(Episode 2 of 3)


The Islands Project is a series of short films inspired by three islands that can be found in Scotland. Rarely visited, these islands are rife with history, folklore and tales from long ago.


In this episode I head to Loch Maree in the northwest highlands, a remote and wild place which is part of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Loch Maree is the fourth largest freshwater loch in Scotland and has roughly 66 islands, which due to their location are home to some of the best native Caledonian forest in Scotland.


Isle Maree is without doubt one of the most mysterious islands in Scotland. It is different to all of the other surrounding islands in its appearance due to the large quantity of oak trees, which are believed to have links to the druids; the oak tree being sacred to them. It also has links to early Christianity and St Maelrubha is believed to have spent time there.



There are tales of pagan rituals, and bulls were sacrificed on the island up until as recently as the seventeenth century. People where once brought to the island in the hope of a cure for lunacy, and were plunged into the cold waters of the loch and dragged around the island three times with the belief that this would heal them.



Resting quietly in one corner of the isle is the remains of a wishing tree. Once a living oak, it has now long since passed away, slowly poisoned by many years of coins being hammered into its trunk. Queen Victoria visited the island in September of 1877 and is recorded to have added a coin to the tree. Her wish is unknown, but it is said that any wish will be granted as long as the coin does not fall from the tree.



Isle Maree is not easy to get to, and anyone willing to attempt the journey should proceed with caution. The weather conditions on the loch can change from calm to stormy in a matter of moments, and the power of mother nature should never be underestimated in this wild and unforgiving place.



My intention in making this series was simple. Visit three islands and film my journey. My aim then was to create a piece of music to accompany the footage and write a few words about my visit. From my time spent at Isle Maree I was inspired to write a short poem which I have called Gravedigger.



The Brittish Isles are home to many beautiful and ancient places, but for me, Scotland is a place like no other. There is magic in the highlands for those willing to keep an eye open for it. I hope you enjoy watching these films as much as I enjoyed making them.


GRAVEDIGGER


"Gravedigger, Gravedigger
What do you see?
With your hands in the soil
By the old wishing tree


Gravedigger, Gravedigger
What do you see?
You can gather my bones
But you'll never find me."


Poem by Three Eagles.


Website:
http://www.threeeaglesrecordings.com


For more information about Loch Maree and the surrounding areas:

https://www.visitwester-ross.com

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk


To learn about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code:
https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot


Thanks for watching
Peace, Love and Freedom.
Three Eagles

©️ Copyright Stephen Taylor - Three Eagles Recordings 2021 All Rights Reserved.

#islands #lochmaree #islemaree