Harvesting peat to keep my parents warm on a remote Scottish island farm

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Your most moving episode yet. It’s so hugely important that you are documenting the life of your parents. Not just for your own family, but clearly for at least one million of us. Thank you

The old worlds are passing. Good man for doing the hard work of keeping things going.

The hardest part of your journey through dementia is knowing that your loved one is not only never going to get any better but that they will sooner or later not remember who you are or even who they are. I think you hope that maybe they still know you at some level until you realise that they are not responding to their own name and it suddenly occurs to you that if they don’t know who they are it’s a bit unrealistic to think that they might remember you and it hurts far more deeply than you think it will especially because you are at this point completely consumed with their care. I have watched this video each evening since you posted it (3 times) and I didn’t want to say anything but it’s just an unbelievably moving portrait of life and it’s reality even in a remote corner of the world that I am compelled to pass comment and thank you for sharing this wonderful, thoughtful and respectful portrayal of your father even when it makes for somewhat uncomfortable viewing, you give us permission to continue to watch by not dwelling on the difficult scenario but refocusing on the beautiful island and what it brings to bare on the narrative. If I was religious I would say God bless , but since I am not all I can say is best of luck and ask that you give your mum a gentle word every now and then, it’s not easy for you, just imagine what it is like for her. Regards from Ireland

lovely to see you all on the Island together again!

So many things to comment on that it's just not possible. Your parents are blessed to have such a son to look after them and you are blessed to have such great parents. Really enjoyed this video. Hope you are able to make many more.

i really miss the island, back now for 2 weeks and i cant wait go again

The woodpeckers are incredible to be there...wow... Yes...I can see the progression of your dad's condition...and its a lot on you all.He is dearly loved..so evident to see.And he lives is his happy place..I'm sure that brings great contentment to you all.

you are a good son Hamish, and i am betting just a good all around guy...

I look forward to each video you send out. Great job and please continue on.

Peat cutting takes me back to my Falkland Is childhood. That's good black peat you have. The method we use is very different, standing in the cut and cutting from the face along the bank, throwing the sods from a spade to spread them out as they are cut. We use a spade similar to a garden spade, producing a 9x9x6" sod. Turned days later as you do then into 'houses' which we call Rickles. When dry it can be carted home or stacked by the bank to dry over the winter. We make a round stack leaning in on itself and as tall as a man can reach - it's the shape of a traditional beehive when finished. When home it's usually kept in a shed - thrown in haphazardly, although stacks are common on the farms. There is very little peat cut there these days however. As you know it is backbreaking work and dad would have a few sweets in his pocket to keep him going. It was not unusual to find a sweet wrapper pushed into a wet sod - he'd never litter the peat bank. Thanks for the memories.

I only found you after watching your story on the Welsh spinning and weaving mill. I love your style of journalism

These videos are such a wonderful glimpse into an amazing life and incredible people ❤

Stunningly beautiful yet painfully hard watching our parents grow old - well done on a brilliant episode

These are absolutely the best pictures that made it to my screen today!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and showing what's really important in life 👍💞

Thank you, Hamish! Best wishes to you and your family. I've only handled dry peat - amazing how much the weight changes when dried!

Back in Ireland at my parents we do the same with the turf for heating and cooking a day in the Bog collecting the turf and bringing it home we put it in a shed all year round 200 yards of it

Thanks for the video. It's hard to see loved ones slowing down. They've taught you a lot, I'm sure they are proud of you. Look forward to the next video

So glad you can com-peat with your brothers in this work.

Thank you Hamish! I always really enjoy your videos. It's important that you've preserved island and family life with your videos.❤❤❤