Discover Coigach and Assynt’s new heritage trail
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Slow down and immerse yourself in Coigach and Assynt’s long history – follow our new Heritage Trail which runs from the township of Culnacraig at the base of Ben Mor Coigach to Kylesku in Sutherland.
Find the map and information leaflet locally and build your own route: instead of using the car perhaps explore sections on foot, on a bike or even by kayak!
Like Anthony Gormley’s ‘Angel of the North’, the striking new interpretation monoliths you may have already spotted around Coigach and Assynt are made of Corten steel, rusted naturally by coastal salt-laden air to create a beautiful patina which fits seamlessly into our landscape. You will also find sturdy oak way marker posts displaying the Trail’s QR code which will take you to the new website, www.candatrail.com
This has been a collaborative community project which gathered information from the folk who know the most about our shared heritage and have helped to preserve those stories. Working with the Coigach Community Development Company and Historic Assynt, Seoras Burnett, who compiled the information for the Trail, spoke to local people to get authentic and original accounts, as well as delving deep into academic papers.
From rebellions during the Highland Clearances to World War Two submarine missions; seismic geological discoveries to hazardous mountain walks to school, our area is alive with stories from the past.
Seoras hopes that “the trail will allow people to stop and reflect on a rich and complex history which runs through this amazing landscape from the end of the last Ice Age to the present day.” From rebellions during the Highland Clearances to World War Two submarine missions; seismic geological discoveries to hazardous mountain walks to school, our area is alive with stories from the past. This is a history for everyone: for those who live here and for those who visit.
Project Coordinator, Ann Marie Firth-Bernard said, “This has been an enjoyable and rewarding project to work on and we’re looking forward to sharing our local history with a wide audience.”
This project is immensely grateful to designers Steve Pardue of Differentia in Northumberland, Ronan Martin on Skye, and to Acheninver artist Julia Campbell, who created the fabulous linocuts.