Section 2: Collecting and using seaweed on the machair

As we walk along the coast, we learn about the historical and contemporary uses of seaweed as a natural fertiliser on the machair. In this section, we hear from islanders Roderick MacKillop, John MacIver, Angus MacKenzie, and John Morrison interviewed by Emily Lyle in 1977, who describe harvesting seaweed to fertilise soil on the machair. Local crofter Alasdair MacEachen and Matthew Topsfield provide insight into how these practices continue today. Accompanying these narratives, we hear a selection of puirt à beul {mouth-music} dance tunes sung by Kenneth MacIver (recorded in 1959), and the waulking song Mhòrag 's na Hòro-gheallaidh (Morag and the Promised) recorded in 1973 that recounts a story of a love-lorn woman collecting seaweed performed by Christine Shaw and local residents from Bunavoneader, North Harris.

Credits: Nam Bithinn na mo Mhaighdeann, Kenneth MacIver (vocals), recorded by fieldworker James Ross (1959); Gathering Seaweed on Uist, Roderick MacKillop, John MacIver, Angus MacKenzie, and John Morrison interviewed by fieldworker Emily Lyle (1977); Using seaweed to grow potatoes and crops, Alasdair MacEachen interviewed by Mairi McFadyen (2022); Mhòrag 's na Hòro-gheallaidh, sung by Christine Shaw, recorded by Morag MacLeod (1973); Uist seaweed Matthew Topsfield (2022).

Photo: Gathering seaweed, Margaret Fay Shaw, c. 1932.