Cainnt nan Eun/The Language of the Birds (soundwalk)
Part of soundFestival 2026Cainnt nan Eun / The Language of the Birds is a geolocative soundwalk created for soundfestival and mapped to Forvie National Nature Reserve and the grounds of Mill of Benholm near Johnshaven.
Featuring recordings gathered across Scotland, the soundwalk brings together birdsong, environmental sound, oral histories, Scots and Gaelic voices, and music. Audiences will be invited to explore the landscape while listening through their own mobile device, encountering a series of location-based sound works along the route.
The soundwalk will be accompanied by a talk from RSPB Scotland Community Engagement Officer Shona MacLennan, exploring the rich tradition of Gaelic language in relation to birds, including bird names, folklore and the enduring connections between language, culture and the natural world.
Where possible, participants should bring a charged smartphone and headphones.
Recommended for ages 8+
Supported by RSPB Scotland, PRS Foundation, The Open Fund for Creators, Hope Scott Trust and Glasgow School of Art.