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Clue Three

Clue Three

Paul, Somerset Levels asked:
‘Hi Erland, a beautiful combination of music and the natural world, thank you! Can we identify the likely location from the clues and resources available before visiting these beautiful islands?’

Erland answered:
‘Thank you, yes. As a nod to Ian Rankin, who holds a paper copy of the score, the clues on the polaroid image released each equinox period, will form part of a simple puzzle or abstract map. The puzzle shares the same name as his renowned detective. Along with an Orkney map, anyone can figure out the location with some abstract thinking. I wouldn't be surprised if a 10 year old solves it first.’

Ben Matthews, Unknown asked:
‘Where do you stand on The KLF burning £1m?’

Erland answered:
‘I enjoyed meeting Mr Drummond. In his Curfew Tower he was reunited with a guitar, he played my 1965 Silvertone. I've a fond memory of him beating a radiator with a stick in time to the music we were making. He drove me to the airport at 4am and remained in 3rd gear for most of the journey. We spoke of many things and in my motion sickness, I don't recall what he said about that one. He did say, a great idea is one that stands alone without its creator.’

Miriam, Unknown asked:
‘Hi Erland, have you ever considered leaving another album under the sea? I guess that's too challenging for the album itself and people searching for it...for their survival I me, je, je, but why not?’

Erland answered:
‘On a record called Sule Skerry and another called Landform, I explored the north sea with drowned and dried tape loops, much like sea weed or kelp. I've always found the thought of scuba diving rather claustrophobic but I like to snorkel from time to time. The scuttled naval ships in Scapa Flow are a diving mecca and I was thrilled to read about Shackleton's lost ship being discovered, preserved after 100 years.’

Samantha, Paris, France asked:
‘Well, say a person found this trove on that cove, and instead of taking, gave. Added and item. What might that little gem be? ... (also, it seems I’ve been assigned a quantum life in Paris. Mercy!)’

Erland answered:
‘I believe that's called geocaching or letterboxing? Perhaps a tape-head or cattie-face owl feather. I'd like the tape and contents of the box to eventually remain in the Stromness Pier Arts Centre if they want it.’

Richard & Emily asked:
‘Would you recommend a shovel or a spade to unearth the treasure? Or maybe perhaps a small trowel would suffice? I wish we lived closer. We'd be out every weekend poking around the hills and shoreline!’

Erland answered:
‘Only if you find the rune stone on the planting site should you dig at all but thank you. I used a pick, a shovel and a spade along with the strong back of violinist Daniel Pioro. On reflection, it's not dug all too deep, no more that 2/3 feet but wide enough to home a violin and biscuit tin.’

Saskia, Melbourne, Australia asked:
‘Erland, I don't want to know where the spot is, but tell me how you knew you had found it. Tell me what this place means to you.’

Erland answered:
‘I wanted to plant it in the most northernly natural forest in the UK, Berriedale, but I didn't. I wanted to plant it on the summit of Ward Hill on Hoy, but I didn't. I planted it somewhere that would perhaps resonate with George Mackay Brown, a safe haven.’