During a previous SEALL project entitled An Tinne we truly celebrated our people performance and place by documenting some special walks in the area. These six musician-led guided walks to the less-well-known beauty spots of the Islands took place around cleared villages across Skye and Raasay, revealing the history of the clearances and entertaining participants along the way. We think these are worthy of a permanent place on our website so that people can enjoy over and over. Here is an introduction from Skye Gaelic singer and An Tinne project lead Anne Martin that explains the walks. A document containing them all can be found within SEALL stuff view it here.
The idea for the An Tinne walks germinated during lockdown chats with musicians. I have always thought that some members of a concert audience relish the idea of talking with the artists and during intervals and after performances they are often keen to meet the musicians. This might be possible at small intimate gigs, like the many SEALL promote, but often it is not ideal for the musicians themselves who might be concentrating on a performance before a show or are tired and want to get home afterwards.
Over conversations, the idea of walks with musicians developed. Many creative folk have favourite places and locations, and if while exploring them, their stories could be meshed with and added to the An Tinne narrative it would make an event. A walk during which people could enjoy an artist’s special place, meet, and spend time with them, and have the opportunity to share and talk.
I have long believed people think differently outdoors, discussions and craic, conversation, and debate outside can take all sorts of pathways and likely be as varied as the landscapes and people who are participating. Explorations can be both physical and cerebral
On reflection, I think some of the walks were as important and beneficial to the artists as the audiences, allowing them space to research, explore and share places important to them. Who knows what influence these small adventures may have on future creativity and music.
My role on the walks was twofold, firstly, and most importantly to oversee the safety and physical well-being of participants, some walks were well off the beaten track, and involved physical effort. Someone had to carry the first aid kit and a map. Secondly, I was asked to document the walks, both by photography and words.
Anybody walking these routes should follow sensible procedures, be suitably clad and be able to navigate themselves appropriately. Don’t attempt anything beyond your experience and physical capability. Some of the routes might appear straightforward but are still a long way from any assistance in the event of any mishap.
An Tinne was a project led by SEALL and Skye Gaelic singer Anne Martin. It was supported by EventScotland as part of the Year of Stories 2022, Creative Scotland, the British Council and Bord na Gaidhlig.