John Rae and The Northern Telegraph Route

In the mid-19th century, major telegraph infrastructure was installed in the Atlantic Ocean to connect North America and Europe. However, it was a fragile connection, often damaged and in constant need of repair. An alternative northern telegraph route linking Shetland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland was also explored. In 1860 aboard “The Fox”, Orcadian Arctic explorer Dr John Rae was employed in a survey of land conditions across the intended route.

Inspired by Dr John Rae’s 1860 journey along the newly proposed northern telegraph route linking Shetland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland, the project brings together composers and musicians from the Islands of the North Atlantic in a joint exploration of Dr Rae’s personal observations of the environment aboard The Fox, and of the relationships he created with local indigenous communities. The 4 composers (Stuart Macrae and Ailie Robertson (Scotland) Eli Tausen á Lava (Faroe Islands) and Arnannguaq Gerstrøm (Greenland)) will explore the subject from a historical perspective, drawing on research by Fleur Ward of the University of the Highlands and Islands, alongside poetry by Lesley Harrison and modern reflections from indigenous communities on land use and ecology.

The new pieces combine themes of journeying, discovery of new landscapes, cultural connections, and the use of Arctic land by other countries for energy and resources. The project connects with Orkney International Science Festival and Shetland Museum’s work on Arctic history and exploration, land use, and relationships with indigenous people, as well as the ongoing work by the John Rae Society to renovate Hall of Clestrain, John Rae’s birthplace in Orkney.

Find out more about the composers here

Find out more about the writers and artist here