Tournaig’s Stable
tune – Isle of Barra

Many, many years have passed since first a crook I made
Through the intervening years the memory did not fade
In my mind I always thought one day some more I’d make
Not until quite recently the opportune did take.

In Tournaig’s stable by the door where it all began
Found a box containing horns soon devised a plan
I’d try my hand at making crooks permission first obtained
A ‘bit’ of tuition now and then, confidence soon gained.

Not for me the modern tools but ‘ones’ used long ago
A rasp a file a surform blade, a knife from sixty two
A brace and bits to turn by hand old methods to combine
A fine toothed saw a hand held drill, sandpaper graded fine.

For steam an old and simple way a kettle on the boil
As it was in years gone by traditions not to spoil
A blowtorch with a nozzle small to bend them into shape
Thinking back to Tournaig days with them I can relate.

Red deer antlers shape them not quite perfect as they are
Each one unique in its own style best left ‘untouched’ by far
Cut to size prepared and dressed to meet the eyes desire
Fitted to a hazel shank their beauty to admire.

Not for me to mass produce not for commercial gain
From all labour saving tools I always do refrain
Show respect to nature’s way, respect to ‘beast’ and tree
Where they grow on sloping banks and deer run wild and free.

Sometimes now I must confess a battery drill I use
But it to me does not seem right, new methods I refuse
I’ll just continue using tools as used those years ago
A way of life – a slower pace – like deep water it did flow.

Shepherds’ crooks were probably hand-made since the days of the cottars, the small-scale farmers, who lived before the crofting townships were formed in the area in 1845.
Hector made crooks in the stable which was no longer used as a stable at Tournaig. His choice of material was not antlers but the horns of the blackfaced sheep.