Section 4: Cropping & Harvesting on the machair

Directions: Follow the path along the southern edge of the park and then join the path on the south bank of the River Kelvin. Cross the footbridge over the river and back up to St Mungo Square.

About this section: In this final section, we learn about planting and harvesting crops on the machair. Crofters Alasdair MacAchen and Matthew Topsfield talk us through the system of cropping, and the types of grain commonly grown on the machair. We then hear from the next generation of crofters, brothers Freddie (aged 7) and Seoras (aged 4) MacDonald, who provide a running commentary on their dad and grandpapa’s harvesting crops on the machair. Music featured in this section includes the children's harvesting song Orra Bhonnagan a Ghaoil (Dear Orra Bonnagan) sung by Nan MacKinnon, recorded in 1958. Kenneth MacIver returns with another set of puirt à beul (mouth-music) dance tunes, and we finish with Angus Fletcher singing Am Buntàta 's an Sgadan (The Potato and Herring) recorded in 1971.

Credits: Orra Bhonnagan a Ghaoil - sung by Nan McKinnon, recorded by James Ross (1958); Lifting potatoes - Alasdair MacEachen interviewed by Mairi McFayden (2022); Machair cropping - Matthew Topsfield interviewed by Mairi McFayden (2022); Cropping on the machair - Alasdair MacEachen interviewed by Mairi McFayden (2022); Cropping traditions on the machair - Matthew Topsfield interviewed by Mairi McFayden (2022); Nam Bithinn na mo Mhaighdeann, Tha Fionnlagh ag Inneireadh, Mac a' Phì - sung by Kenneth MacIver, recorded by James Ross (1959); Bailing on the machair - Freddie and Seoras Monk MacDonald (2022); Am Buntàta 's an Sgadan - sung by Angus Fletcher, recorded by Morag MacLeod & Ian Fraser (1971).

Photo: Harvesting on the machair, Sorcha Monk, 2022.