Dheigheamaid dhan àirigh gach samhradh nuair a bha mi beag. Dh’fhàs sinn fior eòlach air a’ mhòintich gu furasta agus gu h‑aoibhneach. Tha làraichean nan àirighean air an robh mise eòlach fhathast ann gu h‑ìre choireigin, gu slaodach ri an cnàmhadh leis a’ mhòintich. ’S e turas trom drùidhteach dol air ais thuca an‑diugh, tha a h‑uile càil so‑bheanailteach ach fhathast dìreach a‑mach à ruigsinn. ’S e cuimhneachan pearsanta a th’ anns Na h‑Àirighean, dha na h‑àiteachan agus dha na daoine air an robh mi dlùth‑chàirdeil aig àm a tha an‑diugh a’ faireachdainn mar linn eile dhomhsa.

Every summer of my childhood was spent out at the àirigh (sheiling). To grow up there was to know the moor joyously and effortlessly. The remains of all the àirighean I knew are still there to varying degrees, slowly being absorbed by the moor. Going there now is an emotional experience; everything is tangible and yet out of reach. Na h-Àirighean is a personal memorial to people and places I knew intimately in what now seems like another age.

The exhibition is showing at Timespan Gallery, Helmsdale, Sutherland until 20th September ... LINKS