Grimsay Community Association is launching a new project, Bliadhna na Mòine – The Peat Year, with the support of Bord na Gaidhlig.
Abigail Taylor
Throughout 2021, a series of COVID-safe events will focus on peat and moorland, to bring together traditional, current, and new practices alongside an understanding of their produce, science and associated culture and language.
The project will explore questions such as: ‘What is peat?’ and ‘How do we use and manage our moors and peatland?’
The Peat Year will bring together a broad range of perspectives through the calendar of events: from crofting practices to natural history and ecology, Gaelic terminology and cultural reminiscence to food, poetry, and song.
The programme begins on Saturday 1st May 2021 with a peat-cutting demonstration by experienced local crofters on Grimsay, where young and old are welcome to watch and try their hand at learning the traditional skills. A peat cutting competition will then follow on Saturday 8th May 2021.
There will be a set duration for cutting, with neatness, speed and consistency all taken into consideration in the judging. Competitors should prearrange a teammate to cut with (from within their own household or extended household network in order to comply with COVID restrictions), or the more experienced may wish test themselves and take part solo.
There will be prizes but come the autumn all competitors will be able to take the peat they cut home to warm them through the winter.
To ensure our events are COVID-safe and in case of bad weather, pre-booking is essential for all these events, so please get in touch with Grimsay Community Association on 01870 603359 / info@grimsay.org
On Friday 18th and Saturday 19th June 2021, a Crofting Practice Symposium will look at how our hill and common grazing land are used, including off-lying islands.
There will be talks, discussions and reminiscing with experienced crofters, with a plan to produce a Gaelic crofting terminology booklet. Turning of cut peats will be demonstrated and the day will conclude with a traditional ceilidh of relevant songs and poetry.
The Symposium may take place as a physical, hybrid or virtual event as circumstances dictate, so booking is essential: 01870 603359 email: info@grimsay.org
Further events throughout the year will include talks about the wildlife of the peat and moorlands, peat stacking, a workshop on peat-smoking food and a partnership event on falasgeir muirburn. You are encouraged to join our Peat Year mailing list so we can keep you up to date, just email GCA at: info@grimsay.org
These events are being planned to comply with all COVID restrictions and safety and hygiene practices that may be in place at that time. Some events will take place as online virtual events and there may be last minute changes to physical events if circumstances require.
