Barra. Going for peats
In many of the Highland areas peat was the principal form of fuel well into the 20th century. In late Spring peats for fuel were cut from the 'moss' or 'peat banks'. Having been allowed to dry for a few weeks the peats were then transported or 'driven' home. The ponies above are fitted with wooden pack saddles to which there has been attached basketry 'creels' or panniers. The dried peats were loaded in to the creels to transport them from the peat moss. This method was particularly used before there were well-made roads.
