Uist - Peat

Peat was used as fuel throughout the Highlands and Islands. It was cut from peat banks and cutting usually began in May to make the most of the summer to dry the peat. The peat was cut in brick shapes and left to dry for two to three weeks. After this the peat bricks were stacked in small cairns for another week or two before being inverted and re-stacked to allow the bottom edge to dry. Once the peat was dry enough it was moved from the peat bank and stacked by the croft house.
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