Learning, Sharing and Supporting Rural Women
Wild Streams on Skye
Undeterred by pouring rain, nine crofting women from across Scotland met in March on the Isle of Skye to take part in a series of events and croft visits through the Wild Streams programme.
The visit began with a welcome dinner, where three new crofters were welcomed into the Wild Streams network. The following day, the group set out to visit three varied and innovative businesses across Skye.
The first stop was West Coast Organics, an organic vegetable farm. Anna Wright, who co-founded the business, shared how their model provides weekly ‘surprise’ veg boxes to a loyal and growing customer base. Over time, Anna and her partner Hanno have focused more on this core offer while scaling back other income streams - helping them achieve a better work-life balance.
Next, the group visited Skye Weavers in Glendale, run by Roger and Andrea Holden. Roger gave a tour of the site and spoke about how the business has evolved, including building bespoke machinery from recycled materials and finding ways to use wool that would otherwise go to waste. A key focus now is supporting the use of wool from Skye sheep and helping local crofters cover the costs of shearing smaller flocks.
The final visit of the day was to a croft near Edinbane, hosted by Wild Streams participant Aoife Gould. Aoife and her husband Jake rear Hebridean sheep and Mangalitsa pigs, alongside producing felted goods and running workshops from a nearby studio. Her products range from tea cosies and bird nesting pods to felted ‘sheepskin’ rugs made without skins.
With support and encouragement from other women in the network, Aoife has grown her workshop offer over several years, attracting both local crafters and tourists. Her products and produce are also in demand locally, with chefs keen to buy the high-quality pork from their rare breed pigs.
The final day brought everyone together in Portree for an all-day ‘Living Lab’ workshop. Participants shared updates on their businesses, reflected on their progress, and explored their hopes for the future. More established members of the network offered advice and encouragement to those newer to the group.
The session created space for open conversation about both challenges and new ideas. A discussion on coaching highlighted the value of asking open questions and setting goals. As one participant put it:
“I learned a lot about myself and my peers, and just the importance of the questions you can ask yourself as well as others.”
Helen Meek, a small business owner and one of the Wild Streams organisers through the Scottish Crofting Federation, said:
“Being self-employed in a remote area of the northwest Highlands, I know how important networking is, whatever stage your business is at. It’s been fascinating to see the connections the women in the Wild Streams programme make - from sharing contacts and general knowledge to working through challenges many of them face.”
Overall, participants found it inspiring to meet others who share similar values, even when their businesses are very different. A visit to West Coast Organics sparked a lively discussion on tackling pests organically, with a wide range of practical ideas shared, something that might not have emerged in a more formal setting.
As one participant reflected, “hearing about people’s journeys from the beginning is important, understanding what got them to where they are now.”
Another added:
“Probably the biggest thing for me was confidence. Being a woman in agriculture, starting a business, and just being a woman in society comes with its challenges. Being part of a group of strong, inspiring, independent women was really empowering.”
With thanks to the Scottish Government for supporting this work.
