Eighteen different community groups from across the Black Isle, Ross-shire took part in this project in 2013, each taking a letter from the Celtic tree alphabet and creating a design inspired by that tree, its associated folklore, flora and fauna.
Research soon revealed that there are many different variations on the Celtic tree alphabet. For this project they tried to use the most commonly found versions and spellings. Each group worked with local artist Sally Purdy to produce a design to which everyone contributed, followed by a series of workshops to make the individual mosaics.
To stimulate ideas during the design stage, inspiration from the natural world outdoors, and images and books were introduced including the work of George Bain. Many of the participants also ventured out to identify specimens of ‘their tree’ in their communities.
They were particularly keen to involve young people and older adults and succeeded by working closely with the Area Youth officer, local care home and Friendship Groups. Also involved were local primary and secondary schools, Brownies and special interest groups. Once complete, each one of the twenty mosaic panels was sited within the community where it was made, to create, Knotworks and Networks – A Celtic Tree Alphabet Mosaic Trail.
This project was made possible by funding from Heritage Lottery Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage as part of the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.
This multi cache will take you to 11 different locations. You won't be taken to any that are at schools or pre-schools.
You will be travelling around most of the Black Isle but each stage of this multi can be done at your leisure or it can all be done in the one day.
To find the cache, you need to first visit 11 locations which have at least one of the mosaics and gather clues.
Letter R = 10
Letter U = 9
Letter H - Take quite a few steps back from the mosaic and look at top left corner of building. How many letters in the word with the blue background = H
Letters M & O - How many different mosaics can you see on the surrounding walls = M
Letters F & L - On the large building to the left of the mosaics, what year is shown at the very top = 188F
Letter I - On the right hand pillar at the entrance, how many words are on the plaque at the top = I
Letter D - Walk around to the front of this building - what year is shown at the top = 195D
Letter T - At the co-ords, there is a telegraph pole. How many white round disks are pinned to it = T
Letter St - There is a green and white sign on the fence. How many words on the sign = St
Letter U - How many different birds are shown on the nature reserve sign = U
Letter Q - On the wall, to the right is a word in black letters. How many letters = Q
Letter S - There is a sign on the wall above the mosaic. How many words on the bottom line = S
Once you have visited all the locations and have the necessary numbers, the cache can be found at the following location:
N57 3S.F(T+St)(D-M+5)
W(R-1).UI(Q+H-3)
Happy hunting
D/T is based on the difficulty of getting from place to place but terrain is based on the final location.