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Unique Caithness basket skill revived at workshop near Castletown





THE skill in making a traditional basket, which originated in Caithness, has been revived by a group of enthusiasts at a workshop near Castletown.

The basket, known as a hayve and used by fishermen to carry their bait, is said to have come from Scarfskerry and is quite unique in the UK.

Renowned basket maker, Tim Johnson, spotted the hayve in a display of local memorabilia at The Way It Was Shop in Thurso in 2019.

He suspected it was a very unusual find and spent a few years researching the technique used in its making.

The group who took part in the workshop and made the baskets
The group who took part in the workshop and made the baskets

"Meticulously tracing the pattern into which the soft rush was woven Tim realised that the basket was an example of Neolithic braiding or continuous braiding. Tim maintains that despite searching, this example of the hayve is practically unique in the United Kingdom. Orkney has two examples of the technique but worked in heather rather than rush," said Muriel Murray from the Castlehill Heritage Centre where the workshop was held.

"Having mastered the method himself Tim set about teaching it at no fewer than 10 workshops in Devon, Cheshire, Sussex, Inverness, Belgium, Germany and Spain. His main goal however was to restore the skill to its original source here in Caithness.

"At a recent workshop held in the centre – run by the Castletown Heritage Society – Tim instructed a group of enthusiasts from all over the country in the method. On day one he told them that this was not an easy technique. Over three days of hard work, concentration and nimble fingers, each participant created their own own basket. Now, using their diverse backgrounds it is hoped they will pass on the lost skill to others so that the technique comes home just as Tim Johnson intended.

"He has renewed his appeal to local people to see whether they have or recognise this style of basket weaving. We would be glad to hear from anyone who can help," added Mrs Murray.

Tim Johnson with the hayve basket
Tim Johnson with the hayve basket

Mr Johnson, who comes from Newcastle, compared the hayve basket with others in museums and collections around Europe and feels its weaving technique is special and not what is usually thought of as Scottish or British. It could date back to the 1900s as that was the heyday of basket use.

After graduating from university, Mr Johnson was based near Barcelona in Spain for 26 years. He has also worked in Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight and Australia. He has won awards and lectured as a visiting artist in the UK, Ireland and Denmark as well as in Canada and the USA.


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