Rachel Mimiec, our NSA Artist in Residence, gives us an update on her work from Glen Nevis and Glencoe.

I am back in Ben Nevis and Glencoe for the next few weeks and have been out and about getting a greater sense of the landscape. My studio for this residency is the outdoors and I find with each walk, whether on my own or with somebody else, I am having new thoughts and making new connections.

George Loudon

Last week I  spent a day with George Loudon, a local deer stalker who showed me the Mamore’s and shared his extensive knowledge about the history of the Kinlochleven area and the Kinlochmore Estate. It was really interesting seeing the landscape from George’s perspective. His senses are tuned into detecting the slightest movement, a change in colour, the sound of rutting deer or another stalker’s gun going off in the neighbouring estate.

Deer dung (female and male)

His honed skills coupled with a deep respect for the land, the elements and the wildlife that live there gave me a fascinating insight into his world.

Boat House at Loch Eilde Beag

On the day we saw many deer so camouflaged in the landscape that it took George’s expertise to direct me where to look through the binoculars. We also saw a Peregrine falcon with its prey as it flew over Loch Eilde Mor. I, of course, would not have known that it was a falcon had George not informed me but it makes it to my bird list as a confirmed sighting.