Quotes by Isobel Wylie Hutchison

“Foula was chosen in 1936 as the scene for Michael Powell's film The Edge of the World , which depicts the tragedy of such islands with their dwindling populations. Much amusement was caused when mainland newspapers showed banner headlines describing the 'desperate plight' of the cast, cut off by storm for three weeks on the island. To the inhabitants this was a very normal occurance.”

“Messrs Hunter's up-to-date woollen mill at Brora deals with the small crofter's single bag of wool sent through the post as well as with the large farmer's flocks and bales, and thus has a personal touch lacking in larger industrial centres. A customer from the Outer Isles, for example, may demand in exchange for the product of her two 'ewe lambs' some knitting wool or maybe a pair of socks. Another would like a jumper, or a blanket of a certain shade. If you want the product of your own sheep for your own wear (and this must surely have a particular charm for the wearer!) that too may be arranged. Here I saw wool in all the stages of washing, teasing, dying, spinning and weaving into colourful tweeds and tartans for Scotland's export trade.”