Cutting Peat today

We featured the above photograph on our Durness People album a long while back.

The caption reads:
"This is my Great Uncle Hugh Mckay Campbell born 1859, Durness died 1934 Sangomore, Durness…Married Johan MacKay on the 2nd Dec 1898 in Tain. Pictured with adopted son Colin Campbell".
Donated by Isabel Griggs, Australia.

Now I have received a lovely note from a gentleman, Colin John Campbell Morrison which reads:

"I note that you have a picture of my great grandfather Hugh and his wife Johan (Han) in the "Durness people" section. My Grandfather Colin (who I am named after) passed away not so many years ago,and had a pretty varied life. He was in the Lovat scouts, trained as a blacksmith - the smiddy is still standing (sort of) and did a lot more besides. Interestingly, no-one knew he was adopted in our side of the family until after he died,but then it was such a common practice in the highlands at that time due to large families, that it was probably never thought of as an issue - who knows!
Today we stay on the croft at Sangobeag in the house above the beach,and are one of the last local families to cut peat in the district. So even although a lot of these traditions have been forgotten,it is important to maintain some links with our past. I have included a picture of a recent cutting, so at least you will have colour shot. Many thanks for bringing this picture to light,I also have a few more of prewar pics if you want a selection for the site".
Many thanks,
Colin John Cambell Morrison

and here is Colin's lovely photograph (click on the image to see full size):

Isn't it a delight to see and hear that the old crafts of the Highlands continue today?

I have replied to Colin that we will be delighted to see more photographs.
Chris