We have now taken advantage of the Rubha's most strategic position geographically.

We noticed that many people wandered up our track whilst awaiting the ferry and while some just walked among the trees to find scenic vantage points, others were intrigued by our polytunnel, structures and gardens and invariably questioned us.

One summer we found our command of certain languages somewhat lacking, therefore we took action and prepared an informative leaflet briefly stating our ideals and aims. Leaflets have now been translated into French, German, Japanese, Chinese and Gaelic.

As our finances and energies progressed, we intend to stage a small exhibition displaying traditional ways of living and crofting/farming – initially describing life in the Highlands and the manner in which the people used the indigenous plants in their everyday lives. The clansmen and women were very knowledgeable concerning the various uses of the herbs and trees, not just for themselves, but for the benefit of their animals too.

We are now selling some of these herbs. Each herb is supplied with a descriptive leaflet explaining traditional use and presented in ecologically sound packaging. ( eg willow baskets, the ornamental willows grown on site ) providing new educationally interesting gifts and also giving local employment both in retailing, horticulture and craftwork.

Other sales include seeds, specialist plants, young trees, as there is already a demand for these through the Permaculture Association, and is now done on a mail order basis.

Happily, the Highland Birchwood Trust has been set up to promote crafts produced from native birch. We have expanded on this to provide a retail facility for products produced from a variety of woods.

Permacultures also encourage the building or rebuilding of strong interconnected local communities working co-operatively rather than competitively. It reflects the spirit of co-operation and community care evident in local tradition. It also provides great flexibility, needed now to cope with rapidly changing economy climate, social and product needs.

The growing interest nationally in gardening, particularly organic ( ie using natural products observing and following nature's way) will give us a secure market especially in the light of today's educated green consumer. We are now part of a small group of growers – the first Group in Scotland to be registered with the Soil Association to undergo Organic Conversion.