Kelp Industry

IF you want to find out more about the local history of Kintyre or post some interesting stories then here is the place! All contributors welcome! You can also check out the Historic Kintyre and Down Memory Lane websites.

Kelp Industry

Postby SARID » Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:13 pm

Flyingdragon'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.
SARID
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