Residents around Loch Bay Invited to Share Stories of the Sea
Residents, former residents and those with strong connections to the Waternish area are being invited to take part in a community gathering to share local knowledge, memories, stories and photographs of Waternish’s marine heritage, and how its changed over the years.
Gordon and Aileen at Divers Eye Boat Trips in collaboration with Waternish wildlife Alliance is facilitating Chloe Mackley, a master's student from the University of Edinburgh, in her research project, which aligns well with historical data gathering we are gathering to build a story of Waternish’ changing coastal environment.
Chloe will be visiting Waternish from 17th–23rd June as part of research looking at how local knowledge of the marine environment is recognised in decisions about Scotland's seas.
She is interested in hearing about the knowledge, memories and traditions connected to Waternish, Loch Bay and the surrounding coast. This might include fishing as part of crofting or as a main livelihood, summer evenings spent fishing and what was caught, gathering shellfish, winkles or seaweed for food, collecting bird eggs for baking, watching wildlife along the shore, and the ways people used and travelled around the sea.
She is also keen to hear stories and tales passed down through generations, local place names and the stories behind them, songs connected to the sea, memories of fish traps and traditional practices, and observations of how the area has changed over time. Have you noticed changes in the weather, wildlife, fish stocks, seabirds, the shape of the coastline or the way the sea is used? These observations are just as valuable as stories from the past.
A sort talk and community gathering will be held on Thursday 18th June at 5pm in Waternish Village Hall. The event will begin with a short introduction to the project, followed by an informal opportunity to share memories, stories, photographs and experiences of Waternish's marine heritage and how this translates to the present day.
Residents are encouraged to bring along old photographs, maps or other items they would be happy to talk about. Refreshments will be provided. Everyone is very welcome.
Anyone interested in finding out more, attending the event, or taking part in an interview can contact Chloe at
C.E.Mackley@sms.ed.ac.uk or on
07808 881975.
