LAY OF THE LAND

With only a handful of full-time crofters remaining on the Isle of Harris, photographer Zoë Savitz felt compelled to portray their story, she tells Stephanie Abbot

The last remaining crofters on Harris inspired Zoë Savitz's images

“There’s no one waiting in the wings to take over this simple and traditional way of life

Aworld away from the fast paced, bustling and often overwhelming hub that is London, photographer Zoë Savitz made her first trip to Scotland – the Isle of Harris to be precise – to capture a way of life that may soon disappear forever. The last remaining full-time crofters who call this island home, and whose ancestors have taken care of the landscape since the 19th century, allowed Zoë to observe and capture their day-to-day lives over two weeks while integrating into the community. ‘I stayed in Donald’s sister’s house and he went out of his way to show me around, taking me to meet other crofters,’ says Zoë. ‘We chatted, ate fish and chips in the car and drank endless cups of tea.’

With their children having moved away to live in cities, there’s no one waiting in the wings to take over this simple and traditional way of life from the current crofters. Focusing primarily on social documentary and portraits, for this project, Zoë was keen to explore the idea of a lost culture amidst an ever changing modern world. ‘These images aim to show the beautiful connection between humans, animals and the landscapes around them which they take care of,’ says Zoë.

It follows the emotional story of the land as much as the historical and geographical nature of their work.

‘It is reassuring to witness the pioneering spirit of those living on and within the resources of their surroundings, never wishing for more,’ she says. ‘I wanted to capture these moments of the last remaining crofters, carrying on the way of life that has been in their blood for centuries.’

“I wanted to capture these moments of the last remaining crofters

Opposite: Donald John Macinnes’ sheep on his croft. Below: Alistair MacDonald looking over the hills for his sheep.

Right: Sheep herding essentials: dog whistle and binoculars. Opposite: Donald John Macinnes out herding his sheep from far in the hills.

Clockwise from top left: The sheep on Taransay are sometimes left to graze for years at a time until they are brought back to the mainland to be sold at the market; each crofter has his own walking stick, each with individual designs; Carl the sheepdog stops for a chin scratch.

Clockwise from top: Alistair MacDonald gives Carl the sheepdog the signal; Donald MacLeod; a rainbow over Bunavoneader; the morning’s work is done.