Hebridean Island

The island of Scarp lies off the west coast of North Harris in the Outer Hebrides and was populated for more than 400 years until 1971, when the last of the native population left. This magnificent account of Scarp describes an island community and a way of life now all but forgotten. It includes the harvests of the land and the sea; childrens games and pastimes; long traditional folktales told around the peat-fire; social customs and occasions; and some of the notable characters of the day. It fills a long-felt gap, for the story of Scarp - unlike its westerly neighbour St Kilda - has not been told in this way before.