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Ten years ago Marian Austin decided to give up her job as a ski centre manager in the West Highlands and 'retire to agriculture' as she describes it. Marian and her husband Andy are now full time farmers on their croft, Craig Dhu, which is situated close to the Caledonian Canal and in the shadow of Ben Nevis.

They grow a wide variety of organic fruit and vegetables and supply produce to a vegetable box scheme, a local market and some of their neighbours. They are active members of the Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG), which is working hard to encourage more local growing and to reduce food miles and reliance on the big supermarkets.

Marian has become a committed composter, which she says is particularly important in the Lochaber area which, like most of the West Highlands, has thin sandy soil, hilly terrain and high rainfall. She devotes a lot of time to making large quantities of compost for Craig Dhu, as well as running classes for her colleagues and new growers.

One of her reference books is a booklet, 'Spirit of the Soil,' which details how countless generations of small farmers and crofters have managed to make a living in the challenging conditions of the West Highlands

Author and horticulturalist, John Wombell, carried out extensive research into agricultural history and techniques in the area and his booklet covers all aspects of local farming knowledge including soil systems, crops grown, field drainage and – most importantly – the gradual introduction of manures and composts, especially seaweed.

Marian says the methods outlined in 'The Spirit of the Soil' are still relevant today.

Presented by Kathleen Carragher and produced by John Deering.