An Lot 

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An Lot/The Croft

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Documentary following Donald MacSween as he tries to make it as a full-time crofter.

BBC ALBA

An Lot

Donald MacSween

An Lot/The Croft: Series 3: Episode 6

Episode 6

Series 3

BBC ALBA - An Lot/The Croft, Series 3, Episode 6

Sweeny reflects on his first year as a full-time crofter.

Tha Sweeny a’ gabhail cothrom meòrachadh air a’ chiad bhliadhna na chroitear làn-ùine. Sweeny reflects on his first year as a full-time crofter.

As dèidh dhuinn Sweeny a leantainn thar a’ chiad bhliadhna na chroitear làn-ùine, anns a’ phrògram mu dheireadh den t-sreath tha e a’ gabhail cothrom meòrachadh air mar a chaidh leis san 12 mìos a dh’fhalbh, ‘s e cuideachd a’ coimhead air adhart. Tha an taic a fhuair e bho a theaghlach, caraidean agus nàbaidhean air a bhith air leth cudromach dha, leis gun robh cuideachadh a dhìth gu tric.

Nam measg bha aon neach òg a bha air leth riatanach – David, a bha an-còmhnaidh an sin son Sweeny nuair a bha taic a dhìth. Bha àm-breith nan uan air leth trang dha, ach cha robh e a’ còrdadh ri Sweeny idir a bhith ag èirigh tràth! Bha cuideachd là sònraichte ann nuair a chaidh a’ chiad laogh a bhreith air a’ chroit ann an 60 bliadhna. ‘S dòcha an là as prìseile dha ann an 2018. Bha e cuideachd air a chumail trang leis na mucan agus na uircean, agus na cearcan ! Bha e na phàirt mhòr dhen bhliadhna cuideachd feuchainn ri dòighean ùra a theachd a-steac àrdachadh.

Bha e air a dhòigh gu glan air an là a chaidh feòil an lot a reic sa bhùth ann an Nis, agus tha e cuideachd le bucais feòla a’ dol gu tir-mòr sa phost. Bha e cuideachd a’ beachdachadh air a’ chlòimh agus dè a b’ fheàrr a dhèanamh leatha, agus air an t-slighe sin bha e fiù ‘s a’ feuchainn air fighe ! Bha an obair chruaidh aig Sweeny cuideachd air aithneachadh anns an dòigh as fheàrr buileach, agus e a’ buannachadh na duais airson ‘Croitear Òg na Bliadhna’ – deireadh air leth dhan chiad bhliadhna aige air a’ cheann fhèin air a’ chroit.

After following Sweeny over his first year as a full-time crofter, the final programme of the series sees him take some time to reflect on the last 12 months and look ahead to the future.

The support of family, friends and neighbours has been really important to him, as he often he needs some extra help. One young man who has been vital to things is David, who is always on hand to help out. Lambing was a crazily busy time, and the early morning rises weren’t always Sweeny’s favourite part of the day!

There was also a massive 2018 highlight for Sweeny with the first calf to be born on the croft in 60 years. Then there were the pigs and the piglets, and of course the hens - busy times indeed! Vital to his plans was to maximise the income he could bring in, and there was another proud moment when he saw his own meat being stocked and sold in the local shop in Ness – as well as meat boxes heading to the mainland by post. He also explored how he could get more from his wool – and even had a go at knitting!

Sweeny’s hard work was also recognised in the best way possible as he won ‘The Young Crofter of the Year Award’ - a fantastic way to end his first year as his own boss on the croft.

An Lot/The Croft: Series 3

Series following Donald MacSween as he tries to make it as a full-time crofter.

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