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(3 minute read)
Textures of Roshven, A.Durbin 2021
Moidart is a jewel of a place on the West Coast of Scotland. In one wee corner sits my family’s adopted home, where we have been putting our roots down since 2010. On our doorstep, there's a world-class landscape, a beautiful tapestry of rugged mountain, coastal and woodland habitats. The area is rich in biodiversity and complex in geology. An abundance of mosses, ferns and lichens cloak the ancient oak trees. These precious remnants of undisturbed habitat are vital for wildlife including flagship species like otters, eagles, chequered skippers, great northern divers, badgers and pine marten. They share the area with a smattering of humans, whose homes are mostly well hidden behind trees, preserving the atmosphere of wildness and peace.
"Aspen Leaves" photograph (L),"Aspen Sky, Roshven", mixed-media collagraph (R) A.Durbin 2021Artists, naturalists and writers inspired by Moidart have included Liz Lochhead, J.M. Barrie, John Singer Sargent and Mike Tomkies. Glenuig, just down the road, is famous for its traditional music and dances. Lochailort, just up the road, was known for Inverailort Castle, a “Gaelic Camelot” that had been taken over by Special Forces for training during World War 2. In more recent years, the area has been the focus of the "Ardnish" trilogy by author Angus Macdonald. However, the artist most strongly associated with the immediate area is Jemima Blackburn, a talented and distinguished Victorian illustrator, who influenced Beatrix Potter, was described by Ruskin as "the best artist he knew", and whose ornithological observations were cited by Charles Darwin.
Housing opportunities for young families in the local area are sadly rare. We were very lucky to be able to buy a reasonably priced plot and build our house here over a decade ago. Still pinching ourselves, we pause in our work to gaze over the loch, or watch the clouds moving across the mountain. As custodians of our small patch, we have been slowly developing our permaculture-inspired forest garden, with a few beehives and a flock of hens and ducks. The hazel, gean and soft fruit bushes that we planted are now bearing a yield that the wildlife often beat us to. For me, getting outside is essential for health. Gentle daily walks and working in the garden, with calm focus, care and connection with nature, take me well along my “Five Ways to Wellbeing”. The patterns and textures of the landscape are a source of inspiration and materials for my artwork. 
A selection of mixed media works. A.Durbin 2014-2022While relishing the peace and solitude here, we also enjoy welcoming visitors who come to join one of our wilderness skills courses, or stay in our cosy caravan. At the moment we have a young family staying in our hut. It is our pleasure and privilege to host them while they experiment with "tiny house" living, growing food and foraging! They are kindred, creative spirits who share a strong feeling of connection to this place. My hope is that theirs will be the first in a series of self-directed residencies at "Wildwood Arts Retreats" Find out more about my work at www.wildwood-arts.uk and check out the Resting Heart Project a collection of art and writing made by people connected to - and by - this special place. 
The Woodsman's Hut, 2021
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