THE HIGHLAND 2007 project may still seem a long way away, but there is now less than 18 month until it arrives. Whatever shape it finally takes, it will make a major impact on the Highlands and Islands art scene, not just for what goes on here during and beyond its tenure, but also for the way we are perceived beyond the region.

There still seems to be a fair degree of confusion over exactly what shape the year will take, partly because it is still at a fairly early stage in development, and partly because it is quite a complicated set up. The ensuing months will bring more clarification as people get to grips with the processes involved, and concrete projects start to emerge.

For now, though, we are pleased to publish the views of a group of artists, directors and general movers and shakers on the Highlands and Islands art scene. They range from total disengagement through to enthusiastic application, profound scepticism to hopeful optimism. Our thanks go to all of those who participated in this voluntary exercise at a busy time, and those individuals and companies invited to participate who have not yet done so – you know who you are – are still more than welcome to add their thoughts to the feature.

It might be interesting to revisit this survey closer to the launch of the Highland 2007 year itself, and see how it is shaping up against current expectations.

Elsewhere in the Journal this month, the ever-popular Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain share their thoughts with us as their annual Scottish tour rolls on around the country.

Music of many different kinds will be on offer at the Tartan Heart festival at Belladrum, expanded to two days this year. Joe Gibbs explains the changes. The Nairn International Jazz Festival is a rather longer established staple of the August scene, and the appearance by the Count Basie Orchestra has already led to a second performance being scheduled following a quick sell out of the original show. As usual, there is much high quality mainstream jazz on offer.

Away from the music scene, NVA are undertaking one of their celebrated outdoor arts experiences at the Storr in Skye. ‘The Storr – Unfolding Landscape: A Midnight Walk’ runs until mid September. Mark Fisher will set the scene for the project.

Visitors will have noticed that our events reviews and film reviews are now accessed by clicking a single link in the navigation bar, leading to a new-look index page. This is the first of a number of new design and navigation features that we will be introducing in the coming weeks, along with a new name for the Journal. Watch this space, and keep checking back for regularly updated news, features and reviews throughout the month.

Kenny Mathieson
Commissioning Editor

Kenny Mathieson lives and works in Boat of Garten, Strathspey. He studied American and English Literature at the University of East Anglia, graduating with a BA (First Class) in 1978, and a PhD in 1983. He has been a freelance writer on various arts-related subjects since 1982, and contributes to the Inverness Courier, The Herald, The Scotsman, The List, Times Educational Supplement Scotland, and other publications. He is the author of two books on jazz, Giant Steps and Cookin’ (both Canongate), and edited Celtic Music – A Listener’s Guide (BackbeatUK).