Video: Lament – What Will Be Lost to MachairWind

The proposed wind farm development, featuring massive turbines towering to the height of the Eiffel Tower, directly threatens the historic maritime horizon between Iona and Ireland. This open sea passage was once a bustling maritime highway for Saint Columba, his patrons, and his followers, serving as the vital link that nurtured and spread early Christianity across the region. Historic Environment Scotland recognizes this empty horizon as a powerful symbol of that ancient connection. However, developers dismiss this profound link as a mere ‘symbolic manifestation', effectively asking the community to look away from the destruction of their heritage.

In response to this modern David and Goliath battle, this symbolic painting depicts Iona summoning Saint Columba back to protect the island’s horizon after fifteen hundred years. Imbued with rich subtext, the artwork shows a Columban cross standing straight and true upon a curragh, miraculously navigating tempestuous seas as it sails directly beneath the legs of Turbine No. 91 toward the calm of Iona. The top of the cross mirrors the side elevation of Iona Abbey, and it is strapped tightly to the mast.

Hear David's explanation of both his painting and the inspiration behind it in this video, Iona Elegy.