Boyhood Summers in the Outer Hebrides
Created over several years, a mother’s testament to the importance of preserving the essence of childhood, and the simple pleasures of island life off the north-west coast of Scotland.
Growing up on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides was an enchanting chapter of my life, marked by boundless freedom and unforgettable adventures. Unlike the bustling amenities of Glasgow, my childhood playground did not have Laser Quest stations, soft play zones, trampolines, or roller-skating venues. It was an era of unstructured, imaginative play, set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most stunning beaches, expansive open spaces, rivers, lochs, and Castle Grounds.
In 1995, I left the Outer Hebrides to explore mainland life and the vibrant city of Glasgow during my university studies. With its multicultural energy, Glasgow became my new home, and I embraced the city’s dynamism.
As the years passed and I became a mother to Daniel (12) and Alexander (10), captured in these photographs, I yearned to share with them the magical moments I had experienced in the Outer Hebrides. Despite Glasgow’s bustling schedules and back-to-back appointments, our annual summer retreat to the Outer Hebrides became a cherished tradition. The islands offered a serene escape, a chance for the boys to simply be.
With a camera in hand, I embarked on documenting their Outer Hebridean experiences, freezing in time the quiet moments, the joys of island life, and the simple pleasures that often go unnoticed in our busy lives. These photographs became our visual treasures, transporting a piece of the Outer Hebrides back to Glasgow, allowing us to relive and savour those tranquil moments.
The project is a testament to the importance of preserving the essence of childhood, the freedom of unstructured play, and the beauty of quiet moments amid the natural wonders of the Outer Hebrides. Through this visual journey, I hope to convey the timeless magic of growing up in a place where every day brought new adventures and where the joy of simplicity remains eternally cherished.
As I began photographing my boys at the ages of five and six, their unbridled enthusiasm and ability to engage in a myriad of activities became the canvas for my visual storytelling. With Daniel now at the tender age of 12, I sense the approaching self-conscious teenage years, marked by subtle shifts in his awareness of image and style. Uncertain of the project’s trajectory, I believe that involving the boys in decision-making will foster their continued participation.
Daniel and Alexander enjoy angling whilst on the Isle of Lewis and they regularly go out to try to catch trout, at the Keose Glebe on the east side of the Island. When they succeed, there is always an immense sense of pride, as they joyfully tell me: “Mama, we caught tonight’s dinner.”
They love dancing and singing on hills, falling into bogs, getting soaked in mud and all sorts. Afterwards, they laugh until they roll down the hill. They can dance and sing like no one is watching, as there is usually no one about at all. They have complete freedom of expression.
One of the highlights of our time is a road trip to the Isle of Harris. Luskentyre Beach in particular, with its white sand and turquoise sea. It is vast and stunning. It would not look out of place on a Bahamian island. On arrival, Daniel and Alexander get so excited, they leap and jump about as the sea comes in, imagining they are being chased by the waves. The joy of being at one with nature.
On the west side of the Isle of Lewis at Uig, there is a secret beach, known mostly by the locals. It is usually very secluded. When we visit, the boys have the whole beach to themselves. This is where they started learning to swim. The salt in the water offers a bit of flotation support.
Island weather can be quite temperamental. On many occasions, we have set off to the beach to enjoy the warm sunshine, only to get there in time for the heavens to open. Rather than pack up and go home, the boys decided to embrace the experience and do a rain dance. The fresh sea air was invigorating and brought them to life. They danced until they were soaked to the skin. It was a wonderfully wild and natural experience.
We were lucky enough to get stranded on the Isle of Lewis during the recent lockdown. We flew up to Stornoway from Glasgow International Airport the day before the country went into lockdown. In this picture my son Daniel seemed unfazed at the time, as he sat reading his book in his face mask.
During the lockdown a normally busy, highly populated Glasgow felt abandoned, whereas an Isle of Lewis landscape without people is absolute peace, solitary and serene.
When the boys are on the Isle of Lewis, they like to get involved in life on the croft. Helping out wherever they can – planting trees, chopping wood, clearing paths and gutters. They like to feel part of something bigger than themselves. They learn the importance of getting things done whilst you can, and how much you are at the mercy of the weather.
In the Outer Hebrides we often say the Devil makes work for idle hands, so what better way is there to keep them out of mischief, than making music? Not having a very structured schedule, and without activities being lined up, gives the boys the freedom to get creative, use their imaginations, whilst mastering some good tunes.
The most northerly part of the Isle of Lewis is the Butt of Lewis in Ness. When you walk around the lighthouse and surrounding area, it feels like you are on the edge of the world. The landscape is rugged and severe. The boys were fascinated by tales of the lighthouse and its former keepers.
Embarking on this project over the past few years has held profound significance for me. Observing the children’s responses to a life lived at a deliberately slower pace has been a truly enriching experience, witnessing their remarkable adaptability and wholehearted embrace of this change. It’s a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern city life.
Reflecting on this, I’m reminded that a much slower pace was the norm during the first 18 years of my life. Travelling between Glasgow and the Outer Hebrides has become a poignant journey of appreciating and valuing these differences. Each transition between the two places imparts a renewed sense of gratitude and appreciation for the unique charms of both environments. It’s a delicate balance that blesses us with the beauty of life in its varied forms.
About Jane Murray
Jane Murray’s passion for photography has been a lifelong journey, deeply rooted in the captivating landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, where she spent her formative years. Upon relocating to Glasgow, she found a new avenue for her artistic expression through portraiture.
Jane has since been involved in: National Portrait Gallery Scotland You Are Here Exhibition, 2020; Scottish Portrait Awards, 2021-2023 Finalist; British Portrait Award Shortlist - British Journal of Photography Portrait of Britain 1854, Volume 5; the John Byrne Award Shortlist Exhibition, 2023; Shambellie House Women in Photography Exhibition, 2023. In 2022, Jane achieved recognition as an Artist member of the esteemed Glasgow Art Club:
https://glasgowartclub.co.uk/artist/janemurray/
While Jane primarily specialises in portraiture, capturing the essence and personality of her subjects has become a cornerstone of her approach. Notably, she recently embarked on a photography venture titled Stop the World. This street photography project involved using a WISTA 45DX large format field camera, presenting a departure from her usual digital preference. The project, which successfully pushed the boundaries of her comfort zone, yielded laudable reactions. One of her initial photographs, titled Don, earned a long listing in the Scottish Portrait Awards, 2023. The project received substantial support from the Siobhán and Richard Coward Foundation.