Island crofting tends to be a solitary occupation carried out in the fresh air with not a house or soul to be seen for miles.
This hasn’t prevented it from coming under the spotlight of Covid-19 restrictions, however, with the Scottish Government issuing new advice to crofters in the light of lockdown easing.
Western Isles Council is promoting the message that crofters can cut peat but must limit livestock movements.
While it the season for peat cutting and sheep shearing, crofters have been told they cannot just go about these tasks as normal.
They have been advised to ‘adopt good hygiene practices’ and plan activities in line with social distancing.
The government also urges islanders to consider using personal protective equipment in line with national guidance.
Peat can be cut provided social distancing is observed if people from more than one household are involved.
Livestock, however, cannot be moved unless the journey is essential, but shearing and other welfare activities can be carried out, the government says.
Vets attending stock, farriers coming on island and hauliers taking livestock on and off the islands have also been urged to comply with this guidance.
Western Isles Council has been keen to publicise the Scottish Government advice in an effort to keep Western Isles Covid-19 cases low.
A spokesman said: “The Covid-19 crisis has had an impact on all aspects of island life, including crofting activities.
“The rules will change as the lockdown is relaxed and crofters are reminded to follow the latest government advice, which can be found at www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19.”