5 December 2025 Issue 2657 © ULLAPOOL NEWS
EXHIBITION REVIEW
Jean’s Eggs
Goose Egg Carving and Decoration – The Work of Jean Mackenzie
The Macphail Centre is delighted to present an exhibition of carved and decorated real goose eggs by the late Jean Mackenzie of Royal Park, Ullapool.
Goose egg carving is a precise and technically demanding craft that involves emptying and cleaning eggs before cut-ting and decorating their shells. The eggshells, though fragile, can be transformed into detailed ornamental pieces using specialist tools and techniques.
Jean Mackenzie was born in London on February 9th 1931 and moved to Ullapool in 1970 with her husband Kenny John (Day) Mackenzie. From the mid-1980s, Jean developed her significant skills in this craft over thirty years until her eyesight began to deteriorate and she could no longer see the detail required for the work.
She used specialist delicate power drills and saws similar to dentists’ tools, to cut intricate and complex designs into the eggshells. She then painted and embellished the eggs with materials such as jewels and beads and added many extra elements including lights and even a wind-up musical box.
Jean passed away earlier this year age 94. This exhibition is presented with thanks to her family, who have kindly shared her collection.
*****
In 2026, the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA), one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions in Scotland, will be 200 years old. An independent artist-led organisation with links to every part of Scotland and beyond, the Royal Scottish Academy is planning a unique celebration involving hundreds of artists, partners, galleries and institutions. The full programme is revealed today, with events taking place across the Western Highlands, Western Isles and North West in 2026.
Colin Greenslade, Director of the RSA, says:
‘This ambitious anniversary celebration will bring partners and communities together to celebrate the cultural history and present influence and connections of the Royal Scottish Academy across Scotland and beyond. The RSA has long supported art and architecture in Scotland and, in its 200th year, is a dynamic institution run by artists, for artists. This bicentenary celebration offers a fantastic opportunity to spotlight our unique independent heritage, our connections to (and support of) Scotland’s contemporary artists and architects; and to pave the way for the future prosperity of the visual arts in Scotland.’
An Talla Solais in Ullapool will host an exhibition of work by George Macpherson RSA alongside local artist and musician Mairearad Green celebrating Gaelic culture. Further events and exhibitions in the region will be announced in 2026.
*****
Sea Watch Foundation is a UK charity working to improve the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and
porpoises in British and Irish waters, founded by Prof. Peter Evans, a renowned cetacean scientist.
Sea Watch Foundation is calling for support from individuals, businesses or community partners to contribute and help
make an everlasting impact on marine conservation.
This December there is the chance of doubling every donation made between the 2nd and 9th of December. This
has been made possible by the Big Give Campaign by match funders Plan Aid and Sea Watch Foundation supporter
Mrs Rajkumari Jones.
With the help of the public, Sea Watch Foundation will be able to boost marine conservation efforts to protect whales
and dolphins across the UK. Sea Watch will be able to encourage more people to become citizen scientists, continue
managing critical cetacean research data, enhance their cutting-edge map viewer, maintain the free download and use
of the Sea Watchers app, and finally create vital educational panels around the Anglesey coast.
Anglesey is a key location for marine conservation with the increasing levels of human activity and disturbance around
the coast. Anglesey provides wildlife-rich waters which are important feeding grounds for seabirds and marine mammals
including bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and Risso’s dolphins. Anglesey is also home to a decreasing
population of harbour porpoise, the smallest cetacean found in the UK. By installing educational panels here, visitors will
be shown how to take action to protect these animals and boost awareness of the important habitat here.
Supporters can donate securely online at the official Big Give website (https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/
a05WS000006mWYQYA2). Contributions of any amount are appreciated and will play a vital role in advancing the
campaign goals. Sea Watch Foundation are offering a discount to anyone who donates £20, offering the membership
scheme or adopt a dolphin scheme for just £17.50 for one year! To read more about the campaign and work of Sea
Watch Foundation, please visit their website: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk
EXHIBITION REVIEW
Jean’s Eggs
Goose Egg Carving and Decoration – The Work of Jean Mackenzie
The Macphail Centre is delighted to present an exhibition of carved and decorated real goose eggs by the late Jean Mackenzie of Royal Park, Ullapool.
Goose egg carving is a precise and technically demanding craft that involves emptying and cleaning eggs before cut-ting and decorating their shells. The eggshells, though fragile, can be transformed into detailed ornamental pieces using specialist tools and techniques.
Jean Mackenzie was born in London on February 9th 1931 and moved to Ullapool in 1970 with her husband Kenny John (Day) Mackenzie. From the mid-1980s, Jean developed her significant skills in this craft over thirty years until her eyesight began to deteriorate and she could no longer see the detail required for the work.
She used specialist delicate power drills and saws similar to dentists’ tools, to cut intricate and complex designs into the eggshells. She then painted and embellished the eggs with materials such as jewels and beads and added many extra elements including lights and even a wind-up musical box.
Jean passed away earlier this year age 94. This exhibition is presented with thanks to her family, who have kindly shared her collection.
*****
In 2026, the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA), one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions in Scotland, will be 200 years old. An independent artist-led organisation with links to every part of Scotland and beyond, the Royal Scottish Academy is planning a unique celebration involving hundreds of artists, partners, galleries and institutions. The full programme is revealed today, with events taking place across the Western Highlands, Western Isles and North West in 2026.
Colin Greenslade, Director of the RSA, says:
‘This ambitious anniversary celebration will bring partners and communities together to celebrate the cultural history and present influence and connections of the Royal Scottish Academy across Scotland and beyond. The RSA has long supported art and architecture in Scotland and, in its 200th year, is a dynamic institution run by artists, for artists. This bicentenary celebration offers a fantastic opportunity to spotlight our unique independent heritage, our connections to (and support of) Scotland’s contemporary artists and architects; and to pave the way for the future prosperity of the visual arts in Scotland.’
An Talla Solais in Ullapool will host an exhibition of work by George Macpherson RSA alongside local artist and musician Mairearad Green celebrating Gaelic culture. Further events and exhibitions in the region will be announced in 2026.
*****
Sea Watch Foundation is a UK charity working to improve the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and
porpoises in British and Irish waters, founded by Prof. Peter Evans, a renowned cetacean scientist.
Sea Watch Foundation is calling for support from individuals, businesses or community partners to contribute and help
make an everlasting impact on marine conservation.
This December there is the chance of doubling every donation made between the 2nd and 9th of December. This
has been made possible by the Big Give Campaign by match funders Plan Aid and Sea Watch Foundation supporter
Mrs Rajkumari Jones.
With the help of the public, Sea Watch Foundation will be able to boost marine conservation efforts to protect whales
and dolphins across the UK. Sea Watch will be able to encourage more people to become citizen scientists, continue
managing critical cetacean research data, enhance their cutting-edge map viewer, maintain the free download and use
of the Sea Watchers app, and finally create vital educational panels around the Anglesey coast.
Anglesey is a key location for marine conservation with the increasing levels of human activity and disturbance around
the coast. Anglesey provides wildlife-rich waters which are important feeding grounds for seabirds and marine mammals
including bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and Risso’s dolphins. Anglesey is also home to a decreasing
population of harbour porpoise, the smallest cetacean found in the UK. By installing educational panels here, visitors will
be shown how to take action to protect these animals and boost awareness of the important habitat here.
Supporters can donate securely online at the official Big Give website (https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/
a05WS000006mWYQYA2). Contributions of any amount are appreciated and will play a vital role in advancing the
campaign goals. Sea Watch Foundation are offering a discount to anyone who donates £20, offering the membership
scheme or adopt a dolphin scheme for just £17.50 for one year! To read more about the campaign and work of Sea
Watch Foundation, please visit their website: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk
