Paul Anderson
Rhynie Woman
Alec Finlay
Gill Russell
Simone Kenyon
Hielan' Ways
2013 – 2014
[T]he plight of a people who have forgotten their myths, and imagine that somehow, now is all there is...
Kate Tempest, Brand New Ancients
Deveron Arts invited walking artist Simone Kenyon, internationally renowned fiddler Paul Anderson, Glenbuchat based artist Gill Russell and poet/artist Alec Finlay, over the year 2013/14 to respond to the Hielan' Ways in the North East of Scotland.
The Hielan' Ways was once the local name for the routes that connected the market town of Huntly over the Clashmach to remoter districts in the hill country to the west. A network of ancient lifelines; it was a vital link for those who lived along its way, enabling the flow of people, goods and livestock along the tracks between the "Capital of Strathbogie" and communities in the Upper Deveron, the glens of Strathdon, the tributaries of the Spey and beyond. Its distances were covered at walking pace; an area now largely empty of any human dwelling or activity, its heritage and significance is in danger of being condemned to history. We asked the artists, how can we re-engage with this place, and what possibilities and potentials lie undiscovered in this remote landscape?
The artists walked through the Hielan' Ways, both physically and conceptually: following old pathways and creating new ones, through the genealogy of place names, exploring individual and collective experiences of the landscape, and composing new sounds from old views
Local historian Ron Brander provided us with the context, local insight and initial research; and assisted with further archival research on the area and its ancient routes, resulting in his collection of essays on the area, Ower the Hills tae Huntly. Ron is a man with a great passion for this landscape, backed up with an incredible knowledge of the area–perhaps unsurpassed by anyone.
Check out the individual artist project pages to find out how each artist tackled the project: Paul Anderson, Alec Finlay, Simone Kenyon and Gill Russell.
The project culminated in the Hielan' Ways symposium, an investigation into the many ways in which we explore the landscape around us.
Our Cultural Health Worker also worked with the Huntly Brownies to explore recreational pursuits practiced on the Hielan' Ways land.
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Projects
Hielan' Ways
Lorg-Coise: Footprint
A book of fourteen thematic maps with texts created by the practice of 'lorg-coise.' A number of walks were conceived by, or developed in collaboration with, Alec Finlay; this book can be read alongside his companion volume, Some Colour Trends.
Some Colour Trends
A genealogy of place-names relating to colour in the Deeside, Donside, Speyide, Strathbogie, and Strath Deveron, with new translations into English. This book can be read alongside Gill Russell's companion volume, Lorg-Coise.
Hielan' Symphony
A symphony inspired by the Hielan' Ways area, its culture, history and landscape. Written by world renowned fiddler and local to the Hielan' Ways area, Paul Anderson. Paul has walked amongst this landscape for most of his life, the symphony attempts to capture his feelings and experiences taken from solitary walks amongst its hills, moors and forests.
Ower the Hills tae Huntly
Extensively researched and written by a man who cares greatly for this landscape, its people and stories: a book on the history of the Hielan' Ways area by local historian Ron Brander. An incredible resource, which captures not just the history of a place but is a rumination on our relationship to a landscape, its history and its future.