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2014 A Fine Line { 25 images } Created 1 May 2014

'A Fine Line' was a project I undertook for a year beginning in March 2013, in which I traveled and photographed the 96-mile border between Scotland and England. The resulting photography was exhibited for the first time at Impressions Gallery, Bradford from July, 2014 as part of the Document Scotland show entitled 'Beyond the Border'.

The project looked at the physical border as it runs from west to east, but was also a metaphysical examination of my own identity as an exiled Scot in England.

I wanted to make connections back to my country of birth, at the same time documenting places, people and events I encountered over the course of 12 months.
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  • 'Welcome to Scotland, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
The point where the M74 motorway intersects the border at the small Scottish town of Gretna, next to the river Sark.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130316CMC_AFL_Editorial-03.jpg
  • 'Married couple, Gretna, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
A couple returning to Gretna one year on from their marriage. Gretna has long been a popular destination for people getting married, which dates back to an era when the age of majority was different south of the border.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130316CMC_AFL_Editorial-05.jpg
  • 'Farmland, Hustle Bank, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
Farmland by the banks of the river Sark, which marks the boundary between Scotland and England.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130316CMC_AFL_Editorial-11.jpg
  • 'Union Road, Gretna, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
Union Road, a reference to the 1707 Treaty of Union between Scotland and England.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130316CMC_AFL_Editorial-23.jpg
  • 'Wedding, Gretna Green, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
Marriages have continued to be conducted here since the time when the age of majority was different in Scotland and England. Eloping English couples were a regular sight in Gretna in the past.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130420CMC_AFL_Editorial-47.jpg
  • 'Solway Firth, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
A barbed-wire fence by the banks of the Solway Firth, with the English side of the estuary visible in the background.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130420CMC_AFL_Editorial-48.jpg
  • 'Jimmy Boyd, Gretna Bowling Club, Gretna, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
Gretna Bowling Club, located in the small Scottish border town, plays competitive fixtures only against other Scottish teams as the rues of the sport differ on either side of the border.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130420CMC_AFL_Editorial-49.jpg
  • 'Rod Stewart, Gretna, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
A sign advertising a performance by a Rod Stewart tribute act. Rod Stewart is an English singer who has build an identity as a Scot.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130420CMC_AFL_Editorial-57.jpg
  • 'Burial ground, Canonbie, 2013'  from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
A cemetery in Canonbie, in the Debatable Lands, a part of the borders straddling Scotland and England which was home to the lawless bandits called Reivers up until the beginning of the beginning of the 17th century.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130715CMC_AFL_Editorial-06.jpg
  • 'Penton Bridge, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
This historic bridge over the Liddel Water marks the border and is a popular place for people from both countries to relax and socialise.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130715CMC_AFL_Editorial-25.jpg
  • 'Campsite, Canonbie, 2013'  from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
Caravanning is a British obsession and this campsite in the heart of the so-called Debatable lands hosts holidaymakers from both Scotland and England, making it look like a football match between the Scots and the Auld Enemy<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130716CMC_AFL_Editorial-08.jpg
  • 'Sheep judging, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
Scottish farmers looking at the sheep judging at the annual Holm Show agricultural show at Newcastleton.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130831CMC_AFL_Editorial-05.jpg
  • 'The Holm Show, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
A young Scottish girl with equestrian trophies won at the annual Holm Show in Newcastleton.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130831CMC_AFL_Editorial-30.jpg
  • 'Tourist, Carter Bar, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
A Chinese tourist poses for a photograph at a point which historically rival Scottish and English armies would cross the border during skirmishes and battles.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130922CMC_AFL_Editorial-05.jpg
  • 'Lone piper, Carter Bar, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
The crossing point between Scotland and England at carter Bar on the A68 trunk road which links Newcastle and Edinburgh.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130922CMC_AFL_Editorial-09.jpg
  • 'Site of the Battle of Redeswire, 2013' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
This field was the site of the last battle between the kingdoms of Scotland and England, which took place in 1575AD and resulted in a Scottish victory.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    130922CMC_AFL_Editorial-16.jpg
  • 'Salmon Nets, Paxton House, 2013'  from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
Nets drying at Paxton House at the site of the last salmon netting station on the Scottish side of the river Tweed. Laws governing salmon fishing using a net and boat are different on each side of the border.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    131023CMC_AFL_Editorial-07.jpg
  • 'Woman with a Union Jack bag, Town Yetholm, 2014' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
A woman with a Union Jack bag waiting for a bus before going to nearby Kelso to shop. "People think the bag represents my politics, but really, I just liked it'" she said.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    140108CMC_AFL_Editorial-06.jpg
  • 'Border fence, Cheviot hills, 2014' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
The fence which marks the border between Scotland and England, high up on the slopes of the Cheviot hills in the Scottish Borders.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    140108CMC_AFL_Editorial-08.jpg
  • 'Derelict building, Coldstream, 2014' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
A derelict building awaiting repair in Coldstream, a small town on the river Tweed which separates Scotland from England.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    140226CMC_AFL_Editorial-02.jpg
  • 'Jehovah's Witnesses, Coldstream, 2014' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
"We won't be voting in the referendum on Scottish Independence as we don't take part in elections. There is only one leader we support - God."<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    140226CMC_AFL_Editorial-03.jpg
  • 'Inshore waters, 2014' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
The North Sea, looking east from the border. In 1999 by order of the Westminster parliament in London, around 6000 square miles was unilaterally transferred from Scottish ownership to become part of England's territorial waters.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    140227CMC_AFL_Editorial-03.jpg
  • 'Berwickshire coastal path, 2014' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
The first sign of Scotland: the Berwickshire coastal path which intersects the border high above the North Sea, just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    140227CMC_AFL_Editorial-06.jpg
  • 'Haulage business, Lamberton, 2014' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
Scottish flags on a articulated lorries parked in a haulage business a mile from the border with England.<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    140227CMC_AFL_Editorial-09.jpg
  • 'Garden gnomes, Town Yetholm, 2014' from 'A Fine Line - Exploring Scotland's Border with England' by Colin McPherson.<br />
<br />
An army of garden gnomes gathered in a garden under the Scottish flags, possibly waiting to repel an army of English gnomes just per the border?<br />
<br />
The project was a one-year exploration of the border between the two historic nations, as seen from the Scottish side of the frontier.<br />
<br />
Colin McPherson is a photographer and visual artist based in north west England. In 2012 he was one of the founding members of Document Scotland, a collective of four Scottish documentary photographers brought together by a common vision to witness and photograph the important and diverse stories within Scotland at one of the most important times in our nation's history.<br />
<br />
'A Fine Line' will be shown for the first time in public at Impressions Gallery, Bradford, from July 1 until September 27, 2014 to coincide with the Scottish Independence referendum.
    140227CMC_AFL_Editorial-10.jpg