Gordon goes wild for new calendar
TOP wildlife photographer Gordon Buchanan has praised a charity calendar that was created to give something back to the Macmillan Day Care Unit in Oban’s hospital.
Gordon commended the ‘Ootmyhoosewindae’ calendar when he gave a presentation at the Corran Halls in Oban last Wednesday in front of a packed audience.
Ootmyhoosewindae was created by Robert Cruikshanks and Janice Alexander.
Robert is a keen amateur photographer and regularly photographs wildlife at his home in Glencruitten.
‘It was my photographs, but it was all Janice,’ Robert said. ‘She came up with the idea to give something back. It’s all about her. It’s all designed and focused on Janice giving something back for the excellent care and attention she has received over the years.
‘Gordon Buchanan was really good. He plugged away for us and gave us his support.’
Speaking after his Animal Family and Me talk, Gordon said: ‘It’s a great charity. It’s local people doing something to help other people. I’m really impressed by the standard of photography. It’s a perfect example of paying attention to the things on your doorstep.’
Gordon is quoted on the back of the calendar saying: ‘Robert Cruickshanks looks out of his house window near Oban every day. The local wildlife he observes and captures on his camera is truly amazing. It just shows you what’s on your own doorstep.’
More than 100 charity calendars were sold during the event. A total of 500 were made, with each one selling for £10 and a donation.
Robert said: ‘We have incredible wildlife around us, but I could not get close to woodpeckers and some birds, so I was taking photographs out of my window and when someone asked where did you get these pictures, my answer was “oot my hoose windae”. I think it works.’
As well as creating the calendars, Robert runs a pine marten workshop, where a couple of people can sit and watch the creatures in their natural habitat.
He said, ‘all I ask is that if people have enjoyed their visit, they give a donation.
‘People say it’s very calming but it’s also very intense. If someone has wanted to see one for years and you put one in front of them – it takes their breath away.’
Gordon Buchanan said: ‘It’s great. It’s quite funny being here. I feel like a bit of a fraud doing something like this on my home turf, because of the people who know me.’
Anyone who would like to purchase a calendar can do so from Hannah’s, Roxy’s, Annie’s Burger Van, Oban Veterinary Surgeons, Munro’s Garage, Ross Electrics, Dunbeg Stores, Poppies Garden Centre, as well as Connel and Dalmally Post Offices.
Alternatively, calendars can be purchased online at www.ootmahoosewindae.weebly. com.