Portgordon snake feature is rocking at harbour as fairy walk feature expands
A village’s fairy walk has expanded its reach to the local harbour thanks to the recruitment of a rock snake.
People from across Moray and beyond have been flocking to Portgordon to enjoy the magical walk, which has been created on the old railway line path running behind Gordon Street.
Created by Fairy Gollachy and Fairy Lennox - aka local men Allan Cowie and Dougie Wilson - the walk features an ever-expanding selection fairy houses, fairy doors, a seating area and a whole host of magical characters.
The project has now headed seaward with the unveiling of Richmond the Rock Snake, comprising colourfully-painted stones, at the village harbour.
Allan said: “Folk were wanting to get involved with the fairy walk and to contribute to it.
“We thought that it might be better to do something at the harbour rather than at the walk itself as it would be easier and contributions would be less likely to get overgrown during the summer. It’s easier for them to be seen on the parapet wall at the harbour.
“People can add their own painted stones to the snake and we want to see how big he can grow. Adding the first stones were Iona Shewan, who runs Cheeky Cherubs Child Minding, and her daughter Yvie. Iona’s husband Craig also made the Richard the Rock Snake sign we have at the site.
“Kids from St Peter’s nursery have done 50 stones for the snake and at the moment we’re looking at the best way to get them all over to lay their stones.”
Things have not been standing still over at the fairy walk itself.
Allan continued: “My neighbour Billy McKenzie approached me and said he’d like to build a train for the fairy walk.
Oakwood Cooperage in Keith donated some barrels and Billy made one into a seat kids can sit in and ‘drive’ the engine and the other three will be used for plants. We’ve got a further donation of barrels so Billy’s going to add to the train and also make some wishing wells for the walk.”
Generous donations to the walk have seen Portgordon Fireworks Committee provide materials to edge the pathway while the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen have handed Allan and Dougie three picnic tables and 10 tables. Some of these have been donated to Portgordon Community Trust to help the wider community.
The fairy walk project has helped foster a wider sense of community spirit in Portgordon.
Allan added: “Since the fairy walk started it seems to be pulling in a real sense of community spirit.
“For example, one village resident, Richard Wailes, has taken in upon himself to start weeding and cleaning up the main brae in the village, which is brilliant.”
Keep up to date with the fairy walk by following the project’s Facebook page.
