Torridon Exhibition (C&D): Thanks, and introductory text
Torridon is a remote, mountainous part of Scotland's western seaboard, on the Mainland roughly opposite the northern half of Skye. The people are based almost entirely by the coast, but the scattered settlements are well linked, physically and by a strong, active community. Making a living here has never been easy: subsistence was prevalent here till relatively recently, and even today many people juggle several jobs. But there is clearly much resilience here, and clearly also a very open and welcoming culture.
This place has a tough history: much of the turbulence and poverty which characterised the Highlands for many centuries was also suffered here, though there was a lighter side. History has to be sought here, like much else. Wildlife, for example, is remarkable, but the more obvious things, particularly animals and birds, are widely spaced and not often seen.
We have made several visits to Torridon over the last 15 years. In the early days we arrived by postbus, later by bicycle, public minibus, or walking across the hill passes, from various points on the nearest railway line. We have no roots or rights in Torridon, but have tried to prepare well, learn what we can about the place and its people between visits, absorb, observe, enjoy, contemplate and marvel. We have got to know some wonderful people, and had some musical involvement there.
We have also seen some unusual things - in all, we have been greatly blessed, and very much hope that something of whatever encouraged various people to persuade us to publicise some of our photos and thoughts will also find favour with you.
With special thanks to:
- Mary and Christopher Jackson,
- Désirée and the late Lyall Gordon.
- Murdoch and Mary MacDonald;
- Jo Harris, Emily, Linda, Debs and all the staff of the Torridon Stores, the late Donnie "London" and Morag;
- Gemma and Kenny Livingstone, of Torridon Seatours;
- The staff of the Torridon House Estate;
- Tom at the Torridon Hotel;
- The late Gill Beamer.
- Philip Spellacy, Gil Richardson, and Jillian Johnson;
- Bryan White, Jonathan Tobutt, Richard Rastall, the Leeds University Liturgical Choir (now the Clothworkers' Consort of Leeds), Tom Coppin and Jessica Clarke;
- Michael Butler, of Cobblecraft, Knaresborough.