bathed a chicken or two in our kitchen sink❣️❣️❣️love your videos so much, thank you for sharing your lovely view of community feelings of not wasting resources ❣️❣️

[@aruvielevenstar3944]

@@jkom601 me too, I have a chicken with a sore foot, I bathed her every morning but the sore didn’t go away so I went to the vets and she has pills now, I hope she will be better soon

[@celi4887]

Wonderful video- certainly one of your best! ❤

[@dennismatthews6660]

Thank you for sharing the adventures.

[@coralgledhill64]

Don’t forget to give the thumbs up 👍

[@lindagage7315]

Looking good! Well done!

[@myownlittlehouse471]

Beautiful video! Thank you so much for the lovely work you do on these. Thank you, Katie, for the wool history. I'm a spinner, and everything to do with sheep and wool fascinates me. Thank you, Scott, for the excellent work of editing you do. That is its own creative outlet, isn't it? A beautiful video is a fun thing to make. I can't wait to see if the little wild flowers appreciate their transplanting :)

[@KatyThompsonHaley]

Lovely episode. ❤🌿

[@mrsplumbridge4888]

I think they're crows foot the yellow flowers 😊

[@megmills4798]

Katie so with you on your commentary😊

[@jameshall3482]

Put a handle in that makes a great wood splitter .I've got a couple. I got one that my grandfathers brother who was a blacksmith made in the early 1900's. I use it every winter.

[@user-tp5wj4fr3m]

I enjoyed watching this video You both did a great job. I love wool for winter but to hot in summer

[@megmills4798]

This video was so worth watching sweet dreams😊

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

Nice job on the shearing. I would imagine if it isn't something you do a lot, it must be an interesting challenge. Bree will be delighted with a summer without a fur coat! Unfortunately, I'm allergic to wool. Mostly, I just wear a cotton shirt under it. I get the benefit without scratching my skin off! Lol! You could buy a handle for that axe head and sharpen the head up nicely. What a great find! Free tools! We've had two bouts of rain this week. About 47 drops each. Just enough to rearrange the dust on the bonnet of my car without washing any away! 🙄🙄

[@gjmiller138]

I love watching your videos and I am so glad that shearing day is finally here! Brie looks so much lighter, Her wool would make a fine pair of felted slipper. I can’t wait to see how you process Croodie’s wool! I’m very particular about where I buy yarn from and I’m willing to pay a higher price if it means I know the sheep were treated well. I can’t stand the thought of sheep being tossed about or treated poorly during shearing. A video turned up in my feed once of a shearing contest, I was disgusted with the mistreatment I saw and made it known in the comment section. I’m very interested in seeing what you do with Croodie’s wool, from the beginning all the way to the end. Will you be carding iand spinning it? I would love to see a video about the whole process.

[@marilizevandermerwe8343]

Growing up on a sheep farm where 1000 sheep each year get shorn, it was a bit painful to watch your process. Really a brave sheep that one. What a good friend you have in that sheep. I just want to suggest one thing maybe? -watch some shearing videos to see how they shear the stomachs? The sheep will feel comfortable if you held it on it's lower back or bottom and it will make sure you don't cut a nipple etc on the stomach. You really did an excellent smooth job, not wasting wool and the sheep looks so smooth afterwards. Well done.

[@annmcgranaghan2131]

I've wanted to suggest you didn't plant agin the house wall. There will always be damp. If the stones go to the wall, it's better, and then you could plant in those lovely pots. Also, might thwart the sheep nibbling.

[@user-qw1gu9zu4f]

❤ everything you two do!

[@ehpeachylove]

Lovely video and the sheep look so fresh and clean. Good job to you both. Katie thank you for the history of sheep and wool. It’s sad so much knowledge has gone to the wayside. Scott thank you for all the hard work on editing and the sighting of the whale along with its sound. The wildflower meadow sounds a good idea. Are you also able to have bee hives so you can get your own honey? From all the buzzing on that bush or tree the other day may have beautiful tasting honey. I love the island and the views are stunning. See you next time and love to you all. ❤❤❤

[@notdoingsogood2024]

Like, comment, and then subscribe. Takes a minute and doesn't cost you anything except the minute. ❤ 🎉 Dry humor should be expected and appreciated, thank you. 😂 ❤ 🎉

[@notdoingsogood2024]

I almost forgot, SHARE this video. It's muy interesting.

[@roseybeesley4110]

Oh Katie that little snippet about the fleece in the past being used, I so agree with you, this modern world is not better with its technology. And all this modern living is very bad for us, there is more sick people now than there were back then, and the farmer in the field would be singing and whistling, this modern living has no joy in it anymore. Or good healthy product that is good for us. It will be the end of mankind. God created this world for us to live by His law which would bring joy peace and happiness. But people refuse to change so we will reap what we sow.

[@robertdonaldson6584]

My late mother used to make sweaters for me from Icelandic Sheep wool.

[@lindabaker2905]

How lovely! Wonderful memories!

[@22marketst]

How interesting about Tiree and your grandmother and mother living there. We are living in Australia but my Glasgow born partner's father lived in Tiree as a child/young man - sent there to be fostered by The Glasgow Corp after being found homeless with his small brother. His name was Hugh and he passed away recently at the age of 89. He would have lived there in the early-mid 1940s and worked on a farm and later on the boats between the Islands. The lack of trees there contrasts hugely with your wee island !

[@TheScottishIsle]

I'm sure Mum mentioned a shepherd that used to work for her father, called Hugh. Kx

[@22marketst]

@@TheScottishIsle Such a 'small' world if that was the case ha ha !!

[@christinehodge3608]

Really enjoyed this video, interesting especially the minke whale, this is helping me health wise,

[@beverlyethridge5084]

I would love to see the process of extracting the lanolin.

[@mrsplumbridge4888]

Didn't Hugh have an XP Deus on the detectorists 😂

[@alexandermenzies9954]

An unorthodox approach, Katie, but you had the full cooperation of your sheep (stroppy wethers take note). I've assisted in the shearing of hundreds of thousands of sheep (varsity holidays - me, not the baa's..) and your result would please most owners. Gun-shearer status awaits you. Your words about the wool industry were very well said, what a pity the wonderful properties of wool are not better known.

[@soniaclarke1171]

I was late catching up tonight, but once again, loved the video. Scott, you're such a softy around Brie, but it's good to see animals treated so gently to shear. Katie, I agree about the windows, they should be natural wood, double glazed. The cottage has been butchered, but you will get it looking good.

[@terrybull1043]

I remember when I had my second golden retriever me and her in doors decided to save some pennies and clip him ourselves when we were out walking him these two old dears asked us if we been to Specsavers😂😂he did look like he got run over with the lawnmower 😂😂 never did it again 😂.

[@fullframecoach]

Yellow rattle apparently takes out the grass, so it's good for preparing ground for meadow flowers. And for the record, I'm definitely not winning at your pub quiz! Learning, but not winning 😊

[@lyndapattison5023]

you two have to be one of the hardest working couple I know

[@anneabbott9212]

Hey my Nena was brought up on Tiree. They probably knew each other. Went there a couple years ago. Absolute answer to a dream. What did your Nan do on the island

[@TheScottishIsle]

My grandfather was the Factor, she was a housewife. Kx

[@clairedelune7057]

Loved listening to your fiber history of the islands. I process purchased fleeces (from a shepardess in Idaho). They are Romney and Romney crosses. I love slow clothing. Which breeds are the girls.

[@TheScottishIsle]

Lacaune, Shetland, and Shetland X...from largest to smallest! Kx

[@damogranheart5521]

It is a dandelion. There are many varieties, including a French one that has pink flowers. Thank you for the lovely visit!

[@paulinestevens9351]

🥰

[@dottiebaker6623]

I understand the practicalities of shearing your sheep in the kitchen, but your approach is also just so sweet. No throwing them around, letting them get used to the sound of the electric shears. In my next life I either want to be one of my dogs or one of your sheep!

[@Leslie-ot1ch]

Another great video, thoroughly enjoyed it, I did send 3 plastic buckets as requested on the wishlist. Remember to enjoy rest time too.

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thanks, Leslie! 🤍

[@livingjustright90]

I was pleased to see you shearing with Bree standing so calmly. I do mine just the same way. I dip my clippers in kerosene whilst shearing. It keeps the blades cool and clean and I run them after dipping to shed the excess Kerosene before resuming shearing. I also have trained mine to accept collars and lead which helps when shearing as hubby holds each one whilst I shear them. Ours are Wiltshire crosses so they shed their bellies and neck and rear. Is Bree a Friesen cross?

[@TheScottishIsle]

Thank you for the tip.. Brie's a Lacaune - a dairy breed. Kx

[@margaretlynch1494]

🙋‍♀️❤️

[@CatherineH.-gf7mm]

Be Sure to mix some liquid dishwashing detergent in with your vinegar and bicarbonate concoction. As it needs a surfactant I order to stick to the leaves. Goggle it. :). Regards from Texas

[@Dore60]

👍

[@LindaDavis-hi2un]

There you go working hard again😂 I wish I had half of your energy!😊

[@rosschamberlain1823]

Whenever someone cries out "Biscuits!" I caper about in the same way as Brie and Crowdie. Anyway, another amazing video.

[@lindabaker2905]

😅😊😅😊😅😊

[@megmills4798]

Hope to make it if not will watch rerun❤😊sleep well😊

[@user-dt6tc1qr9d]

Your 'dandelion ' looks like hawkweed

[@marksargent2440]

We used to have westies and some times thay needed a cut and trim i did it a few times so did my late wife but thay used to get stressed once we sent then to a dog grommers and when we picked them up we think thay had been drugged to do it.but we couldn't be 100% sure so we took them to another groomer and thay seemed ok . Keep up the good work both of you 😊

[@RandallSchwed]

A good wool pea coat in the cold and wet is better than synthetics.

[@bs6281]

Remember the orginal windows were only single glazed

[@mandymccartney6894]

Katie can you sell the wool on the main land?