Kelp Industry
Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:13 pmFlyingdragon's picture of "Sheep Hoose " on Davaar reminded me that, between the ruin and the shore,
there's a narrow stone enclosed pit (now very overgrown ) where kelp was produced. "Kelp" is the ash
produced by burning seaweed,and is high in Soda and Potash------used as an agricultural fertiliser, and
in the production of soap and glass.The peak production period of the industry was between 1780--1830,
and as well as being a"cottage industry " kelp was produced in Orkney and the Western Isles on a commercial
scale, employing a grear number of people.
The industry went into decline when alternative sources were found.
there's a narrow stone enclosed pit (now very overgrown ) where kelp was produced. "Kelp" is the ash
produced by burning seaweed,and is high in Soda and Potash------used as an agricultural fertiliser, and
in the production of soap and glass.The peak production period of the industry was between 1780--1830,
and as well as being a"cottage industry " kelp was produced in Orkney and the Western Isles on a commercial
scale, employing a grear number of people.
The industry went into decline when alternative sources were found.