Eriskay - a photographic study

Rob Sara, senior lecturer in photography at the University of Cumbria, UK, exhibited his work on the island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides. The aim of the study is to document photographically the traces of historical and abandoned dwellings, the legacy of crofting culture, increased contemporary development, economic change and the rich social identity that Eriskay has. This study aims to present an informed and engaging portrait of the Island, the people, their lives and the land to which they are bonded. It is an ongoing and continually developing project, mainly because the community on Eriskay have supported it and are inspired by it. Residents are instrumental in shaping its direction and content. The project is collaborative at its heart and socially engaged in its practice. Recent discussions have identified areas which are still to be explored and centre around what is missing. Initiatives are in the pipeline too, to engage with younger audiences through workshops and photography projects, using this study as a framework on how meaningful reflections on the environments and culture can be created. Rob is motivated by the fact that his father spent time on Eriskay as a 17-year-old in 1958 and made a social and geographical survey which was seminal in directing his life’s path, interests, career and that of Rob’s family too. Returning 64 years later Rob has made a photographic response to another a time of change, following the building of the causeway and as a new outward looking identity is being explored in the development of the old Eriskay school into a Heritage Centre.