Legends converge at new art exhibition in Halkirk

Nearly 100 people attended the opening of a new exhibition at the Ross Institute in Halkirk on Monday evening.

Amongst those present were a number of local legends, as arts co-ordinator and organiser of the show, Cally Maxwell explained in her opening speech. "The exhibition 'Legends of Caithness' aims to bring together folklore, myths, and old and new legends of the area,” she said.

Members of the community were asked to nominate legends and the full list with descriptions provided are as follows:

• Ian Pearson – Art mentor, glass maverick and unmissable company.
• Davey Nicholson – Man of Whaligoe Steps. Watch out for his bicycle.
• Alex Paterson – Sign painter seen up ladders at the harbour even now.
• Peter Stewart – Karaoke king of rock and roll.
• Willie Mackay – Master of many trades, ex–councillor, cutlery percussionist.
• Willie Watt – Community worker who worked on the stunning Seafarers Memorial in Wick.
• John Bogle – Coordinator of the setup of the Seafarers Memorial in Wick.
• Allan Bruce – Community councillor and Wick Gala expert.
• Suleiman Mahouli – Well-known football referee and community mentor.
• Holly Robertson – Tattoo artist known throughout the county for intricate black and white work.
• Sophie Dunnett – Running mentor and athlete.
• Alison Smith – Heritage preservation especially the Old Kirk in Thurso.

Seven artists are displaying work, the majority of which are for sale. The artists include Hannah Cambridge, Lindsey Gallacher, Penny Irvine, Eleanor Lee, Dawn Mackay, Jackie Newton, Ian Pearson, and Katie Squires. Of particular note was Lindsey’s interpretation of Thurso character Dowpy Dan, created on custom-built scratchboard, which drew much admiration from visitors.

Many of the local legends attending saw their own portraits captured by four local photographers who are Katie Budge, Alistair McKechnie, Gavin MacQueen, and Paul Steven.

Complimenting the visual aspects of the exhibition is a series of storytelling sessions which build upon the desire to communicate to all age groups tales about legends in the county.

As Cally explained: “Caithness Broch Project have a stunning adventure map, which was designed by Chris Birse. Chris worked with local company Caithness Creative Design which made an interactive map that details legends both modern and in folklore."

More details on the exhibition and the organisation behind the show can be viewed on the website at sidhchailleannart.com/legends-of-caithness/

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.