SAND, SILT, FLINT - AUCHINDOUN

A new sound installation by artist Januario Jano is situated across seven sites in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. The public artwork, developed whilst on residency at Deveron Projects, traces (and imagines) the journey of migratory birds, primarily passing through Angola, reaching the north of Scotland. The project began with a focus on Huntly’s infamous swift population and has evolved to include seven migratory birds. Through archive and newly recorded sounds of Common Swifts, Spotted Flycatchers, Red Knots, Common Starlings, Sedge Warblers, Common Terns and House Martins, Januario has composed a complex soundscape that reflects on migration and assimilation of human and non-humans. Moving above geographic borders, a process of assimilation for birds is distinctive from people and plants, and politics, but equally requires hospitality for survival. Habitual in their migration, Swifts return to the exact home (nesting in roofs, under tiles, under eaves and within gables) annually. So methodical in their nature that should the home have been removed, the Swifts will continuously knock themselves against the spot that their nest resided that the impact will often kill them. To what end to we, humans, require the kindness and considerations of others to be at home? The soundscape maps a 45-minute circular path and the sites for each track are marked by seven 'non-native' plants, imbedded into Huntly's landscape: Crocosmia, Pampas Grass, Cotoneaster, Peiris Japonica, Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Lavender.

The Moray Way Soundwalk presents liminal moments using stories, memories, and atmospheres. It captures moments while walking that are so fleeting and familiar, that they are often missed. This sound map covers the 100 mile walking route of the Moray Way in Scotland and is a tool for walking and thinking. A walk aims to encourage an awareness of our environment using sound. Yet, it is also about the pleasures of listening to the unique voice of a community that walks. By listening to the soundscapes and audio clips during your walk, the sounds offer an insight into the rhythm, history, ecology, and community of the Moray Way. This sound map was created and produced by Lise Olsen, who became the artist in residence for The Moray Way Association, in July 2021. Her practice involves walking the 100-mile-long circular route, collecting stories from the community, and defining the in-between experiences happening within a dramatic Scottish landscape. Lise questions “Can listening while walking capture the tangential way of thinking that walking provokes?”

THE WELL 0' LEHT - LASS O' THE LECHT - FROM THE ALBUM "SAND, SILT, FLINT" BY FIONA SOE PAING https://FionaSoePaing.bandcamp.com The tragic death of 19 year-old Margaret Cruikshank has been forever immortalized in the ballad of the Lass o’ the Lecht. One day in February 1860 Margaret set out from Auchriachan near Tomintoul with the intension of crossing the Lecht Pass and walking over the Ladder Hills to Corgaff. However, as Margaret discovered to her peril, sudden changes of weather can happen all too often in the Cairngorms and as she was walking a violent blizzard descended over these remote hills. Margaret soon became lost in the snow, and so legend tells us, she decided to follow a stream in the hope it would lead her back to safety. Unfortunately for the poor Lass o’ the Lecht it did the opposite and took her even deeper in to the wintry hills and ultimately to her untimely death. Despite the efforts of a large search party the next day, it wasn’t until three months later in the spring thaw that Luke Grant a local shepherd boy discovered Maragret’s frozen body in Strathdon, on the banks of the river Earnan. The Lass o’ the Lecht was laid to rest in the churchyard in Corgaff and the ballad, as well as telling her story, warns us all to take care in the hills ‘lest unprepared we’re called away, to meet our doom some morning.’ The Lecht Walk An easy flat walk from the Well of Lecht, located just off the A939 north of The Lecht Ski Centre, to the Mine of Lecht leads along the edge of a stream that could been the one Margaret Cruikshank followed to her peril. The walk starts at a small car park and picnic area at the Well of Lecht and follows a short public pathway to a disused mine building about a mile away, which can be seen from the start of the walk. The pathway is lined with juniper bushes and runs along level ground and over a small bridge across the stream. Look out for grouse, merlin and golden eagles as well as roe deer and mountain hares along the way. Not long past the bridge there’s a signpost for a public pathway over the hill to Chapeltown. Ignore this and carry straight on to the mine building. The Lecht Mine produced iron ore in the 1730s and manganese, used for making bleach, in the 1840s. The mine shafts pushed deep underground in the hills just past this building which was used a crushing mill, powered by a large waterwheel now long gone. Studies of the surrounding area have also revealed the remains of medieval shieling huts which would have been used by farmers whose once cattle grazed here in the summer long before the mine shafts were dug. The stream leads on past the abandoned mine deep into the hills and moorlands beyond and it’s not hard to imagine the Lass o’ the Lecht getting lost within the landscape as blizzard closed in. Before heading home take time to drop into Corgarff Castle close to the churchyard where Margaret Cruikshank is buried and whose history is linked with Auchindoun Castle which features in another walk. This fortress like white castle stands aloft in spectacular landscape at the foot of The Lecht at Cockbridge. It’s reached via a short walk from a dedicated car park and has served as both a fortified home and army barracks. Take time to walk the circle of Corgarff’s star shaped perimeter wall to take in 360 views of the wild landscape dotted with hardy sheep and filled with the distinct peewit call of lapwings piercing through the sounds of the wind. A final stop has to be The Watchers, situated high in the hills north of Corgarff Castle. Swing into a large signposted layby off the A939 to this natural viewpoint marked with a large modern standing stone whose engraved text encourages us to ‘take a moment to behold, as still skies or storms unfold’. These moments can be behold from The Watchers, four sheltered seats made from Scottish Larch which sit within steel sculptures standing over two meters tall. The Watchers are perfect for anyone who can’t or doesn't want to walk, to take in the sweeping landscape where the Lass o’ the Lecht met her untimely end. Practical Information The Lecht is a famous pass located in the eastern Cairngorms, Scotland’s largest National Park. The road itself is a stretch of the A939 leading from Strathdon in the south to Tomintoul in the north which at this point is one of the highest main roads in Scotland. The pass leads through a stark, dramatic landscape whose rolling baren hills are unforgiving in winter. Be warned, the road over The Lecht is very steep – 20% in places- and in winter the road often closes if the snow is heavy. The Lecht Ski Centre sits about half-way along the Pass roughly at the county line between Aberdeenshire and Moray and at a height of 645 meters above sea level. The car park for the Well of Lecht, and start of the walk, is reached via a sharp turning right north of the Ski Centre along a narrow potholed road. The car park for Corgarff Castle located just off the A939 at Cockbridge. The castle is managed by Historic Scotland and you walk up to and around it at anytime. If you’d like to explore inside Corgarff is open from April to September from 9.30am – 17.30pm (closed for lunch from 12.30pm – 1.30pm). For more information see: https://www .historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/corgarff-castle/overview/ and for access information see: https://www .historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/corgarff-castle/access/ There are no public facilities at the Well of Lecht, Corgarff Castle or The Watchers. A popular place for refreshments is Goodbrand and Ross, a café, ice cream parlour and gift shop off the A939 east of Corgarff. This chalet style building boasts wide views of the surrounding hills and outdoor picnic tables. Text for the Soundwalk researched and written by Lesley-Anne Rose at https://OpenRoadLtd.co.uk , with many thanks. Image with thanks to Isla Goldie Photography

Forest VIDEOLAB 25 JUNE 2022 23:00 - 01:00 Soundscape by Swayzak Solo Project - Spatial Environments Location : Tomintoul woodland - opposite WigWam site

Enjoy a freeform audio tour around the lovely town of Lossie and learn about its fascinating history, told by authentic local voices and expertise!

HOSIE'S WELL - THE BALLAD OF JOHN HOSIE - FROM "SAND, SILT, FLINT" BY FIONA SOE PAING https://FionaSoePaing.bandcamp.com The tragic tale of John Hosie and his sweetheart, and bride to be, Jean is embedded in the landscape and folklore of Bennachie. On July 24, 1411 the Battle of Harlaw, nick named “Reid Harlaw” in recognition of its ferocity and sheer amount of bloodshed, was fought at the foot of Bennachie. The battle brought together two Highland forces, one led by the local Earl of Mar who was loyal to Scottish King David the second, and the other by Donald, Lord of the Isles. The conflict was sparked by their competing claims to the Earldon of Ross, a huge region of northern Scotland leading from Skye to Ross and into Inverness. King David confirmed the land belonged to the Earl of Mar, but Donald disagreed and invaded. Both sides suffered heavy losses during the day long battle aimed at settling the conflict, but after no conclusive victory on either side, Donald and what remained of his troops, withdrew back to the Isles in the night. John Hosie fought on the side of the Earl of Mar, but the battle fell on the day before he was due to marry his beloved Jean. John survived the bloodshed, but was taken prisoner by Donald’s retreating forces and marched back to the Isles with them, leaving behind the broken hearted Jean. Folklore tells us that it was years before John escaped the Isles and hot foot it back to Aberdeenshire and Bennachie where he pledged his heart to Jean. However, believing John to be dead, Jean is now engaged to another man. The story passed down tells us that the day John returned to Bennachie, Jean and her new fiancé happened to be out walking on the hill. With echoes of Romeo and Juliet, Jean is so shocked and distraught at the sight of the long lost John she drops dead on the spot. Overcome with grief John dies too and is soon buried on the spot where he fell. Legend tells us his tears flowed up from the earth to create Hosie’s well, and still make up its waters to this day. Bennachie Walk The craggy granite peak of the Mither Tap dominates views of Aberdeenshire and is one of nine summits spread out across the ancient landscape of Bennachie. A popular walk with locals and visitors alike, this former hilltop Pictish fort is riddled with walking trails and folklore, and rewards anyone who ventures up its rocky slopes with long horizon views of the surrounding countryside and coast. The easiest way to reach Hosie’s Well is to follow the Maiden Causeway trail, which leads from the Rowan Tree Car Park to the north of Bennachie, to the summit of the Mither Tap, scooting past the well on the way. The trail kicks off to a steep, narrow start as it leads upwards from the car park quicky into woodland of Scots Pine and Sitka Spruce. Take time to look out for the red squirrels that call this forest home and to take in the birdsong that accompanies the short, uphill walk through the trees. From here you’ll soon emerge into a heather strewn hillside and unfolding views of the Mither Tap ahead. After about half an hour of steady walking, and a mile from the car park, you’ll reach a level area, dotted with rowan and larch trees, that branches off to the right of the Maiden Causeway. This diversion leads to Hosie’s Well nestled deep within the rocks beneath the grassy ground. The well itself isn't big, but is a good place to pause, unpack a picnic and take in the silence of the hillside. Also take time to read the information board detailing the story of the blood-stained Battle of Harlow and the tragic Hosie, whose heartbroken tears are said to feed the well’s clear waters. If you’ve the time and energy, and the weather is on your side, continue up the Maiden Causeway to the Mither Tap summit. The Causeway itself is the stuff of legend and named after a feisty local girl who made a deal with the devil, betting she could bake a batch of oatcakes in less time than it would take him to build a pathway up Bennachie. The views from the top of the Mither Tap are equally legendary and well worth the scramble to the top to take in. Practical Information Bennachie is managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (https://forestryandland.gov.scot) It is accessible all year round. There is no charge to part at Rowan Tree car park, but do park in the designated area and be careful not to block gateways. To reach the car park follow the A96 north from Inverurie for about eight miles. Turn left onto a minor road signposted to ‘Maiden Stone’, just before the turning to Oyne. After about 1⁄2 mile, take a right turn signposted ‘Rowantree Forest Walks’. The car park is about 1⁄2 mile along this road, at grid reference NJ 692 244. The nearest post code is: AB51 5HZ. This is a popular walk and the car park gets busy at weekends and holidays. If you are travelling by public transport the nearest drop off point is Pitcaple villiage which is about two miles from the car park on the A96 and served by buses between Huntly and Aberdeen. For more information see Traveline Scotland. (https://travelinescotland.com) The best option to eating is to bring a picnic and picnic tables with a view are perched on a grassy bank above the car park. These are not accessible for wheelchair users, but the on site toilets, which are open Easter to September, are. Good walking shoes or boots are recommended as some parts of the trail are narrow steep and rocky. The ground can also get muddy after rain and icy in the winter. Text for the Soundwalk researched and written by Lesley Anne Rose at https://OpenRoadLtd.co.uk , with many thanks.

Originally mapped to East Beach on the Isle of Berneray, Tidelines draws upon the coastal landscape of the Western Isles, featuring poems written and narrated by writers on Uist, with music and soundscapes composed by Taigh Chersabhagh Museum & Arts Centre Musician in Residence, Duncan MacLeod. Credits Poets: Liz French, Barbara Hunter, Thelma Marl, Kirsty O'Connor, Loriana Pauli, and Pauline Prior-Pitt. Narration: Calum Ferguson, Liz French, Barbara Hunter, Ciorstaidh Monk, Kirsty O'Connor, Loriana Pauli, and Pauline Prior-Pitt. Music and soundscape compositions: Duncan MacLeod

Commissioned by Findhorn Bay Arts as part of Dandelion Scotland Unexpected Gardens Project. Music by Dopey Monkey (Danielle Price and Martin Lee Thomson) Mix and Master by Sonny Johns With thanks to Moray Rotary Club, Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches and the Elphinstone Institute. The Unexpected Gardens Project is by Dandelion Scotland, commissioned by Events Scotland as part of UNBOXED creativity in the UK.

FORGLEN ESTATE - FORGLEN'S PLANTINS - FROM THE ALBUM "SAND, SILT, FLINT" BY FIONA SOE PAING https://FionaSoePaing.bandcamp.com The old North East ballad linked with Forglen Estate is known as Forglen’s Plantins or Forglen’s Wood – the word ‘plantins’ is Scots for a small wood. Through its lyrical versus an unknown writer weaves a picture of rural idyll as the backdrop for a tale rich with young love, the heartbreak of separation and the uncertainty of if a lover will remain faithful. While taking in the ‘fresh and fair’ air of the plantins one morning the writer is enjoying the beauty of the woods and lark songs when he comes across two young lovers locked in an embrace by the foot of a tree. The writer’s soft footsteps do not disturb the lovers and as he approaches he overhears the young man confessing to his love that, although he dearly wants to stay, he has no choice but to go away. As he breaks his sad new to his ‘dearest’ he showers her with romantic praise claiming she is ‘sweeter to me than the honey to the bee’ and that her cheeks are like roses and her skin as soft as silk. Despite his professed love, the young man isn't convinced she will stay faithful during his absence. He predicates sleepless nights thinking about her while he is away, but proceeds to compare her love for him to the moon which ‘wanders up and down.’ The ballad concludes with the young man’s assurances that his love for her is much more like the constant sun as he promises to remain true to her while he’s away. Unfortunately, we don't know her reply to both her lover’s praise and accusations, or if the writer was discovered eavesdropping on their conversation. However, we do know that the ballad and the young lovers it depicts have also been ascribed to other places in the North East such as Strichen, twenty miles east of Forglen. Forglen Estate Walk Forglen Estate is one the North East’s best kept secrets and it’s not hard to imagine the ballad’s unknown writer drawing inspiration for his tale of young love from its rural setting and aura of romance. Once you pass through the estate gates it takes no time at all to get lost in the peace of the pathways and trails which gently weave through acres of woodland and alongside the banks of the River Deveron. Originally Forglen belonged to the Ogilvy family through their claim on the Scottish peerage title of Lord Banff. However, following the death of the unmarried William Ogily the 8th Lord Banff in 1803, ownership passed to the Abercromby family through the marriage of the late Lord’s sister. They in turn sold up in the mid 1970s. Today Forglen remains privately owned and a working estate, growing barley for the region’s whiskey industry. Deer, Highland cattle and native birds of prey such as sparrow hawks and buzzards also all call the estate home and could well be spotted during a walk. However, one of the highlights of a visit is the magnificent Forglen House which sits about a mile from the entrance to the estate. Although only built in the early nineteenth century, the house stands on the footprint of a much older building and contains some of the features salvaged from its processor including a stone triple coat of arms which sits on one of its towers. Gothic in feel and style, the mansion was designed by Scottish architect John Smith who is also responsible for much of the architecture of Aberdeen. Although not open to the public, it’s well worth the walk to see it and take in the stunning river views that stretch out in front of the mansion’s wide lawns. Also take time to explore Forglen’s magical, glen garden which is landscaped around a small stream and reached through a gate close to the house. The looped walk through the garden’s rambling peace is about a mile long and features an old stone bridge and wooden benches tucked under the trees, which are perfect to enjoy the sounds of the stream and complete silence beneath it. The trail around the garden can be very slippery in wet weather. Other estate highlights include a Gothic mausoleum built in the mid 19th century. Ultimately, one visit to the estate isn’t enough and once you’ve discovered it’s beauty, like the young lover in the ballad of Forglen’s Plantins, you’ll be sad to leave and look forward to returning. Practical Information Forglen Estate, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 4JP Forglen Estate is located a couple of mile north west of Turriff. Follow the B9025 as it leads north and then west from the centre of Turriff until you come to the gates of the estate on the right hand side of the road. There is a small road and layby in front of the gates where cars can park. From here pass by the gate house and into the estate. It’s then a straight walk along the track through the woodland to Forglen House. You can either return the way you came or take a circular walk of around three miles around the estate which leads back to the layby by a track which emerges just past it. There is a selection of self-catering holiday cottages as part of the estate which can be booked at https://forglen.scot There are no amenities for visitors at the estate. Shops, cafes and public toilets can all be found at Turriff. Text for the Soundwalk researched and written by Lesley-Anne Rose at https://OpenRoadLtd.co.uk , with many thanks. Image with thanks to Isla Goldie Photography