My father did some repairs and servicing on the Countys when he worked for Shearer and Miller in Wick. The International was still on the go up until a few years ago at Thrumster, the wide wheels were still on it.
Great to have this clip up on RUclips! I remember well cycling along near Forsinard in miles of featureless brown moor and to my amazement passing a trial patch of green barley in ear. My father and I were friendly with Reay Clark, who told us about the work of the Baird brothers at Forsinard, and I read some Scottish Peat and Land Development Forum literature. Reay farmed at Edderton Farm, and factored part-time at Achentoul just down the way from Forsinard, so he probably met the Bairds. He wrote a book about the history of his family farming in Sutherland, and sadly passed away a couple of years ago. In a few decades global warming may well dry out the bogs, and people will look back on the Bairds with the admiration which their foresight, energy and ingenuity deserve.
@@alisonbaird7370I lived there for five years from 83 to 88 was only young but remember begin up in the bogs with my dad and we used the fuel in our Rayburn
The shepherd working the sheep in the film was James Mitchell Mackay, my stepfather. He shepherded there for 45 years. I grew up in Forsinain before I left at 16 to join the Army. Thanks for this, never knew it existed.
How times have changed. It could soon be a World Heritage Site and is far from desolate - its a highly valuable ecosystem, storing way more carbon than any equivalent sized forest, helping with hydrology and a habitat to key species.
What came of the grass drying operation because over here in Ireland peat extraction is coming to an end and they won’t be happy until they stop us farming reclaimed ground
Good memories of living there and the strath ❤️ My Dad is in the vid and we lived in the house near the main shed. Alison, I think you used to babysit me!
My father did some repairs and servicing on the Countys when he worked for Shearer and Miller in Wick. The International was still on the go up until a few years ago at Thrumster, the wide wheels were still on it.
Great to have this clip up on RUclips!
I remember well cycling along near Forsinard in miles of featureless brown moor and to my amazement passing a trial patch of green barley in ear.
My father and I were friendly with Reay Clark, who told us about the work of the Baird brothers at Forsinard, and I read some Scottish Peat and Land Development Forum literature. Reay farmed at Edderton Farm, and factored part-time at Achentoul just down the way from Forsinard, so he probably met the Bairds. He wrote a book about the history of his family farming in Sutherland, and sadly passed away a couple of years ago.
In a few decades global warming may well dry out the bogs, and people will look back on the Bairds with the admiration which their foresight, energy and ingenuity deserve.
Thanks Tom, I'll ask my Mum & Dad if they remember Reay from Achentoul.
I mind the international tractors at the county show in thurso my mate worked on them when he was with mt tractors.
@@alisonbaird7370I lived there for five years from 83 to 88 was only young but remember begin up in the bogs with my dad and we used the fuel in our Rayburn
I remember the international tractors at the caithness county show in thurso
The shepherd working the sheep in the film was James Mitchell Mackay, my stepfather. He shepherded there for 45 years. I grew up in Forsinain before I left at 16 to join the Army. Thanks for this, never knew it existed.
I remember him well and I'm glad you enjoyed the film.
@@alisonbaird7370 When did your relations first buy the estate in Sutherland?
@@DavidBrewsterYT We moved there in 1977 and lived there until 1986 when we sold the estate.
Fascinating. Great video👍
How times have changed. It could soon be a World Heritage Site and is far from desolate - its a highly valuable ecosystem, storing way more carbon than any equivalent sized forest, helping with hydrology and a habitat to key species.
Brilliant video Alison what went wrong with the project in the end? Running costs just to high or too many wet summers?
What came of the grass drying operation because over here in Ireland peat extraction is coming to an end and they won’t be happy until they stop us farming reclaimed ground
great video,the good old days!!
Good memories of living there and the strath ❤️ My Dad is in the vid and we lived in the house near the main shed. Alison, I think you used to babysit me!
Yes, I remember babysitting for you, I'm glad you enjoyed the video, it brings back so many happy memories for me too.