They had me puzzled!

As I drove the A971 to the western coast of Shetland's Mainland, I spotted what I thought were fortifications on the crest of a hill.

Climbing up to have a look, they turned out to be stacks of peat. This used to be the main source of fuel for warmth and cooking in these parts, but what the use is now I don't know. Perhaps gardening.

[Diana]

What an amazing find an fabulous capture, fav!

[Dianne]

@lifeat60degrees might clarify this for you.

[Richard Lewis]

Still used for heating either on an open fire or central heating via Rayburns etc

[Richard Lewis]

@dide that’s it:)

[Sarah Bremner]

Also in the Western Isles

[Casablanca]

Yes indeedy, still used on the fires. It's a very effective thing and since it is a ready source on the island, extremely useful. Great image of the drying stacks,

[Graham Harcombe]

@lifeat60degrees Thanks Richard! I thought that was something from my history books!
@ludwigsdiana @dide @sarah19 @casablanca Thanks all for commenting and helping to 'put me straight!'

[Valerie Chesney]

Fascinating & a wonderful opportunity for this great capture...

[Lee]

Most curious, but make for a great shot which you've made the most of. Fave

[CC Folk]

Quite interesting and unusual find.

[Marlene Harris]

Interesting find and well composed capture

[Wylie]

That's fabulous. Glad you climbed up to investigate. fav

[Margo]

Very interesting shot

[borof]

Strange formations, they may have something of a cultic meaning

[Merrelyn]

They for an interesting shot. I wonder how long it takes for the peat to dry out enough to burn.

[Phil Howcroft]

looks a tad surreal graham, good find

[Sue Cooper]

Interesting shot. Well done you for taking a closer look.

[Graham Harcombe]

@susiemc Thanks Sue. I get the impression that you're playing catch-up :-D