“soundwalk: Cainnt nan Eun / The Language of the Birds” is a geolocative soundwalk set within Forvie National Nature Reserve near Ellon, United Kingdom. Created by Duncan MacLeod for soundfestival, the experience blends birdsong, environmental sounds, oral histories, and voices in Gaelic and Scots, alongside music, which participants encounter at specific locations via a mobile device as they move through the natural landscape. This format encourages a unique interweaving of cultural and natural heritage, emphasizing the historical and ongoing relationship between language, folklore, and the environment.
The soundwalk lasts approximately 30 minutes and is complemented by a 45-minute talk from a community engagement officer from RSPB Scotland. This presentation offers insights into the Gaelic tradition related to birds, including the significance of bird names and folklore, highlighting the deep cultural connections to the natural world found in the region. Participants are advised to bring headphones and a charged smartphone to access the location-based sound works embedded in the route.

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