Benbecula Crofter Shares Traditions of Peatlands
Updated on October 6, 2025 by Meg Pier
Are there certain smells that conjures up “home” for you? Peat might just be one of them as we learn about Peat heating in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
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I’ve just read this amazing story about a real life relative in the Homeland. Thanks so much for sharing it! RSP Carl.
I”m looking up my ancestors. My paternal grandmother, was a McPhee. Her father was John McPhee. His father was Peter McPhee, born in Kilmuir, Inverness, Scotland in 1827. Peter’s wife was Ann MacDonald, dob 5/7/1825.
This was a wonderful story. Thank you so much for it. That Donald has a part of the original McPhee home…wow. This article enlightened me. Taking good care of things, is a Scottish ‘thing’. Thank you again.
This story enthralled me. My husband and I had the privilege of staying at the MacPhee’s B&B in 2012. Many of my ancestors (from many sides) originated from South Uist and emigrated to St. John’s Island, now Prince Edward Island, Canada in the late 1700s- early 1800s. Unfortunately, we have little knowledge of most of our Scottish ancestors. Thanks for the article.
Barbara, thanks so much for your comment! This story is a special memory for me as well, as Donald was so incredibly passionate and eloquent about his connection to the cultural landscape. It was very moving to me to hear his story while out in the peat bog. if you ever want to explore your heritage there is a wonderful center dedicated to the geneaology of the Hebrides on Harris, not too terribly far from Benbecula. I interviewed Bill Lawson of the Seallam Visitor Centre, I’m sure he could help you! https://hebridespeople.com/visitor-centre/