Reclaimed

I'm struck by the number of abandoned cottages that lie scattered through Scotland's wild places. Each place once had life; the sound of voices, the smell of wood smoke, light escaping the shutters on long winter evenings.

Now, it's just the sound of wind in the trees, birds in the bushes and lorries thundering past on the main road. Perhaps that is why this one was abandoned; too near to the new road that snakes around it on a long curve as it seeks to follow the terrain and promote maximum speed. So you can drive past, and never spot the place. So you can get to your destination, but miss the joy of your journey.

Nature has reclaimed what we once cleared out, almost as to embrace the space, and welcome it back: to want what we no longer care to have. Like many a remains found deep in the woods, it will one day enfold it completely.

These are some of my favourite places.