Life, Death and Sheep: A Burial and New Beginnings
Where there is livestock, there will be deadstock. Ideally by choice, but not always...and these instances will always prompt a degree of musing about the certainties of life.
Megan Rowland
I am a crofter and deerstalker based in the county of Sutherland in the North Highlands of Scotland. I've worked in the rural sector for over a decade, in practice and policy. My writing on…
Crofting Fibres: From Shearing Sheep to Tanning Skins
Crofting isn't just about producing food, we also have the opportunity to grow and process different fibres, but that isn't always easy in the 21st Century.
From Neolithic Tombs to Trick or Treat: Origins of Samhain
Sometimes Hallowe'en can feel obnoxiously modern, but the roots of this tradition go way back, potentially even to our Neolithic forebears...so go on, grab a pumpkin and get carving, there are demons and ghosts to scare away.
An Dàmhair: Reflections on the Roaring Time
How something as simple as the faint call of a red deer can open up years of memories of stalking seasons gone by
Summer Shows: A Taste of Rural Tradition and Community
With the conclusion of show season, I consider the valuable role rural shows play for individuals and communities
From Vikings to Normans: Understanding the Rural-Urban Divide
Sometimes you need to look backwards to understand where you currently are. In this case, we need to look back more than a thousand years to see how behaviours then, affect perceptions now.
From Sheep Clippings to Silent Hills: A Rewilding Story
A trip to the north of Sutherland sees the results of many millions of pounds of investment in a new landscape.
Heated Debate: Scotland's Decision to Ban Woodburning Stoves
New laws and regulations on how we can heat our homes have set light to rural and environmental decision making.
Potholes and crumbling infrastructure: roadblocks to rural communities
Getting some fencing work underway on the croft sparks thoughts about rural infrastructure, just how fragile it is and what that means for communities here long-term.
Polyculture in the Polycrub - The Highs and Lows of Growing Your Own
Producing your own fruit and vegetables is hugely rewarding, but it can be a game of trial and error. Here are some of my successes and failures so far, plus why I think growing your own can help people better understand the agricultural sector.
Not All They're Charged Up To Be - Electric Cars in Rural Areas
An unintended excursion in an electric car in Norway provided the perfect opportunity to see what the future looks like in a fuel-free world.
Deer, Squirrels, and Guns: The Hidden Issues Behind Tree Planting
Creating forests is very often seen as an answer to all our eco-ills, but planting the trees is just the start of the work.