Ruud Streefkerk

A strip of sand at Gairloch in Scotland. At low tide, the tracks that the retreating water leaves behind, cause these lines. Since the 15th century this area was in the possession of the Mackenzies of Gairloch. The Mackenzies were clan leaders in the traditional sense of the word and were known for the commitment to their tenants. In the 19th century Sir Hector Mackenzie refused to evict any of his sharecroppers during the so called Highland Clearances, despite the fact that the estate made a loss. In those days the population was forced  by the feudal landlords to leave their land because they had discovered that a new agriculture - based on sheep - would be more profitable. Many evicted Highlanders from other communities took refuge in Gairloch, turning it into a thriving community, which it remained to this very day. The Mackenzies were also enthusiastic gardeners. Because of the warm Gulf stream a mild micro-climate reigns here, which is the cause of a wide range of flora and fauna. Descendant Osgood Mackenzie created the famous Inverewe Garden in nearby Poolewe.