Songs of the Catchment
A Creative Practice PhD project being undertaken by Peter Noble a local musician and lecturer at UHI North Highland to capture the culture, heritage and resonance of the Cromarty as a layer hyperobject or entity that composed of the landscape, stories and they way people connect, interpret and feel about the area. Over 50 songs have been written in situ referring to particular place-based stimuli or in response to a particular piece of history, memory or stories from residents.
What we are doing
In partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands, the Songs of the Catchment is a Creative Practice PhD exploring the Cromarty Firth catchment as a hyperobject or unique cultural landscape that is shaped by individual perspectives, values and stories alongside the heritage and history. Peter Noble has written multiple albums and over 50 songs which capture history of the landscape, local people stories and memories, iconic views of the area juxtaposed by smaller unnoticed elements and areas of loss. Peter also performs the music through a multimedia and sensory approach bring sensory elements such as texture smell and sights of the Firth into his performances. All these parts will inform and bring together greater cultural understanding of the catchment and encourage people to delve into the work and experience the Cromarty Firth for themselves.
Why it matters
Creative Practice has employs unique approaches to capture cultural understanding, connections, social dynamics and different ways of viewing and expressing the future. Giving us the opportunity to bring in and work with communities, identify barriers, opportunities and issues whether entrenched or motivated by cultural history. These songs can draw people into the Firth to create their own experience and see the people and landscape as something living, breathing and changing.
Active
Creative practice research
University of the Highlands and Islands
PhD research programme
Cromarty Firth catchment
2025
