Karis Beattie is a dedicated crofter living on the Isle of Lewis, a remote and beautiful island in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Since taking on her croft tenancy in 2017, Karis has been committed to nurturing the land and sustaining a way of life that balances tradition with community focus and personal passion.
Her croft covers two hectares and includes a small flock of sheep, hens, and a polycrub used for growing vegetables. Karis’s approach to crofting reflects a deep connection to the land and an appreciation for the communal aspects of rural living. She learned from years tending an allotment in Aberdeen before deciding to expand her involvement with the land by taking on a whole croft. This step marked the start of a meaningful journey toward creating a sustainable and fulfilling rural livelihood. As she says, “I feel very fortunate for how I got access to a croft, which is very difficult for a lot of young people”.
When asked about innovation in her work, Karis offers a thoughtful perspective. While some might see crofting as traditional rather than innovative, she points out that the practice requires constant adaptability. The unpredictable weather and the isolation of island life demand creative problem-solving and resilience. Karis highlights the challenge and opportunity of living on a remote island, which shapes the very nature of crofting as a dynamic and evolving practice: “Crofting is innovative in the way that you never know what the weather is going to chuck at you”.
A key aspect of Karis’s story is that she gained access to a croft, an opportunity that many young people find hard to come by. She also secured social housing on the island, which supported her transition to crofting life. Motivated by her own experience, Karis has become involved in community projects aimed at increasing access to social housing and crofts for others. She is passionate about fostering opportunities for new generations to engage with rural life, helping to ensure the continuity and vitality of her island community. “I am inspired by that and want to help others to be able to do the same thing”, she explains.
Karis does not focus on radically differentiating her products. Instead, she is dedicated to learning and preserving the traditional practices of crofting from her village and neighbours. She emphasises managing the croft well, handling sheep properly, and working collaboratively within the community, values that underline the social fabric of crofting life.
Challenges certainly exist. Funding, for example, can be a significant hurdle, as accessing Crofting Agricultural Grants (CAGS) requires upfront capital that not all can afford. While this is not a challenge unique to women, it is a significant barrier for many aspiring crofters. However, Karis is quick to acknowledge the strong support she has received from her local community, which has helped her overcome obstacles and feel welcome in the crofting world. “I find the community has been incredibly supportive of me coming into crofting anyway”.
What Karis enjoys most about her work is the sheep. She describes working with them as a source of happiness and fulfilment. The connection to the land, the physical activity of walking the hills, and the daily interactions with neighbours enrich her life. This joy and sense of belonging are core motivations behind her dedication.
Community involvement is central to Karis’s vision. She actively participates in the local community council. She supports projects that aim to build social housing, improve early years education, and sustain vital community services such as the shop, hostel, and café. She believes that working collectively through group projects is key to keeping rural communities vibrant and resilient.
For women starting their rural businesses, Karis’s advice is practical and encouraging: learn from others, collaborate, but also be brave enough to try your way and innovate where you see fit. She stresses the importance of taking breaks and recharging, recognising that entrepreneurship is a demanding path that requires balance and self-care.