The Sheep Fenke at Appin has been completed as part of the partnership between Sustrans and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Differentia Design came up with the concept of creating a natural and traditional structure that would be functional and beautiful. So, we used a common place artifact and turned its use to people rather than sheep.
It was important that the local connection was explored and the words carved on the slate discs inside the shelter were selected from poems written by the children of Strath of Appin Primary School as a result of two poetry and design workshops held there this year which were led by Isle of Luing poet Norman Bissell.
The Sheep Fenke itself was built by David Campbell Stonemason. Davie was key to the success of the Fenke as he was born and bred in Ballachulish and has family ties in Appin. So to say it was a labour of love for Davie would be an understatment. Davie took great pride in sourcing all the material locally.
Davie says: “I am originally from Ballachulish, with family ties to Appin. So I took great pride in enhancing the link between the two areas. The Appin shelter seat was a pleasure to build due to its uniqueness, challenges it presented and to be part of the Caledonia Way. All the materials for the walled seat, mosaic floor and slate poetry discs were sourced locally and built by myself and father David Campbell. The slate discs were all carved on site by hand.”
This is one of a number of projects and initiatives that are designed to help increase the enjoyment of both the Caledonia Way and the areas in which the Path goes through.