Cuillin Mountains from Tokavaig, Isle of Skye
I had an amazing week, on a fiddle camp with master fiddler Alasdair Fraser, hosted at the gaelic college on Skye (Alasdair Fraser week at Sabhal Mor Ostaig). Not only was the tuition amazing, but to have 9 days of such continuous sunshine on Skye is almost unheard of – we were truly blessed. I don’t think they have seen such summer weather in the 25 years the fiddle camp has been running. Even better – a strong breeze kept the wee biting midges away.
There wasn’t much time after classes for sightseeing (or photography), but here is the view from the beach at Tokavaig, across to the Cuillin Mountains. Tokavaig is reached by 8 miles of single-track road, complete with multiple blind summits, abrupt blind bends, sheep, and severe drop-offs into water if one misses the blind bends…
It was quite stunning to see Skye and the West coast mountains in such conditions, and to really take home what an amazingly beautiful country we live in. Its good to appreciate our home turf!
The main thing I noticed during the fiddle week was how the language that people are using has shifted. There is no doubt that things are moving – people were not using this language in general society a few years ago. Although the week was obviously about the music, the emphasis was on being yourself, freedom of expression in whatever way you wanted, playing from the heart. Personal self expression creating self-confidence, leading to a vibrant culture that is itself self-confident. The language was all about resonance, frequency, the heart. Spirit wasn’t specifically mentioned, but the place was full of it.
I find that inspirational, and hopeful.
How interesting abou the language changing. I am noticing changes here in Vancouver as well. It’s as if there has been a jump and people are able to ‘speak’ in ways that were unheard of 20 years ago. Like you, I find it incredibly encouraging. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Lucca