Memory Loop is an ongoing meditative and explorative audiovisual project by the sound artists Kinbrae, often in collaboration with others, examining the relationship to place.

The series examines how people interact with the spaces around them and how the landscapes we inhabit can impact our lives and shape our memories.

Memory Loop #2 explores the Rottal Burn in Glen Clova, Scotland and is part of an ongoing collaboration with Dr Rebecca Wade, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science at Abertay University and Trustee at Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust.

This collaboration first started in June 2022 as part of an artist & scientist field trip to the Rottal Burn restoration project. The results of the field trip were presented during the Tayside Climate Beacon at V&A Dundee in July 2022.

"The restored section of the Rottal Burn is a very special place. Through restoration efforts, which have transformed the shape of the river from a straightened drainage ditch to a curving and cascading river channel, it is now a dynamic and biodiverse haven.

The Burn is part of the River South Esk catchment in Angus, Eastern Scotland. The South Esk flows down from the southern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, through Glen Doll and Glen Clova, through the city of Brechin to the North Sea at Montrose.

The restoration of the Rottal Burn has brought people and nature together. An idea was formed in 2010 or 2011 starting with Marshall Halliday from the Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust who had a conversation with Dee Ward the landowner at Rottal Estate to restore a straightened burn on his land to a meandering curvy river shape, primarily to benefit fish populations. This would reverse the straightening of the river which had taken place more than 100 years before. From there other partners came on board, funding was sought from the SEPA Water Environment Fund, the design planning and excavation work was carried out and the restored river channel was finally opened in August 2012. By re-meandering the shape of the river, it was restored to a more natural shape. We know that when we create natural shapes in our environment, when we support and encourage natural forms and processes, we're more likely to see nature and biodiversity thrive. And this is exactly what has happened at the Rottal Burn.

I've been monitoring the restored burn since 2012 and I've been able to observe the restoration of nature and biodiversity, the enhanced connection between species and habitats, between water and landscape, and witness the continuing dynamic nature of change on the site. Where previously the river was confined to a canal-like straight ditch it now moves and changes its shape. The river form and flow responds to each flood and drought, it's a dynamic interactive river system again and as such it's better linked with the environment that it drains, and provides more habitat so that biodiversity that can thrive there.

The collaborative relationship that exists between the stakeholders involved in the site is outstanding and continues to thrive. The celebration and awareness-raising we've been able to muster in relation to this restoration success story has brought visitors from around the world. It’s not just the flow and biology that are diverse here, visitors to the Rottal Burn have been diverse too. From school pupils to politicians and policy-makers, from civil engineers to creative practitioners, this small restoration project has inspired many folks. Projects like this help demonstrate that nature-based solutions can provide multiple benefits for people and planet.

We have collectively learned a lot from this successful river restoration project, as well as providing information for future restorations we have gained hope and inspiration. From a personal perspective, I simply enjoy spending time there. I find that the connection with nature is very strong, I’m surrounded by the sounds of the birds, of the wind in the trees, animals hidden in the long grasses, and of course the sound of the water. As the water flows its sound changes from still and tranquil to loud and rapid hurrying over rock riffles and around boulders.

The environment both above and below the water has improved for nature, the water has re-gained its agency, its ability to move and change the landscape it flows through, and it continues to inspire those who visit it."

Dr Rebecca Wade, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science at Abertay University and Trustee at Ask Rivers and Fisheries Trust