How I Designed a Powerful Logo for Bac Dubh’s Rewilding Dream

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 | mandyerush

Powerful Bac Dubh Logo Design

Introducing Bac Dubh

Introducing Bac Dubh
Bac Dubh, a rewilding project in Poolewe, Wester Ross, needed a visual identity to reflect its ethos of heritage, nature, and community. Creating a powerful Bac Dubh logo design was an exciting challenge.

Bac Dubh is a rewilding project located in the picturesque village of Poolewe, Wester Ross. Spanning 92 acres of peat bog and steep hillside, Bac Dubh is a haven for nature, people, and climate recovery. Purchased in January 2024, the land is now part of the Northwoods Rewilding Network, a Scotland-wide initiative promoting ecological restoration.

With a vision to restore thriving wetlands, regenerate woodlands, and foster flourishing wildlife. Bac Dubh is also deeply connected to its community. Its Gaelic name, meaning “dark moss,” with potential Norse ties referencing the “cliff,” reflects the area’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.

Creating the logo for Bac Dubh was about capturing its essence—a balance of ecological restoration, historical depth, and community connection.

Understanding the Brand

How I Approached the Powerful Bac Dubh Logo Design

The design of Bac Dubh’s logo needed to embody its ethos: rewilding for a better future, connecting people with nature, and celebrating heritage. The logo had to reflect these ideals while being versatile and memorable. It was essential to ensure the logo would resonate with Bac Dubh’s diverse audience, from locals to conservation enthusiasts.

The Design Process

Symbolism and Simplicity

The logo incorporates clean, organic shapes to reflect Bac Dubh’s connection to nature and its rewilding mission. A modern yet grounded typeface conveys the project’s forward-thinking vision while maintaining a timeless feel.

Versatility

Recognising the varied contexts in which the logo will appear, alternative versions were created. These ensure the logo is effective and consistent, regardless of the background or platform.

Structure and Clarity

A logo’s success often hinges on its structure and clarity. For Bac Dubh, I established:

Clear Space: A defined area around the logo ensures it remains visually distinct and uncluttered in every application, from social media to print materials.
Scalability: Designed to retain its clarity and recognisability, the logo works seamlessly whether displayed on a small profile picture or a large banner.

The Result

The Bac Dubh logo is more than a design—it’s a visual identity that tells a story.

It reflects the harmony between nature and people, the heritage of Wester Ross, and the project’s commitment to ecological restoration.

Reflections – Powerful Bac Dubh Logo Design

Designing the Bac Dubh logo was a meaningful journey. By aligning every design element with the project’s values, I created a logo that resonates with Bac Dubh’s purpose and audience.

For regular updates and to learn more about Bac Dubh’s inspiring rewilding efforts, follow them on Facebook or sign up for their quarterly newsletter.

Graphic Design by Mandy Elizabeth Rush

The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission

April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 | mandyerush

The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission

In the heart of Scotland lies a place steeped in history and mystery—Bannockburn House. This grand estate, with its sprawling gardens and centuries-old walls, holds within its embrace tales of the past. The whispered stories of the Bogles, or Ghosts as they are commonly known. But this is Scotland and our ghosts are Bogles and Bannockburn House is full of boisterous brave Bogles!

What is a Bogle?

Never heard of a Bogle? Ever heard of a Boggle or Bogill? What about a Bogeyman?

This ancient word is common not only in Scotland but also Northumbria. The words definition of one of a ghost!

The Commission

The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission

I do wish my commission had started with a letter, sealed with a wax stamp bearing the crest of Bannockburn House.

Of course in the 21st Century is begins with a missed voice mail. Next there is a telephone call. Followed by a What’sApp message or two. They eventually introduce me to the faded elegance of Bannockburn House and the amazing group of volunteers who help to run the house.

Ghosty Beggars of Bannockburn House

The Magical Story of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Book Project

Bannockburn House is very popular for Paranormal Evenings. Thrill seekers can attend special events at Bannockburn House, wandering the dark corridors and uncovering its spooky past. Visitors to the events not only leave with a thrill and a CHILL!

Unravelling the Mysteries of Bannockburn House

As an author and illustrator I first need to get to know my character. In this case the character is the beautiful old Manor House and the stories which inhabit its amazing halls and old damp walls. I receive a generous invite to walk the passages and hear some of the history of Bannockburn House by three passionate volunteers. I learn about Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Key to Stirling Auld Toon, The Fire and of course the supernatural inhabitants of this old stately home.

Meet the Characters- The Bogles

Fiona, a talented fabric artist introduces me to the Bogles she has been creating. These Bogles are made from beautiful pieces of recycled wool and scraps of material, buttons and ribbon. The ghostly Bogles are sold in the shop along with other amazing creations. The proceeds of these sales go towards the restoration work which will eventually see Bannockburn House reclaim it’s stately beauty.

Capturing the Magic

I spend an amazing few hours in the company of the volunteers being guided around the building. In each room a little bit more of the houses unique history is shared. Secrets reveal themselves and the atmosphere seeps into my bones.

I take lots of photos, ask lots of questions. All the information, the sights, sounds, smells, penetrate my being. Finally the story of the Beastly Bogles of Bannockburn House slowly begins to take shape!

The Story becomes a Reality

The Enchanting Tale of Bannockburn House: A Children’s Storybook Commission. At last the story of the Beastly Bogles is now written. The next stage of this fun process is illustrating the antics of the Bogles and their amazing adventure!

To learn more about my visit to Bannockburn House and it’s history go to our wee wild adventures website

For more books by Mandy

Flannelfoot a Scottish Bogeyman another tale of things that creep in the night.

Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn another true tale and this time a wee Scottish Witch.

10 things about Isobel Gowdie Scotlands most famous Witch

10 things you never knew about Isobel Gowdie, Scotland’s most famous Witch

August 15, 2023August 15, 2023 | mandyerush

10 things about Isobel Gowdie Scotlands most famous witch from Nairnshire. A poor innocent woman accused of witchcraft in the 17th century. Never heard of Isobel Gowdie? Then read on to learn 10 things you never knew about Isobel Gowdie!

1. Isobel Gowdie is Scotland’s most famous witch

Scotland’s most famous witch, Isobel Gowdie, lived in the Lochloy area of Nairn in the 17^th Century. Indeed the Moray Coast is famous for its witchcraft. It is estimated that over 4000 witches were killed along the Moray Coast. Indeed if you visit Forres today be sure to visit the Witches Stone. This marks the spot where witches were driven in barrels, through which spikes were driven and then the barrel was burnt.

2. Confessed to Witchcraft

Isobel’s case is incredibly fascinating as the original transcripts of her trial still exist and are located in the National Archives of Scotland. The detail of Isobel’s confessions over a six week period are rich with detail although we have no idea of the tortures she endured during the time of solitary confinement.

3. The original transcripts of Isobel Gowdie’s trial still exist

Isobel Gowdie confessed, most probably under extreme duress and torture. It was transcribed that she used magic to attempt to destroy her neighbours crops, she used effigies which she burnt to bring harm to the Laird’s male offspring. Fairies, hares, jackdaws, the devil and other creatures feature in Isobel’s confessions, along with implicating her neighbours and friends.

4. Isobel was tried by 12 powerful men of Nairnshire

Local Lairds (including the Laird of Park and Loch Loy, her landlord), Harry Forbes the local minister. Also present and part of her interrogation was Hugh Rose, public notary John Innes and church elders.

Evil men judge Isobel Gowdie at her trial

5. Isobel Gowdie was tried in Auldearn

It is believed that Isobel was held in Auldearn Tolbooth and it is also in Auldearn where Isobel confessed, she would meet the devil at the Auld Kirk. At Auldearn Kirk she also confessed that the devil sent her on an errand to Auldearn disguised as a hare.

Auld Kirk of Auldearn — Auldearn Auld Kirk

6. Isobel implicated 12 other members of the community as part of her coven

From the confessions tortured from Isobel, Janet Breadhead and Margret Brodie were also put on trial. In total, forty-one people were arrested as a result of Isobel’s tortured confessions.

7. The fate of Isobel Gowdie is not certain

After the six weeks of trial the true fate of Isobel has been lost in time. However just outside Auldearn, as a place known locally as Gallowhill, it is believed that Isobel and the rest of her coven were hung and burnt.

8. Green Witch of Auldearn

To this day there are sightings of a green lady in Auldearn. An ethereal ghost or restless soul which roams Auldearn and Nairn seeking resolution and compassion. It is actually believed the Isobel was probably a healer or midwife to her local community. It is suggested that she probably spurned the sexual advances of her local Laird and fell foul to the zealot local minister. Although we do not know much about Isobel we do know that at this time in Nairnshire there was famine, war and sand storms. Perhaps a time where a convenient scapegoat had to be found and blamed for the difficult times.

9. Books, Orchestral Works, Songs,Plays, Podcasts and of course the original transcripts

Isobel Gowdie is the most famous witch in Scotland and has proven to be an inspiration to writers and historians alike. This enigma of a woman, a poor cottar’s wife, who provided so much detail in her tortured confessions remains fresh in the memories of locals and visitors alike.

Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn – Children’s Book, by Mandy E Rush

The Confessions of Isobel Gowdie – Orchestral Work, by James MacMillan

The Witch of Auldearn – Play, by John Lawson

Weight of Sand – Podcast, by Stories of Scotland

10. Visit Nairn Museum, Auldearn Church and the Isobel Gowdie Mural

If you are no intrigued about Isobel Gowdie, perhaps you would be interested in finding out a little bit more about this innocently accused woman? Thana tourism or dark tourism, refers to visiting places where dark events of human history occurred.

In this case, we would encourage you to visit Nairn Museum for more information of Isobel Gowdie and of course visit the Auld Kirk in Auldearn. Auldearn is a sleep and beautiful village just a short bicycle ride outside Nairn, where not only can you visit the original chapel but local a local artist has painted a mural in the local square which details Isobel’s story.

Why not download this helpful Exploring Nairnshire map with cycle routes.

Watch this YouTube Movie of Isobel’s Story.

Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn

Isobel Gowdie in the cart being taken to Gallowhill

August 14, 2023March 13, 2024 | mandyerush

Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn an illustrated story book for children, written and illustrated by Mandy E. Rush.

The most lastest subject of Mandy’s children’s book is the real character, Isobel Gowdie. Isobel is a local woman who was accused and convicted of witch craft in the 17th century in Nairnshire.

Mandy first heard of the story of Isobel Gowdie after Nairn Museum held a talk in the summer of 2022 held for the year of Scotland’s stories. Mandy then started doing research on Scotland’s most famous witch and found copies of original transcripts of Isobel’s trial, a podcast and much more.

Mandy then went exploring on her bicycle and visited Auldearn on a sunny Sunday. She was keen to visit the Auld Kirk where tortured Isobel confessed to having dealings with the devil and the amazing mural at the square in Auldearn. The Isobel Gowdie Mural by local artist Helen Wright contains illustrations and rhyming verse detailing the horrors of Isobel’s story.

Isobel Gowdie the Green Witch of Auldearn tells the story of Isobel from the time she was a small girl. She is a special child who finds joy all around her. She tends too and cares for all the creatures which surround her. She helps the old hare escape from an evil snare, she helps Mr Jackdaw when she finds him with a thorn in his wing.

Isobel sings and dances and laughs in the natural world which she inhabits and indeed grows up with the knowledge to be a healer not only to her animal friends. Isobel becomes a healer to her neighbours and friends and even becomes a midwife.

Unfortunately at this time, Nairnshire is not all a tranqility. It is a time of war, famine and sandstorms and the poor young woman becomes an easy scapegoat for powerful men looking for someone to blame for the ills in the shire.