Strathcarron Hospice (SMR1736)
(1) The Nurses’ Window is to be found in the entrance hall. “The circular design is intended to convey the form of the Earth which offers the opportunity for our existence and is our environment. Sun, Sky, land and sea are universal to all of us, thus they have been included symbolically for the elements which provide the essence of the meaning of the window.
The lines of leading in the window are arranged in such a way vertically as to suggest the lines of longitude on the surface of the earth, while those that move across the design illustrate the currents of the ocean and the winds over the face of the Earth. Fringing the window to left and right are the shapes of the Fern, defined as ‘one of the beautiful class of higher plants’. Of such quality is the spirit of the Hospice.
At the base of the design are the Caring Hands immersed in the turbulent ‘Sea of Life’, their presence having a soothing effect. Central to the layout is the Oak Sapling, springing from the Caring Hands. These hands and what is behind their actions encourage and influence the strength and courageous optimism of all the people associated with a Hospice. The Oak is the traditional symbol of strength. The leaves of the oak are sombre in colour as they emerge from the trunk above the Hands, but in the knowledge that in the great majority of human situations extreme grief has its limits, the leaves gradually transform to the hope of new life by becoming soft green in Spring colour against the Sun, then rich green in the flowering of the trust that positive life remains after the process of grief has passed and a warm memory is retained of the departed.
The Bird Forms depict the Flight of the Spirit and are related to the Dove and the Fulmar, land and sea- based respectively and both part of our surroundings. There are three birds so that there is the suggestion of the Spirit of the Family implied, winging upwards in a strength of symbolic relationships, and in unison at a time of human stress and suffering, all reaching in harmony towards the great benefactor of Life on Earth, namely, the Sun, offering in its warmth and light an hope.”
Adam Robson, artist, c.2000.
(2) One end of the room for contemplation/chapel at Strathcarron Hospice is taken by a window that occupies most of the wall. To the left is a tree bearing all manner of fruits. It stands in a “pool” of blue and turquoise glass that looks like the ripples of life where the surface has been disturbed by falling objects. The upper right of the window is of clear glass giving a view of the outside world.
G.B. Bailey (2019)
Falkirk Local History Society 