Riders will carry water from a spring reputed to have powers of healing and prophecy across the hills from near Moffat to Morton Castle for the Environmental Art Festival Scotland.
The project, called Quest, involves horsemen and women from Lockerbie, Annan, Dumfries, Thornhill and Sanquhar.
It is led by local environmental artist and director of ‘Wide Open’ Jan Hogarth.
Quest is one of the many innovative and engaging arts projects which are taking place during EAFS Off Grid on August 29 and 30.
The project, which celebrates local riding traditions, will see water collected from Hartfell Spring and taken to the free public art event.
It will be available for people to sip in advance of a series of fireside talks about the future of our land and environment.
Jan said: “The traditions of riding through landscape in Dumfries and Galloway are embedded in our culture.
“People here feel a strong connection with the land and are proud of our traditions and history.
“Quest aims to celebrate passion for people and place while also reflecting on the importance of good quality water, which Moffat is famous for.
“Climate experts recognise that water will become a much sought after resource in the future.”
Daniel Leigh, an environmental geo-science student from Moffat, will bring the water up Hartfell to meet the riders, who are made up of members from a number of local cornets clubs.
The range of local participants from rural organisations highlights the traditional links between people and landscape in Annandale and Nithsdale.
The water is expected to arrive at the festival around 7pm on the Saturday, just in time for the fireside conversations which will bring together artists, scientists, academics, and local residents.
Bud Little of Lockerbie Cornets Club said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to do this ‘Bear Grylls’ challenge on horseback.
“It means a lot that Quest and Environmental Art Festival Scotland appreciate us and want us involved.
“We’re all a local community and we have to help each other; it’s important to do things together. I’m looking forward to this spectacular ride.”
Daniel added: “Having grown up in Moffat I have spent many days playing, walking, and exploring in the hills and valleys around the town.
“There is something very special about this place and the people who live here. I am really honoured to be asked to carry the water to Queensberry; it’s wonderful to be connecting so many communities in a new way and humbling to be a part of it.
“I am really looking forward to spreading around some of the magic of the Moffat hills.”
The inspiration for Quest comes from a book by famous historian Count Nikolai Tolstoy, titled The Quest for Merlin.
