THE legacy of a vast 1930s Scottish clean energy scheme is the inspiration behind a new exhibition exploring energy, climate change and consumerism.
Pennies from Heaven highlights what people felt about the huge Galloway Glens hydro scheme when it was built and what they think about it now.
“When the hydro scheme started some people thought of its as ‘Pennies from Heaven’ because the rain on the Galloway hills was being turned into clean energy that could power thousands of homes. And it still powers around 79,000 homes today,” said photographer Morag Paterson.
READ MORE: SNP MP calls for UK-wide fracking ban to tackle climate emergency
“It’s hugely inspiring that this immense project is still going strong after so many decades and that it has become such a well-loved part of the landscape.
“But the brutal reality is that our demand for energy and consumer goods has just continued to grow and we now face a climate change emergency. This exhibition prompts questions about these issues and what we need to do to change.”
The exhibition featuring photographs, cyanotypes and 81 specially smelted aluminium plaques, is the culmination of an artistic residency by Paterson and Ted Leeming from the Garnock Valley, Jason Nelson from Dundee and Catherine Major from Moffat.
The exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries from May 11 to June 29 comes after a series of community events, including artists’ walks and a tour of the Tongland hydroelectric power station near Kirkcudbright.
READ MORE: Brexit and climate change the topics as Nicola Sturgeon meets Iceland PM
The artists worked with Galloway people of all ages asking them to record a message about their hopes for the world of 2030. This is the year by which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says a fundamental shift in energy production is needed to avoid a “tipping point” of irreversible climate change and minimise the effects of the mass extinction of species already happening.
Their words have been used to create 81 aluminium plaques, each carrying a message, which will be displayed at the exhibition.
“A lot of these plaques were made by young people – and so many young people feel that their interests are not being thought about, and they are not being listened to,” said Major, who also runs Moffat Youth Theatre.
“It’s been an amazing project to be involved with because it is all about encouraging people to think about how they can make their voices heard. And while we often feel powerless, it also helps point out that we have power as consumers – and the decisions we make can bring change.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here