Skateraw is an arable farm situated on the Scottish coast, east of Dunbar and just to the west of Torness nuclear power station. The shoreline has many interesting features including layered rock formations on the beach (James Hutton made many of his geological discoveries a short distance along the coast at Siccar Point); fossil and other prehistoric remains; special plant life undisturbed for decades in a dry burn; and a beautifully preserved limekiln beside the old harbour. The John Muir Trail passes along the sea’s edge taking you to west of Dunbar.

Skateraw is recognised by birdwatchers as one of the premier sites for migrants in East Lothian (42 different species have been seen there). The beauty of the landscape makes it ideal for ‘land art’ projects and ‘site-specific’ artworks. The whole area around nearby Cockburnspath village has attracted many famous artists – from Allan Ramsay and Alexander Nasmyth through to the ‘Glasgow Boys’ and Sir William Gillies. John Muir and Robert Louis Stevenson also knew the area well. (A Stevenson lighthouse guards the approaches to Dunbar).

The ‘hear’ of the farm is the wooded hillock on which sits the elegant farmhouse where the Watson family live.

The A1 is the traditional route into Scotland from the South, both for travellers and invading armies (eg Cromwell). After crossing the border north of Berwick, the road travels inland until it reaches the coast again at Reed’s Point, just south east of Skateraw. Since both the A1 and the mainline railway pass through the farm, it is very strategically placed to make an introduction to Scotland for visitors from the South. With the recent extension of the dual carriageway (it ends not far from the farm gate), travel to and from Edinburgh by car is little more than forty minutes and it takes twenty minutes by rail to Dunbar Station.

The project has two objectives :

firstly, to honour Richard Demarco's 75th birthday by providing a home for the Demarco Archive under one roof, in what he regards as the ideal setting. Skateraw can be the pioneering model for the fusion of culture and agriculture, an example which we hope will be imitated in many rural communities of the British Isles. During the Edinburgh Festival there will be a rare opportunity to see the highlights in the Archive as well as new work.

Secondly, to provide locations on the farm at Skateraw where 'site-specific' and 'land art' projects can be carried out. Johnny and Sandra Watson, owners of Skateraw, have recently visited both Giuliano Gori's world famous collection at his farm in Tuscany and Ian Hamilton Finlay's sculpture garden at Stonypath. They are inspired to have similar projects on their own coastal farmland.

Several artists have visited the site, including Doug Cocker, Kate Downie, Rose Frain, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Mary MacIver, Will Maclean, Ken McMullen, Margot Sandeman, Arthur Watson and George Wyllie. They are very interested in its potential for site-specific and outdoor sculpture work.

Although no charge is being made for the use of the building, funds are required to pay for the fitting out as office and exhibition space. Funds will also be required to finance the land art projects.

There is a Demarco - Skateraw Project Website Here