Tha sinn an seo means we are here.

'Tha Sinn an Seo’ is a film that aims to highlight and centre the presence of those who are not always visible, but have always been, and will always be a key part of our existence, inspiration and collective work to restore landscape and habitats.
 
In making a film – perhaps any piece of communication – ‘Tha Sinn an Seo’ posed some key questions. As participants, who gets to be involved in the creative process and how? As producers of a project to be shared, how broadly are we thinking about our audience demographic? And for those potentially encountering the outcome, how might we consider diverse interests across generations and abilities?
 
Perhaps our next generation is increasingly empowered if they see themselves represented or included and if they are part of that process of expression. The film is for audiences of any age and involved younger people already engaged or new to learning about Cairngorms Connect’s work. This demographic sees themselves reflected in the participation and efforts to make change happen. It is they who say “Tha sinn an seo… Together… We can make change… We will make change… Change is all around us.”
 
The images are of people – entirely young people ages 4 - 24 – among other species, in the landscapes they share. The sound is entirely of the young peoples’ voices and the sounds of the place. This physical and vocal embodiment is an audio-visual expression making as pure as possible the presence and intentions of young people. 

 ^{Stills from the film: (left) a young person looks up close at the rare Twinflower; (right) a deer is caught on a trail cam}

Film footage was gathered by joining arranged group activities and through inviting individuals or small groups to be involved in ways that matched interests. Home-schooled children sketched rare plant species. A small group of secondary age people joined a ‘Landscape Creatives’ summer school to investigate the meeting of artistic and restoration activities. Young adults with additional support needs participated in a ‘Willow Walk’ to plant broadleaf trees.
 
Tha Sinn an Seo aims to express diverse and authentic ways of participating, all of which foster appreciation and care for place. Twin children playfully push noses up to a twinflower and grow to embody its form. A dancer weaves in an intuitive flow within birch woodland. A nursery age youngster finds imagined interactions with other species. In their joyful, inquisitive and spontaneous doing, these actions are considered equally as valid as venturing up a challenging tree-planting walk into Strath Nethy.
 
The soundtrack was made in collaboration with local composer Sandra MacKay, also a singing tutor with Fèis Spè. Together with a group of young Gaelic singers, text was workshopped and developed into two beautiful new Gaelic songs with a positive message. An exciting day in the recording studio, led by Charlie McKerron, laid these songs also a legacy of the project.

 ^{Images: two letters written by the young people involved in the project}

Sandra sums up the layers of significance of the project around our environmental and cultural landscape.

“What a joy it was to be part of “Tha Sinn an Seo”. Passion and enthusiasm was infectious, along with the children’s energy. Projects like this remain in the children’s memories forever and makes them more aware of their surroundings, that they are the next generation and their input will be very important in the future. Thought provoking and fun through music and movement, a very positive message for all involved.
 
It was a very proud moment to see the final film and to realise that the Gaelic language is still relevant and a part of our future within our cultural landscape.
 
"Mòran taing uile.”
 
On 15th November 2025, Cairngorms Connect came together with Fèis Spè for a local screening. The young stars of the film were welcomed by red carpet to Carrbridge Village Hall, and the event was broadcast on BBC Alba. The screening was supported by musical performances by the group, from bagpipes to singers to a full youth band. 
 
Fèis Spè Chair at the time, Mairi Brown, says of the evening:
 
“Bha an oidhche cho sònraichte ag èisteachd agus a’ coimhead air na daoine òga a’ gabhail stiùir. 
 
The evening was really special, listening and watching the young people taking a lead throughout the evening. The youngsters have been nothing other than positive, they enjoyed being on stage, singing and playing music together. Many of them have asked when they can do it again.” 
 
“Collaborating with agencies like Cairngorms Connect allows Fèis Spè to reach new audiences and showcase the great musical talent our young people have.” 
 

^{Image: the end of the Tha Sinn an Seo screening, with all involved on stage for a final applause} 

In the final scene, a group of teenagers move in their own ways, gathering, united and circling in one place. They reflect a gathering much like that of diverse species of moths converging around a moth trap used for their surveying. As indicator species, the presence and diversity of moths hints at the wellbeing of associated habitats.
 
The children sing repeatedly: “Chan eil duine gun da latha, ach duine gun latha idir”. This Gaelic figure of speech does not translate well directly into English, but roughly means: “Things are always changing. Life is change.”
 
A global future wild with change and uncertainty poses seemingly endless challenges to be faced by future generations. But it is easier to find meaning and empowerment when we feel well within ourselves, and this has to happen here and now. We are here and we are committed to exploring ways to do this across the senses while embracing both our cultural and environmental potential.

Film Credits:
 
Director: Robbie Synge 
Camera: Rupert Shanks, Robbie Synge, Kirk Watson 
Colour: Rupert Shanks 
Composer: Sandra Mackay 
Song Performed by: Fèis Spè Gaelic Singers 
Song Recording: Charlie Mckerron 
With the participation of young people of Badenoch & Strathspey 
 
Cairngorms Connect is a partnership of four land manager organisations: 
Wildland Ltd, RSPB, NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland. 
 
Supported by Cairngorms National Park Authority and The Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme. 
 
The Next Generation Officer role is funded by Cairngorms National Park Authority.