Hielan’ Ways

[T]he plight of a people who have forgotten their myths, and imagine that somehow, now is all there is…
Kate Tempest, Brand New Ancients

Deveron Projects invited walking artist Simone Kenyon, internationally renowned fiddler Paul Anderson, Glenbuchat based artist Gill Russell, poet/artist Alec Finlay and visual artist Tim Knowles to respond to the Hielan' Ways in the North East of Scotland.

The Hielan' Ways was once the local name for the routes that connected the market town of Huntly over the Clashmach to remoter districts in the hill country to the west. A network of ancient lifelines; it was a vital link for those who lived along its way, enabling the flow of people, goods and livestock along the tracks between the "Capital of Strathbogie" and communities in the Upper Deveron, the glens of Strathdon, the tributaries of the Spey and beyond. Its distances were covered at walking pace; an area now largely empty of any human dwelling or activity, its heritage and significance is in danger of being condemned to history. We asked the artists, "how can we re-engage with this place?"

Simone Kenyon
Alec Finlay
Paul Anderson
Gill Russell
Tim Knowles