Echoes of Lives Past: Photographer Documents Abandoned Homes in the Scottish Highlands
Photographer Angus Mackay’s lens captures the quiet beauty and haunting stillness of abandoned homes scattered across the rugged landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands. His work, featured in a new book and a collaborative exhibition with landscape artist Jane McDonough, offers a rare glimpse into these forgotten spaces, prompting reflection on the lives once lived within their walls.
A Pandemic Pivot Leads to Unexpected Discovery
Mackay’s fascination with these derelict properties began during the COVID-مارث 19 pandemic. With his usual photography work on hold, he found himself drawn to exploring the remote corners of the Highlands. Seeking permission from the properties’ owners, he began carefully documenting the weathered facades and crumbling interiors of these abandoned homes.
Silent Stories Whispered Through Dust and Decay
“Why were they there in the first place, why did they leave, and why did nobody replace them?” Mackay ponders, his words echoing the questions that linger within these empty spaces. The photographer was intrigued by the remnants of past lives—a child’s toy tucked away in a dusty corner, a faded photograph perched on a mantelpiece, a rusted teapot forgotten on a stove. These personal items offered glimpses into the stories behind the empty rooms.
Respect for the Past, Hope for the Future
Although Mackay uses the word “abandoned” to describe the houses in his work, he emphasizes that it is not meant as a criticism. He recognizes that there are often valid reasons for properties to be left empty, and his photographs are intended to be a testament to their history, not a judgment on their current state. Notably, he highlights that there are plans to modernize some of the properties, offering hope that they may once again become vibrant homes.
“Abandoned,” An Exhibition Capturing the Spirit of Place
The collaborative exhibition, titled “Abandoned,” brings together Mackay’s photography with the works of landscape artist Jane McDonough, creating a poignant dialogue between the built environment and the natural world. The exhibition is currently on display at Waterlines in Lybster village until December 21, offering a unique opportunity to experience the haunting beauty of these forgotten Highland homes.
How does Angus Mackay’s collaborative exhibition with Jane McDonough enhance the viewer’s experience of his photography?
## Echoes of Lives Past: A Conversation with Angus Mackay
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re joined by photographer Angus Mackay, whose poignant work documenting abandoned homes in the Scottish Highlands has caught the attention of art lovers and history buffs alike. Angus, welcome to the program.
**Angus Mackay:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Your photographs are hauntingly beautiful, capturing both the decay and the lingering sense of life within these deserted structures. What drew you to this project?
**Angus Mackay:** [[1](https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/photos-capture-mystery-long-abandoned-225904346.html)]It really started during the pandemic. My usual photography work was on hold, and I found myself exploring the remote corners of Caithness and Sutherland. I stumbled across these abandoned houses, and I was struck by their beauty and the stories they seemed to hold.
**Host:** It’s amazing how these structures, despite their dilapidated state, still seem to whisper of the past. Do you have any sense of who lived in these homes or what their lives were like?
**Angus Mackay:** Often, I’m able to track down some history through local records or by speaking with people who remember them. It’s fascinating to piece together these fragments of the past and imagine the lives unfolded within those walls.
**Host:** Your work is currently featured in a book and a collaborative exhibition with landscape artist Jane McDonough. How do these different mediums enhance the viewer’s experience?
**Angus Mackay:** The book allows for a more intimate exploration of each house, while the exhibition brings the photographs to life on a larger scale. Jane’s artwork complements my photography beautifully, adding another layer of depth and meaning to the project.
**Host:** This project seems to be more than just photography; it’s a preservation of memory and a reflection on the passage of time.
**Angus Mackay:** Absolutely. These homes are disappearing, lost to the elements and time. By capturing them in photographs, I hope to ensure that their stories aren’t forgotten.
**Host:** Angus Mackay, thank you for sharing your powerful work with us today.
**Angus Mackay:** It was my pleasure.
