The Caledonia Way
This is part of the Path (Route 78) between Campbeltown and Inverness in Argyll.
Working on the next phase of interpretation for the Caledonia Way in Argyll. The works so far include: The Sheep Fenke at Appin which has been completed as part of the partnership between Sustrans and Scottish Natural Heritage. Differentia Design came up with the concept of creating a natural and traditional structure that would be functional and beautiful. So, we used a common place artifact and turned its use to people rather than sheep. It was important that the local connection was explored and the words carved on the slate discs inside the shelter were selected from poems written by the children of Strath of Appin Primary School as a result of two poetry and design workshops held there this year which were led by Isle of Luing poet Norman Bissell.
The Sheep Fenke itself was built by David Campbell Stonemason. Davie was key to the success of the Fenke as he was born and bred in Ballachulish and has family ties in Appin. So to say it was a labour of love for Davie would be an understatment. Davie took great pride in sourcing all the material locally.
The access controls and gates along the path are the main and most visible element of interpretation. These gates are a work of art – thanks to Chris Brammall. Here are a few pics and more will be added later – the way Chris is able to work with steel is fantastic – he says it is just like putty when you get it hot enough.
These gates are of course functional but rather than produce loads of interpretation panels situated on the Path these gates get across an interpretation message and yet provide a beauty and function. The theme of the Highland Galley is illustrated through the shape of the gates and the subjects within the gates are derived from school workshops done with Scottish Poet Norman Bissell.
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