Scottish Totem Poles 2002 - 2007

Since Kenny Grieve's visit to Western Canada in 2001, totem poles have been appearing in Scotland. During 2002, "The Year of Wood", as part of Treefest Scotland, poles were carved at Bennachie, Strathdon, Dunkeld and the Dundee Flower Show, under the guidance of a group of Canadian First Nation carvers led by XwaLackTun. Local schools and craftsmen were involved in the design and carving. Since then the project has developed year on year, attracting significant funding from the Scottish Arts Council, and the support of the National Museum of Scotland, and involving many local groups and organisations

The principal carvers

From Canada : XwaLackTun

From Scotland : Kenny Grieve

From Squamish First Nation, lives in Vancouver, B.C.
From Aberdeen, now based in Fife

Xwa works in two First Nation styles, the Northern Kwaguilth Coast Salish and West Coast Squamish, and in many media, including wood, metal and glass, and also through the medium of Guided Drawing sessions, with people. Whatever the medium, his focus is on the healing qualities of the traditions.

Kenny is well known around Scotland for his demonstrations of woodland crafts. It is as a result of his visits to Western Canada, and his enthusiasm for what he found there in the First Nation traditions of carving wood, that this project has happened.

More than 24 of his carvings can be seen in the Langley School District, he has made a pair of carved doors for B.C. Hydro's boardroom, and recently completed 6 carved house posts in Whistler.

For more information about Kenny Grieve's work please see the Brotus part of this website.

Aberdeen Benachie Dalbeattie Dunkeld Huntly Fife Dundee Portpatrick Stranraer Strathdon