Wild Britain: S02E05: North Uist

This week Ray is in the Outer Hebrides. Off of the North West of Scotland, the Outer Hebrides is a chain of islands, of which North Uist is one.

Beginning at Loch Maddy, the largest sea loch on the island, we see that the loch has a large tidal variance. This ensures a variance of environment too, with plants – such as seaweed – and animals having to make a living wherever they can. Seaweed is a massive part of our lives, containing minerals and vitamins, and also used to be used as fertiliser. Crustaceans also use the seaweed, but this time for hideaways, in an attempt to create a successful hideaway from the birds that graze on them.

Going under the water, we look at Bladder Rack, a type of seaweed that grows in deeper water. We see the array of life that exists on the seabed. This includes some sea lettuce that Ray snatches as an ingredient for his supper, along with some large scallops! The scallops are fried and then eaten with the sea lettuce which is eaten just as is.

There is much evidence of hunter gatherers on the island, along with the transition to farming. We see a burial chamber made of many rocks. Because the burial chamber has been left alone for such a long time, it is ideal for slower growing flora.

A quick lesson in tracking teaches us that when we find a trail, we need to look at where the animal may have been heading. Then to look for a trail, such as grass that has been worn down in one direction. Also to look for scat, which will also give you an idea as to what they have been eating.

Ray then goes cruising to see a 2003 reintroduction to the area. The White Tailed Sea Eagle, with a wing span of up to 8ft. Birds are plentiful on the islands and seem to thrive. Watching a playful otter is a fun part of the episode. As with everything with these 22 minute episodes, we see some great things – but always in doses that are just too short.