3 The East Coast Longformacus to Cockburnspath Kist maker : Rachael Long Sculptor Image: Blackburn Mill Sickle in the National Museums of Scotland Date: 1900 years ago People in the past lived in an unpredictable world, where bad weather, or bad luck, could ruin their chance of survival. They felt the need to enlist the help of magic. The mudane and ritual aspects of daily life become entwined in this phallic-handled sickle from Blackburn Mill. It formed part of a large hoard of metalwork, which was probably deposited as a votive offering. It dates from the late Iron Age and was found very near to the SUW footpath. The connection between human and agricultural fertility is an age-old theme in human society. This object seems to make a very clear statement about the ability of a man to serve his family - in all senses of the word!

Rachael Long Sculptor The Lodge Abbey St Bathans DUNS Berwickshire TD11 3TX 01361 840271

Living in the Borders has allowed Rachael Long to immerse herself in the spirit of the landscape. In Abbey St Bathans, surrounded by ancient woodland, the Whiteadder River, an Iron Age broch, the remains of an 8^th century Celtic church, and a holy well, she has experienced the strength of the spirit of a place.

This translates into her work, especially in how she views animals and birds. In her sculptures, using redundant machine parts, scrap, she captures their spirit and the essence of their forms. Her creatures take on an entirely new life of their own. The kist she has made is a real strong box, robustly constructed from gate hinges.