Rannoch Moor is a wide expanse of peatland, virtually empty of human habitation but dotted with innumerable lochs and streams, and surrounded by mountains that rise to more than 3,000 feet.
Rannoch railway station sits in the midst of this vast wilderness and on Saturday October 28 this remote station hosted the launch party for a new West Highland
Line audio drama based on a true-life railway adventure that took place in January 1889.
When seven Victorian gentlemen were tasked with establishing the definitive route of the soon-to-be-built West Highland Line, they had to walk across Rannoch Moor to complete the mission.
Their expedition very nearly ended in disaster, were it not for the intervention of kind-hearted local shepherds.
Written and directed by Glenfinnan-born theatre maker Paul Barnes, the play, Benighted on the Moor, is a re-imagining of this event.
It can also be experienced as a geolocative audio walk starting from Bridge of Orchy, Rannoch or Corrour stations.
This means that you can download the audio to your phone and listen to an immersive version of the play while walking in the footsteps of the original expedition.
All walks are easy, and largely on forestry track. They are timed at 75-90 minutes (including the return to the station).
The radio play is now available from the West Highland CRP’s website (www.westhighlandcrp.com) where a download of the audio walks are available also.
Benighted on the Moor was commissioned by the West Highland Community Rail Partnership to highlight how the coming of the railway to Fort William brought not only increased mobility and better commercial opportunities, but also a resounding cultural shock to all involved.
The cast for the play includes a mix of local and professional actors, all with a special connection to the area.
Glenfinnan-based musician and presenter Ingrid Henderson has the role of the narrator and the inimitable Tearlach Macfarlane is the largely Gaelic-speaking boat master.
The music is by the Maxwell Quartet, while soundscaping is by DJ Dolphin Boy (Andy Levy).
Hege Hernæs, project coordinator for the West Highland CRP, said: “Despite its remote location Rannoch Station was the obvious choice of venue for our launch party.
“Not only did it enable us to invite guests from Kinloch Rannoch from the east, Helensburgh and Crianlarich from the south, and Fort William from the north, it also gave our guests a chance to sample the immersive audio walk.
“The team at Rannoch Station Tearoom welcomed us with open arms and lovely lunches, whilst also catering for their regulars and other visitors, all taking an enjoyable break at this remarkable community hub on the moor.”
The production has been supported by ScotRail, the Caledonian Sleeper, and Glenfinnan Station Museum.
The audio walks will remain available for a year.