This book is the result of an experiment in agricultural
journalism. When a series of articles first took shape in my mind as an
accompaniment to personal travels in the crofting areas, I knew that its
success would not be wholly dependent on such knowledge, and ability to
impart it, as I might possess. The fortunes of the weekly articles would
depend largely on the co-operation of the Highland newspaper editors: with
their paper supplies being cut and increasing official demands being made on
their space, would they be prepared to print an additional 600 to 700 words?
Every editor resident in the Highlands who was approached replied that he
would do his best, and that he has done. The weekly articles still could not
be called a success unless it was known that they were widely read. The
crofter's readiness to read them was just as important as my willingness to
write and the editor's kindness and public spirit in printing them.
I believed that the crofter would read matter which dealt
with the problems of his own husbandry. It did not matter to me whether he
agreed or not with what I had to say, but I believed he would preserve an
open mind and bring his critical sense to bear. The footnote each week
inviting correspondence on crofting agriculture was in some measure a
safeguard that I should not do all the talking!
The West Highlands are a country of difficult
communications and on a part-time appointment it would have been impossible
for me to see every crofter personally and have a crack with him—the more's
the pity, from my point of view. The weekly article helped me to say
something about basic principles of agriculture, and the crofter's response
in letters asking for advice is an expression of goodwill and a definite
sign that someone wants to know. The volume of letters from crofters has
steadily grown, and if the truth be known, these letters are the only ones I
sit down to answer with enthusiasm and enjoyment, instead of as an irksome
necessity.
I was criticized recently for saying that there was
defeatism in the Highlands, defeatism being the failure to believe that the
croft was worth working for a living or part of a living. Such an attitude
undoubtedly exists, but my remark should never have been represented as my
final opinion of the crofter. I have faith in him and in the crofting life
as the good life; the interest shown in these articles and the letters I
receive asking for particular information are proof that defeatism is not
general. While people can take the trouble to sit down with pen and paper
and ask for knowledge, they are not taking the line of least resistance,
which is the attitude of defeatism. These letters are a token of a positive
will to action and I miss no opportunity of telling that to the outside
world.
Many correspondents have asked if the articles might be
gathered together in book form. The idea seemed a good one, and I am glad to
present them in that form now in an expanded version, thanks to the
co-operation of the Publishers.
I am also grateful for the opportunity of having Mr
Robert M. Adam's illustrations. His beautiful photographs of Highland
scenery are famous, but the selection given with this book shows that he
does not neglect to record the arts and crafts of Highland folk. These
photographs have enabled me to add a last few words to the book in such
fashion as the reader and I might talk if we were walking round the croft
together.
Kilcamb Lodge, Strontian
North Argyll, April 1945
