Considering the landscape – article for AHI
Considering the landscape is not always done by those of us who are involved in interpretation. It seems that as soon as the word interpretation is mentioned then so a brief is issued to produce xxx number of GRP interpretation panels! This is not interpretation but rather the erecting of street furniture, often in sensitive areas.
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The Sheep Fenke at Appin
The Sheep Fenke at Appin has been completed as part of the partnership between Sustrans and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Differentia Design came up with the concept of creating a natural and traditional structure that would be functional and beautiful. So, we used a common place artifact and turned its use to people rather than sheep.
It was important that the local connection was explored and the words carved on the slate discs inside the shelter were selected from poems written by the children of Strath of Appin Primary School as a result of two poetry and design workshops held there this year which were led by Isle of Luing poet Norman Bissell.
The Sheep Fenke itself was built by David Campbell Stonemason. Davie was key to the success of the Fenke as he was born and bred in Ballachulish and has family ties in Appin. So to say it was a labour of love for Davie would be an understatment. Davie took great pride in sourcing all the material locally.
Gates for Sustrans
These gates are a work of art – thanks to Chris Brammall. Here are a few pics and more will be added later – the way Chris is able to work with steel is fantastic – he says it is just like putty when you get it hot enough.
These gates are of course functional but rather than produce loads of interpretation panels situated on the Path these gates get across an interpretation message and yet provide a beauty and function. The theme of the Highland Galley is illustrated through the shape of the gates and the subjects within the gates are derived from school workshops done with Scottish Poet Norman Bissell.
Immortalised in Stone
Poetry written in stone alongside the Sustrans Path between Oban and Fort William.
So at last we have the first project on the ground for the Caledonia Way. At Kentallen Norman Bissell’s poem “A Mooring” has been carved into stone along the shoreline. David Campbell Stonemason worked all last week to get the stones all done before the really bad weather sets in.
The poem goes like this:
ON ROCK
Air clach
LICHEN CIRCLES
Cearcall Crotal
THRIFT QUIVERS
Neòinean-cladaich air chrith
BIRCH GROWS
Beithe a’ fàs
WATERS RUSH
Uisge a’ ruith
A MOORING
air acair
And here is the proof:
