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Accepted Paper:

Weather Talk  
Jennifer Speirs (University of Edinburgh)

Paper short abstract:

The Outer Hebrides are exposed to frequent changes of weather and severe winds. The frequent talk between strangers and amongst kin about the weather functions not simply as a social and informative means of communication but also as a symbol of a tension between hope and nostalgia.

Paper long abstract:

The Outer Hebrides are a chain of islands situated off the northwest coast of Scotland with a maritime climate but additionally exposed to severe storms off the Atlantic Ocean. The southern, fertile islands are at risk of coastal erosion through storm surge. This presentation focuses on the northernmost island, Lewis, where there was some erosion of human settlements pre-historically but where the weather challenge now is the wind.

The wind is both ally and enemy in daily life. In the past the sailing boats of the fishermen depended upon it. Nowadays the wind brings significant financial benefits to individuals but especially to groups of villages through the development of community-owned wind turbines. In Siabost bho Dheas the residents frequently check the movement of the turbine blades in order to confirm the wind direction and that the out-of-place construction is earning its keep. However the wind makes it hard to grow trees and food. It seems increasingly to be disrupting travel which impacts kinship and economic activities. When ferries are cancelled, reactions range from resignation to blaming the travel operators for not being as skilled as in the past.

Frequently, views about the state of the current and recent weather and about the forecast are exchanged between strangers and amongst kin for information and to confirm belonging in a challenging environment. Weather-talk also reveals beliefs and nostalgia about the past as in 'we don't have proper seasons any more' and hope that Hebrideans are experienced enough to cope with the future.

Panel P51
Weather Knowledge and Community Case Studies
  Session 1