Kelp makers hut, South Uist, Scotland
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Kelp makers hut, South Uist, Scotland
Kelp makers hut, South Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Date: late 19th century
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Media ID 14139044
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Gatherer Gathering Hebrides Kelp Maker Occupation Outer Remote Scot Scots Uist
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative late 19th century photograph captures the quiet solitude of a Kelp maker's hut nestled along the rugged coastline of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The Kelp industry was a traditional occupation that played a significant role in the rural economy of Scotland's western isles for centuries. Kelp, also known as seaweed or kelp seaweed, was harvested for its valuable properties, primarily used as a fertilizer and in the production of iodine and alginate. The Kelp gatherer in this image is shown in the foreground, dressed in typical attire for the occupation - a waterproof coat, hat, and gaiters. He is seen loading a cart with freshly harvested Kelp, which would have been collected from the rocky shoreline using a long-handled rake or a knife. The cart would then be transported back to the hut, where the Kelp would be processed and dried for later use. The remote and rural setting of South Uist adds to the sense of isolation and self-sufficiency that characterized the Kelp industry. The hut itself is a simple yet functional structure, with a thatched roof and stone walls, designed to withstand the harsh coastal elements. The fire pit in the foreground suggests that the Kelp maker may have also used the hut as a temporary shelter while working long hours in all weather conditions. This photograph offers a glimpse into Scotland's rich maritime history and the resilient spirit of its people. The Kelp industry may no longer be a significant economic force, but its legacy continues to shape the cultural identity of the Outer Hebrides and the Scottish coastline.
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