Cairnbulg cyclist’s Arctic feat now hailed in song

Big-screen movie in making to celebrate 3,000-mile trip

By Jamie Buchan

Published:

ADVENTURER: James Duthie, who took on the Arctic challenge on a bicycle

The amazing story of a profoundly deaf north-east cyclist who rode into the Arctic Circle with just a blanket and a few jumpers to keep him warm has inspired a musical tribute.

More than 50 years after Cairnbulg factory worker James Duthie completed his epic 3,000-mile adventure, his journal is already being made into a big-screen feature by award-winning director Matt Hulse.

Now the tale has inspired a collection of songs, which will be released as an album later this month.

Acclaimed Glasgow musician and composer Daniel Padden will be launching the CD at a series of concerts starting in Edinburgh’s Dovecot Studios on Friday, November 13.

Mr Padden will also be performing, as The One Ensemble, at Aberdeen’s Peacock Visual Arts on Sunday, November 15. He will be joined by singer Sarah Kenchington.

Footage filmed for Mr Hulse’s film, on locations in and around Fraserburgh and along the route of Mr Duthie’s trip, will also be shown.

Mr Duthie, who could not speak, was affectionately known as Dummy Jim and became a celebrity after returning from his journey. He travelled through the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden before crossing into the Arctic Circle.

Edinburgh-based Mr Hulse said: “The album has been inspired by the same book as the film and the music will appear in the film. It’s an interesting way of working, but I was reminded that that was how Evita evolved.”

The film project was kick-started with a £25,000 award from the Scottish Arts Council in 2001. Fans are being invited to help fund the venture via the official website, www.dummyjim.com

The film’s makers are trying to achieve a size-zero carbon footprint by using clockwork cameras and cycle-powered generators where possible. For more details, visit www.myspace.com/ oneensemble