An example of the strip pattern of the croft fences seen in Habost

Habost (Scottish Gaelic: Tàbost) is the name of two crofting townships on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.[1]

One is in the Ness area at the northern tip of the island at grid reference NB519629 and is home to an arts and music centre. It is a traditional area of the Clan Morrison.

The other is in the district of Lochs and lies on the shore of Loch Erisort at grid reference NB325195.

Habost Bothan

Most commonly used for social gatherings. The stone structure was a place for the men of Ness to meet and discuss crofting matters. One could describe these shelters as 'drinking dens'. The purpose of the bothan was to be able to have a drink into the late hours of the weekend without worrying about tarnishing your reputation. The men of Ness did not want to be seen drinking as it was frowned upon to drink by the local churches of Ness.

References

  1. ^ Gittings, Bruce; Munro, David. "Laga, Highland". The Gazetteer for Scotland. School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh and The Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Retrieved 4 August 2020.