Stove

23Jan07

Stove, Na Gearrannan Blackhouse, Isle of Lewis. Via andreajarman

 
Wood-burning stoves have been a home heating staple for centuries. More recently, stoves that burn dried wheat or corn, or pellets made from dehydrated, compressed wood chips, have grown in popularity. Multi-fuel stoves are the first heating option that allows you to burn all three environmentally friendly fuels [...]

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Tamworth Pigs

23Jan07

Tamworth pig and Iron Age pig. Via Coille Bheag
 
Regarded by many as the aristocrat of the pig world this magnificently long legged ginger pig with wonderful large pricked up ears will always command attention. Although in its present form the Tamworth as we know it today is a very distinctive pig with long legs, pricked [...]

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Polytunneling

23Jan07

Polytunnel. Via Bec.w
 
A polytunnel is a tunnel made of polyethylene used to grow plants that require a higher temperature and/or humidity than what is available in the environment. Polytunnels are mainly used in temperate regions and are similar in principle to greenhouses and cloches / row covers.
Constructing a polytunnel is not a small project. A [...]

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A House

23Jan07

 
SkyeHomes self-build timber frame homes combine traditional Highland architecture with imaginative internal design, creating contemporary, versatile and well-proportioned living spaces. It is this fusion of the past, the present and the future that lies at the heart of the SkyeHomes philosophy. Inside and out, a SkyeHomes timber frame home offers quality, character and soul.
Within the [...]

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Blackface Pt 1

22Jan07

Blackface Sheep (Via Tigersweet.)
 
The mainstay of the crofter, the Blackface breed is the most numerous breed in Britain accounting for over three million ewes, representing 16% of the British pure-bred ewe flock. The vast majority are found in Scotland. The outstanding qualities of the breed are survivability, adaptability and versatility, with the ability to fit [...]

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Crofting Act

22Jan07

The first crofting act was passed in 1886 to give security of tenure to crofters, protecting them from further forced removal from the land. There have been a number of subsequent pieces of legislation, and all have been amalgamated into the Crofters (Scotland) Act of 1993. The current Crofters Act is under review with a [...]

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Basics

22Jan07

A croft is a fenced, enclosed area of land, usually small and arable. A crofter is one who has tenure and use of this land. A croft is usually situated in one of the former counties of Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, Ross-shire, Inverness-shire and Argyll in the north of Scotland, and held subject to the [...]

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The Croft.

22Jan07

Abandoned croft, South Uist. (Via Fredr)

This post begins an investigation into the feasability of running a croft in the 21st century. The initial goal is self-sufficiency and sustainable green living. Secondary aims include minor capitalism and other evils…

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