Tuesday 6 September 2011

Where are we now?

I wanted to write about how we are all feeling, now that our situation is out in the open.

We are shellshocked by the response. We cannot believe how many people have written or sent messages of support from many countries, not just Britain.

Today, it is very wet and stormy here. The rain has poured into the farmhouse, we swept it out as usual, we gathered around the big table as we always do.

The farmhouse which, despite it's battered and dangerous facade, is still the heart of the farm. It is still home. It is where the family congregate and shelter from the wild weather outside.

We appear to be no further forward and I am waiting for phone calls or emails which will put my mind at ease. Have I done something terribly wrong by speaking out?
It feels that way.

It was easier for some when we were silent and tolerated all the issues which seem to have horrified so many decent people.
We were easier to control when we did not speak out, easier to bully.

I am steeling myself to go outside again. The rain is blowing horizontally and the dung brown duffle coat has come out of it's Scottish summer hibernation of, ooh, three weeks and lies heavily on my back. The hood never did sit right and the wind blows it off then slaps your face.

I never wanted anger, threats, anxiety.

All we wanted was a roof, heat and clean water.

And still we wait.....

14 comments:

  1. Well it seems to me you have nothing to lose by speaking out because your landlord is threatening to throw you out anyway. A desperate situation calls for desperate measures.

    What are you supposed to do, pick up your suitcase, doff your cap and say thank you kind sirs for letting us farm your land for 120yrs, we understand you now want it for flats/car park/grouse farm/a spa/golf course... etc. and of course we will disappear without a murmur, and not ask to buy the land from you because, after all, who are we?

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  2. Sit tight, ready yourself for the fight of your lifetime!
    It will be worth it in the end,
    Stay, think and be postive!!

    That is what we are, positive people in a negative world.

    :) praying for you.

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  3. GentleOtter - agree with everything that Sarah said (she's much more cleverish that I am!) but...

    Am also so impressed that you own a duffle coat!

    I really do hope everything works out for you and your family - still thinking of you - and I know that a lot of visitors to Garlic are, as well!

    All the best

    Keith

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  4. a roof, heat and clean water are not too much to ask, and a life free of anxiety...

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  5. Keith - you are only impressed that I confess to owning a duffle coat. It is a special horrible one from ebay and they 'forgot' the lining. Don't tell anyone.

    At least I won't get hit by a bus here wearing dream duffle.
    No buses run here.

    Thank you for your continued support. Our family appreciate it greatly.

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  6. Thank you all for your comments and wonderful support. It is an anxious time but we no longer feel unheard and vulnerable :)

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  7. I can understand that it feels almost worse being out in the open about it...but I don't see much alternative.
    I hope your MSP can help you....and do let people know on your blog if you want anything specific done.
    No one wants to tread on your toes if you are carrying out your own plan of action, of course, but there's a lot of support around if you need it.

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  8. I've been lurking for a while and reading your blog with absolute horror for your situation. In 21st Century Scotland this should NOT be allowed to happen to anyone! It is completely unacceptable and I have masses of respect for you for telling it like it is and making people aware of the situation. :D

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  9. I am also lurking but that doesn't mean we are not thinking of you! It seems odd that human rights legislation stops us deporting known killers but can't protect your rights- perhaps it can?

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  10. I think over the years you've gradually been painted into a corner by the 'system', which has now left you with no choice but to go public.
    I believe that good will triumph in the end, and there are lots of people out there who are on your side.

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  11. We are optimistic and continue to plan for the future of the farm.

    Going public is such a massive step, a decision not taken lightly. Our family discussed all aspects of it before we felt we had no other options left.

    The positive aspects are that it has shone a bright light on a very gloomy corner of Scotland, where dark things scuttle and are left in the dark.

    We hope it will help others who are reluctant to speak out for fear of losing their farms. I hope they are aware that there is an enormous amount of support from people who understand the issues and who want them rectified.

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  12. I agree with Last Alliance Studios - that is what hit me when I read about this. I used to live in Fife, and had no idea that people could be living like this in Scotland nowadays. I have emailed the MSP and the First Minister to complain about tenancy laws, and will now be reading blog to find out how you go on.
    Hope you won't be offended if I say that I will be including you in my prayers.

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  13. trying to read your latest post but it wont display properly- only comes up on the dashboard, then says it doesnt exist.

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  14. Well done you for having the courage to go public: it can't have been an easy decision. As others have said: can we help?

    I'll also Echo Morgan and be praying if it isn't offensive to you...

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