NORTHINGS awakes from its seasonal slumber this week, but not quite as originally intended. In the December editorial, I spoke of an article from Highland 2007’s Fiona Hampton that we intended to post ahead of the final festivities in Inverness on 12 January.

While the Highland Lights event – featuring the internationally renowned pyrotechnic artists Groupe F – will go ahead as planned on the Kessock bridge, the article has fallen victim to unforeseen circumstances, mainly logistical.

Instead, we will feature an interview with Fiona Hampton reflecting on the successes and shortcomings of Highland 2007 in our February ‘edition’. Whatever your take on the themed year, it has provided no shortage of talking points and intermittent controversy, and has certainly contributed to what has been a notably busy year for the arts in the Highlands & Islands.

Otherwise, it is back to normal service on Northings. We wish all of our readers a very happy new year, and look forward to bringing you more coverage in the coming months.

Kenny Mathieson
Commissioning Editor, Northings

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 Scotsman, The Herald, The List, and other publications. He has contributed to numerous reference books, and has written books on jazz and Celtic music.