[Crofter]

Hello all

Just found this forum and it looks good!
We (Wife and self) have a 4 1/2 acre croft on Lewis. We have been here now for 3 years and have managed to build up to 3 cattle, 2 goats, 13 sheep (13... unlucky?.... all sheep are unlucky!), 1 Sow ( and 10 piglets) chickens, ducks and the Cat who is, of course, in charge of it all.
Biggest challenge here is the weather, mostly the winds, over 100mph earlier this week!
Look forward to chatting on here when I have the time!

Crofter

[Fluffywelshsheep]

hiya welcome to the increasing fold (just like a small holding. lol).
Hope you enjoy yourself here and on your croft (you wont still be there after 3 years if you didn't)

The warm Fws (for a change)

[sandy]

Good morning, sounds like you have a good set up for a TV programme!!! I am in central Scotland and would love to explore when we have the time/money as we run a B&B, so, it is a bit of a mixed blessing, we usualy get very busy in the summer. Anyway, I bet your lungs are nice and clean from all that wind, I love to feel the weather on my face!!! Are you far from other people or am I just imajining a little croft in the middle of beautiful countryside?  Sandy

[Birdie Wife]

Hello from the far north of Scotland  I was over on Lewis last year, what an amazing place. 

[Crofter]

Oh yes, I forgot to mention we run a B&B too! 
Most crofts are in "Townships" which consist of a number of crofts in a village with it's own associated common grazing.  This means that we live in a croft house on a street with houses either side and croft land behind.  We tend not to get complaints about animal noise/smells though as everyone has animals too!
It's still beautiful though Sandy.

[sandy]

How is yuour B&B doing? We have been very busy for 2 years and now it has gone very quiet, just an odd guest here and there, sometimes it's not worth taking a one person for one night  as it costs us a lot to heat the whole house. Do you use your own produce? You know as well as we do that when you are busy there is no time and when you are quiet there is no money..........better than our previouse work life, going out at 8 getting home at 7 then eating, doing a bit of cleaning, shopping and cleaning all weekend then back again on monday, one reason when do a B&B, so at least I can enjoy where I live...Sandy

[Crofter]

B&B here is very seasonal.  Usually busy from April/May to October with very little over the winter. That said, we have had 3 good seasons and are already getting bookings for this summer.  We do use our own produce when possible.  Bacon, sausages, eggs, tomatoes in summer etc.  We do dinners sometimes but are still undecided as to whether it's worth it for the time we put in.  Maybe we need to put our prices up and then when we get dinners we'll feel it is worth it!
Wouldn't want to be doing anything else now though.

Dave

[sandy]

  I don't think you get rich quick at this game, your money is put back into the business, our house is over 300 years old so needs lots of TLC. I do meals sometimes but like you it is not profitable, I made home made steak pies, took me all morning and they were nice only to find good quality pies for £1 in Tosca!!!!! Anyway, at the moment I would not swap it as it is like having friends around yet they do not outstay their welcome and give you money!!! I want more chickens but first need another hutch, heres to good weather and a great holiday season!!