The Happy Farmer Archives

A Valentine’s Day Blog

Rosemary Fletcher | February 14, 2019

The Hebrides have a certain ‘pull’. A uniqueness and energy that is both powerful and special. The wild and rugged landscape coupled with the friendly hospitality of the people and strong community spirit make these islands very special indeed. Our guests on the farm and visitors to the pottery are always intrigued as to [...]

The Persabus Haggis Hunt

Rosemary Fletcher | January 25, 2019

It was not a mission for the faint hearted. The Haggis hunting season is here. With Burns night upon us the Happy Farmer has been out on the seasonal Persabus Haggis hunt. It began with ‘pre-hunt refreshments’ in the new Persabus stable for the Happy Farmer and his small cohort from the farming contingent, all [...]

Two for the Pot

Rosemary Fletcher | November 28, 2018

I always refer to the Happy Farmer as part of the fixtures and fittings of Islay. He is from one of the oldest families on the island. The Fletchers have been farming on Islay close on 500 years. If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting him, you will know what a character he [...]

Persabus: the Gateway to the North Islay Distilleries

Rosemary Fletcher | November 21, 2018

The Happy Farmer has been ‘heuching and cheuching’. We’ve been away for a short break of mainland living. Shops, restaurants, trains, mountains, museums, galleries, Christmas lights, fireworks and rugby. It was lovely to get away and lovely to return home. When you step off the plane the crisp cold air envelopes you. You can breathe [...]

Sailing the Good Ship Persabus

Rosemary Fletcher | October 31, 2018

I exit to the mainland, leaving the Happy Farmer to ‘sail the good ship Persabus’. There are the usual tasks, changeovers to be organised. Breakfasts to be cooked. Pottery orders to be posted out. Kiln firings to be completed, together with farming duties, oh and a shelter to be built for the horses. In my [...]

Our Very Good Neighbour…

Rosemary Fletcher | October 16, 2018

The lobster pots that were residing in the front field have long gone. They have been busy collecting a plentiful supply of lobsters deep beneath the sea all summer long. The ‘lobster pot rent’ for their short stay at Persabus appears to be ongoing though. It is rumoured we missed out on one of the [...]

Whisky Times…

Rosemary Fletcher | October 1, 2018

Times are changing. The houses that were once home for the workers at Bunnahabhain Distillery have nearly all been demolished. Building work has begun. Bunnahabhain was a thriving village when the Happy Farmer was a young boy. It had a school, a village hall, post office and shop. It was once home to some twenty [...]

Fruits of the Sea

Rosemary Fletcher | August 6, 2018

We have been thoroughly spoilt this past week. Lovely guests, hearty craic and the most amazing local produce. The Happy Farmer has been on his ‘adopt a tourist’ scheme. Thursday evening saw a gathering of friends grow into a larger party when our lovely guests were able to join us for an absolute banquet of [...]

Ardnahoe Distillery: Still

Persabus | February 9, 2018

The Happy Farmer was beside himself with glee. Christmas had arrived early, or so he thought, as he looked out of the farmhouse window to see a lorry roll up with a large, gleaming copper still sat comfortably and invitingly on the back. Reality soon set in, this was no illicit still, and Persabus is […]

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