The promise of all that sea...

“Sanday - The promise of all that sea, but anchored in the knowledge of a return home”

A view of these islands in the north with shape and colour communicating the geological make up of the landscape. Colours observed and taken directly from this place, the blues in the sea and sky, white gold sweeps of the sand and lush greens of the fields and machair. 

The island provides the anchor with equal prominence give to the vast seas stretching from the shore. Stepping further into the water stitched contours of the sea bed are revealed and strong strands of wool, anchored at Scar beach, reach out to the possibilities it holds.  

Commissioned textile work. Referencing nautical charts, geological maps, the client’s own expeditions and the colours discovered on location.

Sketchbook on Sanday, Orkney

Isle of Raasay Distillery

Textile art commission for the VIP Lounge in Isle of Raasay Distillery. The first legal distillery on the island of Raasay.

Photograph courtesy of Anne Hunter Interiors.

When I began my research for this work it soon became clear that this was a very special project. Spirit had been distilled here illicitly for generations, but this would be the first legal distillery on the island. 

The Hebridean isle of Raasay lies off the east coast of Skye. Just 14 miles long and 3 miles wide (at its widest point), this is a small island with a tremendously rich history.

The topography and geology is unrivalled in its beauty, character and complexity. A landscape formed by ancient Lewisian Gneiss to the north with Torridonian Sandstone, igneous lavas and granite to the south.

A once thriving crofting community of around 900, sadly a victim of the Highland clearances, the population of Raasay now stands at 161 (according to the last census). A history best captured perhaps by one of the most significant Scottish poets of the 20th century, Raasay born Sorley MacLean in his poem Hallaig. You can hear Sorley read his poem here in the song of the same name, by the incredible and deeply missed young Scottish musician Martyn Bennett. 

The story behind the new distillery is inspiring, deeply rooted in the place, the landscape and the community. From the mineral rich water which flows over the volcanic rock, down through the sedimentary to an ancient well on site; the local peat and plans to grow their own barley on the island; the re-use of stone and wood from the site in the building itself, to the employment and involvement of many in the community. 

Of course I had to make the trip to Raasay to explore the landscape and have look around the, almost completed, distillery! We were met by Visitor Experience Manager, singer and writer, Iain Hector Ross on the ferry from Sconser. Iain very generously gave us not only a tour of the distillery but also of the island, telling us lots about the history of the place. 

The key locations explored in the artwork include the area where the distillery is situated, with the 19th century Victorian villa Borodale House at its heart, the Broch at Dun Borodale and the distinctive flat-topped volcanic summit of Dun Caan. 

The colour palette is, as always, directly inspired by the landscape. The many shades of green, brown and rust we experienced during our autumn visit to the 'island of the red deer'. The incredible rich blues and greens in the view from the distillery windows across the sound to the mountains of Skye - quite possibly the best view from any distillery in Scotland. 

Isle of Raasay Distillery is now open to the public for tours and the stunning accommodation available to book, where you'll find my work hanging in the beautiful executive bar & lounge and in one of the luxurious bedrooms.

Thank you to Isle of Raasay Distillery and Anne Hunter Interiors for commissioning me for this project. The building itself is just beautiful, a perfect combination of historical and contemporary architecture, with interiors brought back to life through sympathetic restoration and a modern Scottish vision. The result is a stunning place to visit and spend time in.

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to play a small part in this project and wish the distillery and community all the very best for its success.

Inspired by Islay

Artwork and essay focussing on the geology of the Scottish island of Islay.