The aim of the trip was to give me a little time to focus on my own work, as I find I could easily spend all day everyday working on the youth arts programme, for as much as I am committed to the kids and the work I do with them, OURS was only half the deal.
Of all the Western Isles, Harris stood out for me as being the most beautiful and I will definitely return there. Although Lewis and Harris are part of the same island, there is quite a clear transition between the two. The moment you enter into Harris, the ground rises up around you and the lunar landscape of North Assynt is revealed but on a far grander scale.
Whilst walking along one of Harris’s silver beaches, I met Smiler from Skerray on the North Coast – small world!
I could waffle on for ages about my trip but I’ll cut to the point:
Coracles – I knew I would recognise my project when I saw it. Though the dynamo investigations were enjoyable and are still ongoing, everything about the coracle appeals to me. What has this to do with the Westyern Isles? Well, in Taigh Chearsabhagh they have at present an exhibition of scale replica boats found through the ages in the islands.
These boats were also used on the East coast of the Highlands, the oldest example of which, can be found in Elgin Museum.
My mind has wandered recently back to the Island Roan project and my time on the North coast. It was about this time two years ago that I first arrived there. Sometimes I deceive myself about what can be done in small time scales but when I think of Skerray, the row project, from initial idea to finished work was perhaps only 6 weeks. My desire to be outdoors again is strong and I can think of few other times when I was happier than I was splashing about on Modsary lochen.
What appeals to me about the Coracle:
For me it encapsulates both ancient ingenuity and modern day ideas of sustainability whilst being all caught up in my mental images of nomadism. It is predated only by dugout boats and despite its fragility, is said to have carried Christianity to our shores.
A vessel akin to the coracle is also mentioned in the bible, exodus 2.
They are still made and used in Wales as well as India, Iraq, Tibet, and Vietnam. This little boat seems to be good enough for all of us, or at least used to be. The easily available, inexpensive and sustainable materials that it is made from make it accessible to all, but above all I am drawn to the coracle because there is probably no other boat that one person can carry so easily on solid ground.
Indian Coracle
Tibetan Coracle
Vietnamese CoracleVietnamese coracles are made from bamboo and palm leaves.
In the recent Typhoon hundreds of Vietnamese fishermen are missing after being caught at sea: many are thought to have been paddling in between larger vessels in coracles such as this.
An amphibian that requires only the energy of the bearer to transport it on solid ground and propel it through water.
After doing only a little research, I have found extensive material on this vessel and am excited as to the possibilities that lie within this floating acorn.
''Coracles were used in ancient times as light seaworthy crafts for transportation or fishing. Coracles have no keel and are able to ride the ocean waves or skim up shallow rivers. Either round or oval in shape, the versatile coracle could be used on ocean, lake or river. They also can be found in many sizes, from a one-person craft to a larger, light boat. They are adaptable and versatile, their incredible manoeuvrability contributing to their lasting use.
Coracles in ancient times were often small, round skiffs that could be carried on the individual's back when on dry land. On land they offered shelter for the person carrying the coracle, similar to the protection afforded a turtle by its shell. Coracles were used for fishing, general travel, and exploration. They are an example of one of the oldest types of boat in the world, often used by monks to travel from island to island.'' Coracle Press
National Coracle centre
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