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Website and upcoming film about deaf explorer’s arctic journey

  • Written by Steve Claridge
A website has been launched exploring the journey of a profoundly deaf Scot who cycled to the Arctic Circle.

Edinburgh-based artist and filmmaker Matt Hulse has created the interactive website about James Duthie’s journey in advance of a feature film he is making.

Mr Duthie, also known as Dummy Jim because he was mute, covered 3000 miles on his bike back in 1951, travelling from Fraserburgh via France to the Arctic Circle. He rode alone for three months, spending just £12 en route. His own account of his travels was published in 1957 as I Cycled Into the Arctic Circle.

Deaf actor Samuel Dore, who appears in the film, also features on the website, which gives visitors a chance to explore some of the highlights of Mr Duthie’s journey.

It was launched at Glasgow’s CCA with a live performance from the film’s composer, Daniel Padden, and projections of Super 8mm film shot along the original route. Visit www.dummyjim.com to find out more.

Seen on Edinburgh Evening News.