“We who are fortunate to make a living in North must Dùthchas spoke to 330 people in see to it that the next generation 11 communities along the coast: are never forced into a leaving that is not of their making. We Altnaharra, Armadale, , must grasp this opportunity for Durness, Halladale, Melness, , those who belong, and want to , Strathnaver, Strathy and continue to belong to North Tongue. These are the things that Sutherland, be they a generation they told us they most value: native to the land or the children of those who have come to live Peace, quiet and tranquility among us, who want, along with us, only the best for the future Spectacular scenery of what is now their land too.” Friendliness and cooperation Joan Campbell, Melvich, speaking at A good caring community the Dùthchas conference ‘Looking Freedom from crime After the Future’ held in Strathy in April 1999. Being close to nature Unspoilt beaches Social life - indoor and out Access to rivers mountains & sea Small rural community Hills and moors

“You can trust people The Dùthchas Project is promoting sustainability in remote rural areas. here. It’s a good and If you would like to hear more about Dùthchas or have ideas for safe environment.“The people here” are friendly, the future wellbeing of North there’s helpfulness, kindness, Sutherland, please contact us: honesty and community spirit … if Meg Telfer and Anna MacConnell North Sutherland Dùthchas Office anyone has any problems people Naver Telecentre help and they rally round.” Bettyhill, By KW14 7SS Sandra Mackay, Bettyhill Tel/Fax: 01641 521858 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.duthchas.org.uk “I like the way of life and the easy The photographers were: going lifestyle. I like the Cailean Maclean, Clive Grewcock, independence and being my own Jim Johnston. boss. You can trust people here. Dùthchas is working in three areas of “...helpfulness, kindness, : North Sutherland, North Uist It’s a good and safe environment.” and Trotternish (in Skye). For further Martyhonesty Mackay, Durness and information telephone 01463 244202. community spirit”

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“ I enjoy living here because of the freedom and open spaces. The locals are friendly and everyone knows everyone and are always willing to help one another.” Jamie Mackay, Strathy East “This is a safe secure environment for my children - they can play and run free without the restrictions that would be placed on them anywhere else.” Francis MacLeod, Skerray “We have privacy here and There is no shortage of ideas the land is productive.” of how we can develop this Magnus Campbell, place… without changing Laidnagullen what we most value. For “If there is another source of instance: income then crofting is • Better public transport… good because you have inter community something belonging to transport etc. yourself.” Willie Robert Mackenzie, • Marketing of local products Skerray • Interpretation and access to environment and cultural “Crofting has to be kept in sites the hands of practical crofters - not the theorists. • Making more use of If it doesn’t involve sheep village halls and cattle then it won’t be • Better tourist facilities crofting as we know it.” Len Mackay, Invernaver

This is a huge land with a small population seeking to keep the young people here “The Gaelic language is and to make North Sutherland a vital about development, revival and sustainable place for the future. and regeneration. Gaelic North Sutherland, Duthaich Mhic Aoidh, is a strong element in The Land of Mackay, stretches along the all that.” alternately sandy, rocky coast from Brian MacLeod, Melness Durness in the west to Melvich in the Gaelic Centre east and southwards down the fertile straths Halladale and Strathnaver to and Altnaharra. “The Gaelic language is Much of the land is covered in blanket important - it’s the peat bog - the largest area of this habitat language of the country. in the world. Archaeological remains give The people were robbed of evidence of over 6,000 years of occupation. their language. It’s good Many people still run crofts but need to that children can grow up supplement their income by a job or by now learning their own diversifying on the croft. The area has language.” a strong tradition of poetry, piping, May Cowan, Strathy. singing and story telling.

“It’s quiet and peaceful and no-one disturbs you. There isn’t the air pollution like in the cities so we breathe healthy air. We have lots of clean beaches on the North Coast.” Christopher Macintosh, Halladale, age 13 “I like music and art best at my school. In music we learn Scottish songs and dancing. I love it too when we get visits from travelling shows, especially when we can join in.” Hannah Wares, Melvich, age 9