Highland Park is bringing the spirit of the orkney’s summer solstice to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall. Titled Highland Park Orkadia, this three-day 8,000 square feet of moss and 220 flowering heather plants is a celebration of the longest day of the year on one of the most unique landscapes in the world: Orkney, Scotland.
Remote, wild and windswept, Orkney is an archipelago situated off the far north coast of Scotland where the North Sea rises up to meet the Atlantic Ocean. The gale-force winds that assault the islands from every angle create a starkly beautiful treeless landscape dominated by native moss, grasses and heather. This in turn creates the aromatic peat — woodless, but rich in heather — that, when used to dry malted barley, gives Highland Park whisky its flavor profile.
Under Viking rule for over 600 years and part of Scotland for the last six centuries, Orkney’s identity and culture are closely aligned with those of the Nordic countries. In true Scandinavian form, the summer solstice is one of the most anticipated days of the year on Orkney, rivaling the holidays with its spirit and traditions.
On this day (6/21), the sun never quite sets. Sunrise and sunset align with the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar and the natural breaks in the hills, creating a spectacular and spiritual link with our past and the forces of nature. Orcadians celebrate with feasting, dancing, large bonfires and, of course, Highland Park whisky.
The installation coincides with the launch of The Light, Highland Park’s newest expression, the counterpart to The Dark (which launched on the winter solstice of 2017).
Once the installation concludes Friday (6/22), all plants will be donated to Repeat Roses, an organization brightening the lives of communities around the US by repurposing plants and giving them second and third lives.