29th November, 2019 - Winter weather is with us and the Northerly winds are chilling. Here is a picture taken from inside the Bosta Iron Age House on the Island of Bernera showing the peat smoke filled air. Imagine a family group of Iron age people huddled in their underground house, sheltering from the biteing wind, the only heat coming from the flames of a peat fire. For those of you that have never smelt the sweet aroma of peat smoke, a visit to the Isle of lewis will quickly sort that out, as peat is still cut on the Island.
Questions: Do people still cut peat? Answer: Yes, peat is still cut all over the Island. Question: When do people cut peat? Answer: Peat cutting starts usually around the 1st of May. Questions: Where can I see peat cutting? Answer: Most areas of peat land or moorland near the roads will have peat banks where peat is cut. Questions: Where can I see a peat fire? Answer: The Love Hebrides Tour includes a visit to the Arnol Black house where you can sit by a peat fire. Questions: What is peat? Answer: Peat is the decayed and compressed remains of moss, grasses and heather. Questions: Do people still burn peat? Answer: Most people today have modern central heating systems, but there are many people throughout the Island that still burn peat.