NATURAL RESOURCES- Peat

In semi-elevated areas that are prone to water-logging the organic matter that accumulates over the growing season often does not fully degrade. The resulting organic rich soil developed is called peat. Peat may accumulate in bogs to reach a significant thickness. In the geological past peat has accumulated to such a degree that upon very deep burial it matures to form coal seams that may be quarried.

Peat has long been used as a fuel; it may be cut and dried and used to make fires just like wood from trees. The whisky industry often uses peat fires in the process which imparts upon the whisky a distinctly smoky flavor. The image on the left shows a house on Arran with a stack of peat ready for the fire - the photograph was taken around 1900.