Old Photograph Two Peat Carts Orkney Scotland

Old photograph of two Peat Carts on, Orkney Islands, Scotland. Crofters bringing home the peat. Years ago, peat, a product of decayed vegetation found in boggy moorland, was the only fuel for many people in the Highlands and Islands. The fires in crofters cottages were kept constantly alight, smouldering with two or three peats placed within the kitchen range and never allowed to go out. At night a really dry lighter peat was preferred, and just a few big peats were placed flat on top of the fire to burn slowly and safely. Then from the remaining embers, the following morning’s fire was rekindled.



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