In the parish of Glendale, on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, folk talk of a giant cabbage once grown by their ancestors.
Legend has it that one stormy night centuries past, a ship was wrecked off the cliffs of Glendale. Survivors settled on the island for the winter and come spring shared treasure saved from the waves with local people – a leather pouch of precious seed from their home – which grew to be known as the giant Glendale cabbage.
Across the sea in Donegal, Ireland, the Sweeney family have been growing a familiar-sounding cabbage for over three generations. A giant of a brassica, the Gortahork Cabbage is a local favourite, expertly adapted to the regional climate and sought after by many. The vegetable not only survives but thrives in wet and windy conditions. One head fills a wheelbarrow while two will topple it over.
Could these two cabbages in fact be one and the same?
Where Giants Grow is the latest film in the Seed Sovereignty Programme series, made by Andy Pilsbury for The Gaia Foundation. It follows the story of this legendary cabbage across our isles, exploring how seeds have always accompanied people, gathering tales and traditions, intertwining with our histories.
Watch the rest of the Seed Sovereignty short film series:
If you’re interested in seed sovereignty across Scotland and Ireland, get in touch with our regional coordinators:
The Gaia Foundation is a small, feisty charity and we’ve been supporting earth’s custodians to restore biocultural diversity for 40 years. We’re grateful to all those who support our UK & Ireland Seed Sovereignty Programme, helping to grow a food revolution that starts with seed:
