The Storr: Unfolding Landscape

The Old Man of Storr, Trotternish, Skye

Aug 1st – Sep 17th 2005

Watch The Storr: Unfolding Landscape Movie

The dramatic natural land formation of The Old Man of Storr in Trotternish on the Isle of Skye was transformed through illumination and sound throughout the months of August and September in 2005. For forty two nights this award winning installation The Storr: Unfolding Landscape brought an audience of six and a half thousand people, equipped with headlamps, guides and walking sticks on a strenuous walk to witness one of Europe’s most dramatic and inspiring landscapes at midnight. The massed pinnacles and buttresses were illuminated while powerful soundscapes drifted down from the ridges above.  

The animation featured new soundworks by Skye based composer Paul Mounsey and Geir Jenssen from Tromso in north Norway. Anne Martin’s live singing and the resonant voice of Skye’s legendary poet, Sorley MacLean could be heard drifting through the forest on descent.

The Storr: Unfolding Landscape created an intense and personal experience for each walker, with the dynamics of the weather leading to varied reactions.  

“I really found the experience, profoundly moving, inspiring, compelling and enriching and there are feelings which I experienced on the night which will truly stay with me forever”. - Donnie Munro

“Original idea, a once in a lifetime opportunity, very glad we came to Scotland to do this! Stunning effect, lucky weather and moon for us tonight.” - F.M.C Mitchison, Ohio USA   

“…It really did feel as if we were looking at something happening in another world, heaven perhaps” Observer, 7 August 2005

Visit The Storr website HERE

Buy the second edition of the book The Storr: Unfolding Landscape, with stunning images from the event HERE    

Awards:

Entertainment Lighting Award - 2006 Lighting Design Awards UK - Awarded 30th March 2006

Team of the Year Award - Scottish Enterprise’s Dynamic Place Awards 2005 - Awarded 24th November 2005. Judges described the project as:“a unique and extraordinary example of reconnecting people with the stunning landscape of Scotland through the medium of art.  Through the ingenuity and dedication of the team behind the Storr experience, working with national agencies and local people, visitors were treated to a once in a lifetime experience.” The Storr also received a Commendation in the Connections category of the Dynamic Place Awards. 

Highly Commended: Innovation category - Highland Tourism Awards 2005 Awarded 18th November 2005.

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