Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the John Muir Way, a coast-to-coast walking and cycling route in southern Scotland, John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar is presenting an exhibition of nature photography by Sharon McMenemy-Khan.
Inspired by a September 2022 cycling trip from Falkirk along the coast to Dunbar, the photographs of views seen along the route capture the natural wonder of Scotland prized by Muir. The exhibition, ‘City Slickers in a Smart Countryside’ looks to explore the need for nature in a metropolitan region and how rural wonders can be more accessible with technology.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “What a fantastic time to visit the wonderful John Muir’s Birthplace and learn more about the man and how he took his early inspiration from the Dunbar area. It’s great to see that his legacy continues to inspire and I hope this exhibition of Sharon’s stunning photographs encourages more people to make their way along the John Muir Way, spend some time enjoying East Lothian, and learn more about one of our most famous sons.”
The exhibition is on now until Sunday 28 April at the Birthplace at 126 High Street, Dunbar. Opening times are Wed-Sat, 10am-5pm and Sun, 1pm-5pm.
You can meet the artist, Sharon McMenemy-Khan at John Muir's Birthplace on Sunday 21 April from 3:30pm.
Also taking place on Sunday 21 April from 2-3.30pm is a special John Muir Way 10th anniversary guided walk around John Muir’s Dunbar looking at wildlife and history, led by the council’s museum staff and Countryside Rangers. Meeting at Lauderdale Park (look for the ELC Ranger flag) and finishing at John Muir’s Birthplace with refreshments. This is a free event but must be booked in advance via the link on the Birthplace website. Suitable for aged eight and over. Sensible shoes and waterproofs/sun hat recommended!
About the John Muir Way (from the John Muir Way website)
One of Scotland's Great Trails, the John Muir Way offers walkers and cyclists a unique journey through Scotland’s landscapes, history and heritage.
Traversing central Scotland coast to coast in 134 miles, it links Helensburgh in the west with Dunbar in the east (birthplace of America's 'father of national parks' John Muir).
The route symbolically passes through Scotland's own first national park, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, and offers a chance to connect with nature, taking advantage of the green spaces that link our coasts, villages, towns and even the capital city.
Good transport links and plentiful accommodation make it easy to plan a coast to coast expedition, or split it into sections to be completed over day trips or weekends.
About John Muir’s Birthplace
John Muir's life and work has inspired people all over the world. Discover how a boy born in Dunbar became one of the driving forces behind the global conservation movement.
Our absorbing hands-on interpretation centre will take you on a journey through John Muir's life as a pioneering conservationist, explorer, writer, geologist and inventor. Our friendly, well-informed staff are always on hand to help and answer questions.
The building is fully accessible with three floors of family friendly interactive displays complemented by a lively events and exhibitions programme and a shop offering books and gifts for all ages.
About the Artist
Sharon McMenemy-Khan is a professional photographer and curator. She has worked as a photojournalist, writer and entrepreneur. Born in Scotland, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen in New York (where Van Cortlandt Park boasts the John Muir Nature Trail). Her work also appears at her gallery and creative workspace: The 4 Pegs on St. Mary’s Street, Edinburgh. All the photographs in the exhibition are digital.
Sharon said: “I'm very honoured that my work is part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the John Muir Way. Discovering the purple sign during a lockdown local Edinburgh cycle opened up an enchanting experience of new vistas I'd never seen, even growing up here, and inspired me to photograph the natural beauty of Scotland.”