Born and raised in Oban, Peter MacQueen has a passion for living off-grid, which has blossomed since the MacQueen family built a hut in 2017.
He now presents Gàrradh Phàdruig (Peter’s Garden) for BBC Alba from the hut.
Through his debut book – The Art of Hutting – Peter hopes to inspire his readers to build their own cosy off-grid bolthole, learn how to live more self-sufficiently, make the most out of the Scottish seasons and develop practical skills that will help them live off the land and sea.
Along with his partner Coinneach MacLeod, aka the Hebridean Baker, and their faithful Westie dog Seòras, they continue to enjoy adventures to huts, àirighean, bothies and cabins around Scotland.
Peter said: “If you are ready for the good life, perhaps The Art of Hutting is for you.
“My debut book is all about the Caledonian expressions of cabin life and how within their humble walls, huts allow families and their friends to slow down and enjoy the details of life’s little things – creating time and space for self-care, health and a sustainable way of living.
“The book is full of stories, recipes and hacks for would-be hutters and it is my wish that it may inspire new people to take their first steps towards the hut life.”
In April 2017, Peter’s dad Graham bought a parcel of land on the Isle of Seil that kickstarted his family’s hutting escapades.
Peter shared: “In the MacQueen family, our hut means my mum Morven can enjoy time in the great outdoors with all her boys; my brother Mark likes to go there and pick up the fishing rods with his pals; Uncle Stuart loves to declare the view “beautiful”, his arms outstretched in praise of the vista and Dad visits daily with friends and works hard at the hut’s upkeep.
“For him, as carer to Mum and Stuart, it represents a vital source of respite.
“Myself, I like to potter and make time for hobbies. I especially enjoy taking the time to plant things and tend the garden while Coinneach bakes at the stove.
“My nephew Ruaraidh and niece Abby have loved toasting marshmallows in the fire since they were wee; their heights are etched on the wall in pencil proving, in time-honoured tradition, just how much they’ve grown since the hut came about.”
The Art of Hutting will be published by Black and White Publishing in the UK on Thursday November 9, then in the USA/Canada next February.
Peter will be in Waterstones Oban on November 10 from 3-5pm for a book signing.
Featured image: Peter and his Uncle Stuart enjoy some time at the family hut on the Isle of Seil. NO_F41PeterMacQueen_TheArtOfHutting_Peter and Uncle Stuart at the hut resized