58° North

A MODERN PILGRIMAGE AROUND THE GLOBE

This year, Timespan is setting out on a journey of discovery. At its heart is our own Northern identity and the ambition to learn from others who share the same latitude. We would like to invite you to join us on our Modern Pilgrimage.

We will be drawing a circle around the globe on the 58° latitude in search of creative communities that are located close to the sea with similar populations to Helmsdale in Sutherland. This is where our journey of discovery begins.

Travelling East we come to Borghaug and Lillesand in Norway, across the Baltic Sea we reach Häädemeste in Estonia. These three coastal villages share our Viking past and rich sea fishing and farming heritage. Our pilgrimage takes us across the Asian continent, and the Bering Sea to reach Hoonah, a city of 800 people in Alaska. From here we continue East to Churchill, on the south-west coast of Hudson Bay in Canada, where permafrost instills arctic conditions. Inuit populations settled at these two destinations, bringing with them rich artistic traditions. Churchill is also the place where the first migrants from Kildonan arrived in Winter 1813 after a four-week long treacherous journey across the Atlantic. Completing the circle, we arrive back in Scotland, at Lochinver. Its harbour, like Helmsdale’s, was thriving during the herring boom and the temperate climate allows Palm Trees to grow on this latitude. A famous pie shop suits all culinary tastes.