Category Archives: John O’Groats Masterplan
Gavin’s Beach Flagstones – First design!
Somehow it looks like a big map of Caithness.
After looking at lots of sand I’ve realised the wind blown ripples of the finer shell-sand of Sannick is the nearest ghost of John o Groats beach.
Dalziel & Scullion Artist Report
The Dalziel & Scullion Concept Artist Report is now available to download from here
Artists Draw Up Creative Approach For John O’Groats
Two Scottish artists, with an impressive award winning portfolio of projects from across the UK, have completed a long term artistic plan as part of the regeneration of John O’Groats.
Funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Dalziel + Scullion consulted with local businesses, artists and the community over four months to develop a concept which is rooted in John O’Groats’ unique identity.
Beach Stones Update!
Productive day in the quarry, all stones ready for lift to Golspie – Gavin
Beach Stones
Caithness artist Gavin Lockhart has been commissioned to undertake the next stage of public art at John O’Groats, with a series of works celebrating the dramatic and changing coastline of Caithness.
Following a public meeting last year on the future artistic shape of John O’Groats, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) sought professional artists to transform the coast around the village.
Titled “Path”, Gavin’s concept is to create permanent artworks along the coastal paths at John O’Groats. These will be designed to create a reminder of the beaches that used to dominate the coast – before much of the sand was removed for the war effort during World War Two. Sand from the once-famous 2.5 mile long beach was used as a soil improver on fields due to its high shell content as part of the “Dig for Victory” campaign.
The artist, who created the popular sail project at the John O’Groats Transform weekend last year, plans to develop a trail of six Caithness stones leading people along the path to view the outstanding coastline across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. Each stone will be carved with images taken from photographs of similar beaches to those originally at John O’Groats and placed to allow use as seating and rest areas.
The work should be in place by summer 2012.
Gavin Lockhart commented: “It’s a shock to realize that this rather distressed scar of a beach was in living memory a beautiful white sandy beach and deserves us to look upon this landscape with a little more consideration of its historical sacrifice”
Nick Scroggie from HIE, said: “When commissioning this work we were looking for something inspiring which strongly reflected the unique nature of Caithness while also having a practical use. Engaging both local people and visitors in the rich natural environment is a key part in transforming John O’Groats into an international destination. Gavin’s beach stones will hopefully inspire people to explore the unique landscape of John O’Groats and beyond.
“John O’Groats is on a major international cycle route and has wildlife and scenery as inspiring as anything found across the world. The Path project aims to encourage visitors and walkers to stay longer and take some time to explore the area.”
HIE has spearheaded the transformation at John O’Groats, working with visitors, businesses and the community to develop the masterplan. The agency is also investing £1.6 million towards a £6 million luxury accommodation project, in a private and public sector collaboration between Natural Retreats, Heritage Great Britain and HIE.
The ‘Paths’ project has a budget of £15,000 – which is to include the materials, creation and installation of the work.
The beach stones are to be sourced from the beautiful Caithness flagstones from a local quarry with local craftsmen and the stone carving undertaken by Sutherland Stonework of Golspie. Talks are underway as to the final locations of each of the stones.
Visual Artists Dalziel & Scullion Return To John O’Groats To Present Their Report On Public Art Opportunities At John O’Groats
Following on from the previous public meeting and discussion on Public Art at John O’Groats in December 2011, Highlands and Islands Enterprise has invited visual artists Dalziel + Scullion back to present their report on the key artistic opportunities and creative approaches they see as playing a part in the redevelopment of John O’Groats.
The event will be held at The Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats on Thursday 23rd February at 7pm. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.
If you are interested in attending or would like further information please contact nick.scroggie@hient.co.uk
See http://www.dalzielscullion.com/media_page/press.html for more information on Dalziel + Scullion.
This project is being part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Highland LEADER 2007-2013 Programme along with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
John O’Groats Public Art – Meeting & Discussion – All Welcome
John O’Groats Public Art – Meeting & Discussion – All Welcome
Wednesday 14th December, 7pm at The Seaview Hotel
Following on from the successful John O’Groats ‘Transform’ weekend last summer, Highlands and Islands Enterprise are hosting a public meeting and discussion with the concept artists Dalziel + Scullion.
Highlands & Islands Enterprise appointed the highly respected artist team Dalziel + Scullion to develop a unique and distinctive approach to the design of public art at John O’Groats. They will draw from the environment, heritage and development plans to date, and work with the design team and community members to develop a creative and highly relevant approach of the highest quality. It is intended that this will lead to further commissions for other artists – for permanent and temporary work.
At the meeting the artists will introduce themselves and their work, and show examples of public art projects which address similar themes: gateways/portals/end-start points for journeys/gathering spaces/relaxing places/ focus points for meeting and social activity.
Matthew Dalziel says: “We are very interested in how artworks and art concepts can help regenerate and revitalise areas aiding the development of sustainable local communities, as well as nurturing relationships with the land and wider ecology. We look at the resources places have at their disposal, which could be physical attributes like mountains or beaches, or less tangible features like customs and ideas and use these to create artworks or objects that encapsulate iconic images that can play a substantial role in supporting a place as a location or destination.”
Their studio creates artworks in photography, video, sound and sculpture that explore new artistic languages surrounding the subject of ecology. Dalziel + Scullion regularly collaborate with: musicians, naturalists, philosophers and scientists to make artworks that visualise aspects of our shared environment from alternative perspectives. They have produced a significant portfolio of international and UK based commissions; including permanent works such as at SNH HQ, Inverness, and a new film work currently under development in Sutherland.
See http://www.dalzielscullion.com/media_page/press.html for more information.
If you are interested in attending or would like further information please contact nick.scroggie@hient.co.uk
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http://www.facebook.com/JohnOGroatsTransformation
This project is being part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Highland LEADER 2007-2013 Programme along with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Exciting Dream Boat News!
Well Hello there JogBoaters –
The John O’ Groats Harbour Day is coming up this Sunday and here’s the next Dream Boat installment….
This one makes me really happy..
Hopefully see you on Sunday
Alexx
Continue reading
Dream Boat News – July 19th 2011
Hello there Dream Boaters,
Well a nice wee article in the paper this week but here comes some great and some not so great news from the sea…
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1st Boat Update, from Alex Patience
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I have basically asked everyone below if the boats are sea worthy to photograph them and send the photos to me, and then send the wee boaties on there way… repairs are needed for one which has been de-masted at Brough but an easy fix.
Boat 37
Hi
I didnt realize the tall ships were so small that are coming to Orkney and was expecting them to come from farther afield than Scarfskerry Found your boat this morning sailing round the Tail of Brims on Hoy . Its quite a smart little ship and was sailing well . Have got it in my garage now . What would you like me to do with your boat . Can send it of to sea again with the ebb tide and se wind to set it off into the Atlantic. I live on the top of longhope and probably can see you from here . Kenny
Hi. Didnt think it had came far as it was in perfect condition. Its very well made and was sailing well . I will send it on its way off Torness tommorow morning with the ebb tide . It is boat number 37 . Hope you hear from it again . Kenny .
( Kenny attached photos, one above – Sally & David Body heading off from Orkney next)
Boat 15
Hi
While on Reiss beach this morning walking our dog we found a small wooden boat no.15 lying in the sand, with the name Kiera on one of the sails. Do you want it returned to you?
re: Boat 15
Hi AlexThe boat seems to be in good condition, I will put it to sea on the an appropriate tide and send you photos when I have re-started its journey. It would be great to be added to the list to receive updates.ThanksAlison
Boat 47
Well hello there!Found No 47 struggling with a damaged sail so I decided to rescue it in my kayak at Brough.(Perhaps this is why it’s not sailed too far)
I live in Thurso and currently have No 47 here waiting for instruction.I can repair the sail and release it back at Brough, let it go here in Thurso or bring it back to the owner for a bit of TLC.Best regardsChris
Boat 25
Not very far away at Freswick beach. Its number 25. Its all still in one piece if a little rusty!Will you be publishing a list of where boats are found?
Sarah
DUFI Toys To Download And Build
Click on the links below the picture to download, print and build your ‘Transform Toys’
Click on the links below to download the full set,
Have fun, we’d love to see pictures of your creations!
1st Boat Update, from Alex Patience
Thanks for the boat update!
All About This Weekend!
Dear Sir / Madam, In my opinion this is the biggest waste of public