For peat’s sake! Islanders oppose bog ban

Traditional peat cutting is under threat thanks to plans being drafted by an environmental watchdog.

Green body Scottish Natural Heritage wants the nation’s peat bogs preserved as vital carbon stores.

But the step could make them no-go areas for islanders who cut peat for fuel.

A map is expected to be published by SNH in June with vast parts of the Outer Hebrides, Caithness, Shetland, Skye and the Cairngorms expected to be given the greatest protection.

Mairi Maciver, a planning officer with Western Isles Council, said: “Peat and peatland are a historical and critical part of the culture and the economic fabric of the Outer Hebrides.

“Peatlands have provided grazing, fuel, fisheries and opportunities for leisure and cultural activities.”

A spokeswoman for the SNH whose acting chief executive is Susan Davies said the organisation had consulted on the issue and was assessing the responses.

“These consultation responses are now being assessed,” she said.

Peat cutting takes place in spring. The work is often done communally and considered part of the fabric of island life.