Painting on the Edge

"A Walk in Dunnet Forest" - watercolour - 16 x 26 cm

Dunnet Forest is one of the few areas of mixed woodland in Caithness. It was originally a commercial conifer plantation, but it was purchased by Scottish Natural Heritage and is now managed as a community woodland. The Dunnet Forest Trust has done a lot of work, clearing areas of fallen trees and replanting with native species. They have also created an extensive network of paths and it's possible to walk quite a long way, and even get a bit lost! With all the open space in the county, it makes a nice change to experience a woodland setting, with all its sounds and smells.

"Rocks and Trees, Dunbeath Strath" - watercolour - 25 x 36 cm

When I made a sketch of this place, high up Dunbeath Strath, my main impression was one of wildness and tranquillity. Admittedly, there were sheep grazing nearby, and there was a man-made fishing pool in the river below, but these didn't impact much on the sense of isolation. Imagine my surprise on my next visit when I found that a large log cabin had been built there. It appears to be a shelter for fishing parties from the estate that owns the land.