30 Comments
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Stephen Penman's avatar

A fascinating piece, informative on a subject about which I knew little and very personal at the same time. Beautifully written and very evocative of a part of Scotland I've had the fortune to spend some time in; there's a ruggedness to that coast, a kind of stern beauty very different to the west. Thanks Kenny, a great read.

Kenny Farquharson's avatar

I like ”stern beauty”. In fact I think I may have known a few in my time.

Steve's avatar

I read this excellent essay sitting on a train listening to Rautavaara's third symphony. Its evocation of birdsong, its dissonances and its powerful, sometimes bleak, imagery were the perfect match for Eardley's story. Thank you, Mr Farquharson.

Kenny Farquharson's avatar

I should get you to recommend soundtracks for future pieces, Steve.

Steve's avatar

Concerto for tuba and cement mixer. X

Ron's avatar

Aye Kenny, you knocked that one in.

Kenny Farquharson's avatar

A poacher’s goal, natch.

GB's avatar

Humdinger of an inaugural article.

GB's avatar

Humdinger of an inaugural article.

Martin Bell's avatar

Kenny, this is beautiful. Your new venture is off to a great start!

Kenny Farquharson's avatar

That is very kind of you to say

Elga Graves's avatar

What a thoroughly enjoyable ess

Elga Graves's avatar

…ay.Thank you.I imagined her paintings of children to be like masks in a Greek tragedy.Not like real children evoking “tenderness”.

Kenny Farquharson's avatar

Interesting. I’ve never thought about them that way but I can see what you mean.

jane hamilton's avatar

Beautifully written piece - I have been meaning to go to Catterline for years and now I know why.

Felicity Martin's avatar

What a lovely essay. It transported me.

Kenny Farquharson's avatar

Thank you, Felicity, that is very kind of you to say.

Lynn Fraser's avatar

Wow, I learned so much in what is a lyrically written essay. Loved your moody monochrome images too.

Kenny Farquharson's avatar

Moody is what I do! Thanks Lynn.

Ken Morrison's avatar

Thanks for this Kenny. I spend summers in Stonehaven and Johnshaven in the 50’s and didn’t visit Catterline till the 80’s, after experiencing Eardley. It felt like a pilgrimage, without the full Catholic/Graham Green you lurch into at the end. You are forgiven !

Kenny Farquharson's avatar

Ha! Guilty! It's a reflex, I think. Greene is one of my heroes and I channel him a little too much.

Jake Fry's avatar

Thank you for reposting this one - I am already looking forward to reading it again.

Jake

Margaret Purves's avatar

What a truly beautiful and moving piece! I am sure I will return to it many times. Thank you.

Kenny Farquharson's avatar

Thank you, Margaret!