Well Wishes was a mindful craft activity based on the Highland tradition of healing Clootie Wells.
Through our postal project, “well wishes” joined others from across the Highlands for the Health, Wealth and Happiness exhibition at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. The wishes were added to a decorative tree in the museum’s Community Gallery, and were on display from mid-April to late July 2022. When the exhibition moved to the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso, the project continued, and more “well wishes” were added. We received 845 “well wishes” in total.
The “well wishes” have since been taken to Inverness Botanic Gardens, and have been composted – this reflects the tying of cloths at clootie wells, with the decay of the fabric representing the fulfilment of the wish. The compost created will support new plant life in the Highlands – we’re now sourcing a young hazel tree to be planted at the Highland Folk Museum. This will provide habitat and sustenance for wildlife, as well as on-site sustainable materials for the traditional building maintenance programme.
For further information, please contact Engagement Curator Alison Parfitt.
