Scenic Skye, goodbye.

Skye is a beautiful island. Today you will experience it.

Fabulous, isn’t it? You can see why the Scots are proud of their country.

Life was not easy for people living here. Many people were crofters or tenant farmers working for a landowner. One family had their families buildings and many family treasures. They have put it together to show how their family lived in their village.

Would you believe that 12 people lived in this house. There were 3 rooms in the house: children’s bedroom, kitchen and parents room. The barn was next door.

In the village was a Blacksmith, Community building, Post Office/general store and school. There may have been a weaver and shoe maker. Children would not experience the wider world unless a travelling tinsmith visited or they walked to the nearest town, in this case 25 miles.They would not do the latter until they were over 12 years.

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Life was simpler but with little returns when you considered the landholder would take most of the products or butter made by the crofters Crofters did not have any comeback until the tenant act was enacted and gave them rights. By then many had emigrated as they were forced off the land. I don’t think you and I would have enjoyed life in this time time period.

Ferry time. Off to the Outer Hebrides.

Next a quick visit to see Harris Tweed made (beautiful but you will resist) and then a Gin distillery, yum.

This used to be a task done at home by crofters to earn money. It is still done this way as well as being milled on small looms.Harris Tweed can only be certified if it is produced this way.

I spotted you having a few extra tastes of the gin. It was a lovely drop. Shame the bottle is sooooo heavy and at $125, I don’t think I can bring any home for you. Sorry. Tomorrow forecast is rain and lots of scenery to enjoy but dodging raindrops.