Elaine’s digital design was inspired by imagery contained in the oral histories and based on a topographic map of the Tay and surrounding areas. Outlines of local wildlife are featured along with two boat scenes containing the sunrise and sunset from opposite sides of the river.

Phrases from the oral histories are written in the river’s tributaries. The oars are a nod to not being able to touch due to Covid, the seeking of connection and the way river encounters provided that.

The digital design was then translated into a 6.5metre wide textile banner by Rhona.  Textures and colour choices were guided by the fabrics available – in keeping with ScrapAntics recycling ethos and in homage to Dundee’s mill history, the whole banner is made from locally sourced materials and fabric.

The banner is being hung along the side of the Discovery Ship, a focal point for people to enjoy on their walk along the river, from 19th March – 12th April 2021.

The oral histories, stored by Dundee Libraries, were also the basis for Kate’s spoken word performance. After transcribing each audio Kate created a series of vignettes inspired by the contributor’s experiences. She then took words and phrases from each recording and wove these together to create an evocative piece celebrating the oral histories and the wonderful River Tay.

You can see Kate’s performance on the left, accompanied by beautiful photos of the Tay sent in by the public.

We are creating school packs as part of the project; these will be rolled out gradually over the course of the year in the local area. Sarah Louise Marshall is creating the packs, which will be a bespoke, illustrated resource celebrating the Tay and it’s wildlife, accompanied by instructions for origami paper boats to symbolise the Discovery.

This part of project is in collaboration with Dundee Countryside Rangers – to involve future generations and highlight our relationship to our surroundings. It will potentially act as a reminder of some of the amazing resources we have available to us in Dundee, including the links between the Verdant Works and the Discovery.

This part of project is in collaboration with Dundee Countryside Rangers – to involve future generations and highlight our relationship to our surroundings. It will potentially act as a reminder of some of the amazing resources we have available to us in Dundee, including the links between the Verdant Works and the Discovery.

Alison of JistJute was also commissioned to make individual commemorative fabric assemblages, inspired by the topography and wildlife of the area, as a thank you for the participants.

Reflections is truly a collaboration. As well as recording the oral histories David of BurnBox Studio took photographs to document the project, and filmed the spoken word performance. Debz – director of social enterprise How it Felt – has been vital in delivering the project as our social media collator.

Our partnerships on this project include Dundee Libraries, Dundee Countryside Rangers, PAMIS and it has all been made possible by our sponsor Nature Scot. Also, thanks to Icon Signs who kindly donated our on-site information banner.

Reflections is truly a collaboration. As well as recording the oral histories David of BurnBox Studio took photographs to document the project, and filmed the spoken word performance. Debz – director of social enterprise How it Felt – has been vital in delivering the project as our social media collator. Many thanks to Tsen Day-Beaver for the footage from her film ‘The River Tatha’ some of which was used in our spoken word performance.