Tag: peat

  • Uig – Isle of Lewis

    This is a curiosity. Gallan Head or Aird Uig Isle of Lewis was transformed from peat-bog into a defence listening post in 1950’s.  The Royal Air Force built RADAR towers used to eavesdrop shipping which continued through the Cold War under NATO ownership. Finally it was sold and is now owned by the Gallan Head Community Trust. Aird Uig is an unusual settlement.  Changing from ugly utilitarian barracks into homely colourful homes. The moorland is also transforming from concrete buildings and groundworks to a whale watching/listening area and night sky observation point. Gallan Head has terrific views out over the Atlantic Ocean. I wish it well in its transformation.

    Aird Uig Isle of Lewis, Gallen Head

     

    Ex-militarised wilderness

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  • Isle of Harris

    Isle of Harris Scotland has the oldest rocks in Europe, some over 3,000m years ago which is around two-thirds as old as the Earth itself. Lewisian Gneiss is the most common and was formed from volcanism and bending and stretching of the Earths crust then exposed by glaciers, oceans and weather. Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey used Harris as a backdrop for Jupiter. Yup, outta this world!

    Peat cutting on Isle of Harris
    Peat cutting on Isle of Harris

     

    Drying peat for winter burning in homes.
    Drying peat for winter burning in homes.

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