Dr Donna Heddle, Director of the Centre for Nordic Studies at the Orkney and Shetland College of the University of the Highlands and Islands. With the intriguing title Caithness: The Well at the World’s End?, the lecture will look at the lived experience and diverse heritage of the communities of Caithness. Dr Heddle say “I’ll be talking about Caithness and its historical and social global context with some thoughts on how these can be capitalised upon to add to the sustainability of its communities so looking to the future too which might be of interest to the local folk.”

Much is happening in the North Highlands which will have a great influence on the lives of present and future generations; Dr Heddle, who hails from Caithness, will offer her insights placed in the context of the ancient story of Caithness.

The lecture is on Thursday, 27th June, at Mackays Hotel, Wick, Caithness. Admission: £8; £6 concessions. School students, free.

Dr Donna Heddle is Director of the interdisciplinary Centre for Nordic Studies at UHI based in Kirkwall, Orkney and Scalloway, Shetland. In terms of academic achievement, her undergraduate programme in Scottish Cultural Studies won a Times Higher Education Supplement award in 2005. She has also developed postgraduate programmes in Highlands and Islands Literature and Culture, Orkney and Shetland Studies, and Viking Studies.

With a particular passion for locative research – looking at communities from within and how they interact – her research interests also include: Scottish and Northern Isles cultural history; small island studies; language and literature and Old Norse. She is also the author of a number of publications in these areas and is currently leading several national and international research and cultural tourism projects involving the North Atlantic rim.

Dr Heddle is also chairwoman of the Modern Languages Association (MLA) International Scottish Studies Committee and has been involved in a number of Northern Periphery Programme (NPP) cultural projects involving technology and education. She has chaired six conferences, including the HIE/ Creative Scotland Old Maps and New – Where Culture and Social Enterprise Meet conference in November 2010, and is a popular keynote and invited speaker, and has 30 conference papers to her credit.

Website: www.northhighlandconnections.org

Source: NHC

Now in its second year, 5 Latha will take place between April 8th to 13th and give pupils the opportunity to immerse themselves in a community where Gaelic is used naturally and in which crofting, fishing and the Harris Tweed industry play an important part in the lives of its residents. Each day participants will have the opportunity to gain a hands-on experience of traditional works, spending time with experienced individuals who will show them what is involved in their daily routines from lambing, looking after cattle, fishing, peat cutting to producing Harris Tweed. The participants will also have the opportunity to learn some traditional recipes through practical cookery sessions using locally sourced ingredients.

Though a musical ability is not essential to attend 5 Latha, there will be music and song workshops throughout the week which will be delivered by two of our finest musicians; well known fiddler Iain MacFarlane (Blazin Fiddles) and Gaelic singer Norrie MacIver (Mànran).

Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science, and Scotland’s Languages, visited the project during its first year. He said: “5 Latha is a fantastic opportunity for fluent Gaelic speakers, offering pupils from across Scotland the chance to learn new traditional skills whilst spending a week living on a island steeped in Gaelic heritage and culture. Where better to learn these new skills than in a Gaelic speaking community where such traditions are still so prevalent today?

“It was wonderful to see how much the first group of pupils enjoyed 5 Latha last year and I would like to congratulate Fèisean nan Gàidheal on the ongoing commitment to the project. It shows how our investment in Gaelic is creating exciting opportunities for people of all ages and is helping to secure a sustainable future for Gaelic while recognising the importance of Gaelic speaking communities.

Arthur Cormack, Chief Executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to use their Gaelic language skills and develop them further in an interesting, creative and fun environment at the same time as they will pick up skills from experts based in a Gaelic community. The community in the West Side of Lewis was extremely supportive of the event when it was established last year and we are looking forward to returning to Gearrannan where we got a great welcome.”

As Calum Alex MacMillan, Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Development Manager explained: “Our idea was to give young people the chance to get involved with a Gaelic-speaking community and to learn about the activities which were, and still are, important in Highland life, using Gaelic all the time. This worked out very well for us last year and we had applications from many more people than we could accommodate. So we are expecting a good response this time round.

The call for applications to take part in 5 Latha comes ahead of a summit in Edinburgh on February 20th looking at Gaelic Medium Education.

Fèisean nan Gàidheal is grateful to Bòrd nan Gàidhlig and Highlands & Islands Enterprise for assistance with 5 Latha.

For more information please contact Calum Alex Macmillan on 01463 225559 or calum@feisean.org.

An application form is available here http://www.feisean.org/downloads/Foirm%20Iarrtais%20-%20Application%20Form%205%20Latha.pdf

5 Latha a’ tilleadh a Leòdhas

Bidh cothrom air leth air ògridh a tha fileanta sa Ghàidhlg an cuid sgilean a leudachadh tron tachartas 5 Latha aig Fèisean nan Gàidheal. Bidh seo a’ dol air adhart a-rithist am-bliadhna aig Na Gearrannan, Eilean Leòdhais eadar 8 agus 13 Giblean 2013.

Gheibh suas ri sia-deug com-pàirtiche, aois àrd-sgoile, a tha fileanta sa Ghàidhlig an cothrom còig latha a chur seachad ann an coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig far a bheil obair chroitearachd, iasgach agus obair a’ Chlò Hearaich na phàirt mhòr de bheatha muinntir na sgìre. Gach latha bidh com-pàirtichean a’ tadhail air daoine aig a bheil sàr eòlas air an obair aca ‘s gheibh iad an cothrom ionnsachadh mu na diofar ghnìomhan a tha an sàs annta, bho chaoraich aig àm breith nan uan, buain na mònadh, ag iasgach aig mùir, trusadh maorach agus beagan mu chòcaireachd, ag ionnsachadh fad na h-ùine bho dhaoine sa choimhearsnachd.

Ged nach fheum comas ciùil a bhith aig com-pàirtichean airson 5 Latha a fhrithealadh, bidh sinn a’ tabhann cothroman sònraichte ceòl is òrain ionnsachadh bho shàr luchd-ciùil na Gàidhlig cuideachd, nam measg am fìdhlear ainmeil Iain MacPhàrlain (Blazin Fiddles) agus an seinneadar Gàidhlig Norrie MacÌomhair (Mànran).

Thadhail An t-Oll Alasdair Allan, Ministear airson Ionnsachadh, Saidheans agus Cànain Alba air an tachartas an-uiridh. Thuirt e: “‘S e cothrom air leth a th’ ann an 5 Latha do luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig, ‘s e a’ toirt cothrom do sgoilearan bho air feadh Alba sgilean traidiseanta ùra ionnsachadh ‘s iad a’ fuireach ann an eilean a tha air a bhogadh ann an dualchas na Gàidhlig. Chan eil suidheachdh nas fheàrr na coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig airson nan sgilean ùra seo ionnsachadh, far a bheil iad fhathast am follais san latha an-diugh.

“Bha e air leth tlachdmhor fhaicinn cho math ‘s a chòrd cùisean aig 5 Latha ris a’ chiad bhuidhinn an-uiridh agus bu mhath leam meala-naidheachd a chur air Fèisean nan Gàidheal airson an tachartais seo a chumail a’ dol. Tha seo a’ dearbhadh mar a tha maoineachadh Riaghaltas na h-Alba airson na Gàidhlig a’ cruthachadh chothroman do dhaoine de gach aois agus aig a’ cheart àm ag aithneachadh àite nan coimhearsnachdan Gàidhealach ann a bhith a’ coileanadh seo.”

Thuirt Art MacCarmaig, Ceannard Fèisean nan Gàidheal: “‘S e cothrom anabarrach math a tha seo do dh’òigridh an cuid sgilean Gàidhlig a chleachdach agus an leasachadh ann an suidheachadh inntinneach, cruthachail, spòrsail aig an aon àm sa tha iad a’ togail sgilean eile bho eòlaichean ann an coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig. Bha muinntir Taobh Siar Leòdhais air leth taiceil dhan tachartas nuair a stèidhich sinn 5 Latha an-uiridh agus tha sinn a’ dèanamh fiughair a dhol air ais dha na Gearrannan far an d’ fhuair sinn fàilte chridheil roimhe.”

Mhìnich Calum Ailig Mac a’ Mhaolain, Manaidsear Leasachaidh Fèisean nan Gàidheal: “Bha beachd againn cothrom a thoirt do dhaoine òga a bhith mar phàirt de choimhearsnachd Ghàidhlig agus a bhith ag ionnsachadh mu na h-obraichean a bha, agus a tha fhathast, cudromach ann am beatha nan Gàidheal, a’ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig far an t-siubhail. Dh’obraich cùisean uabhasach math an-uiridh le barrachd òigridh ag iarraidh àite na b’ urrainn dhuinn a ghabhail. Tha dùil againn ri tuilleadh iarrtais am-bliadhna.”

Tha an gairm gu 5 Latha a’ tighinn air thoiseach air co-labhairt mu Fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig a bhios a’ dol air adhart ann an Dùn Èideann air 20mh Gearran.

Tha Fèisean nan Gàidheal taingeil do Bhòrd na Gàidhlig agus Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean airson taic le 5 Latha.

Source: Fèisean nan Gàidheal

The Gathering will be in conjunction with the Arisaig Highland Games and will be hosted by the Clan Ranald.  For more information visit www.arisaighighlandgames.co.uk  or email antilleadh2014@arisaighighlandgames.co.uk

Source: HOWLing Events

The competition based festival attracts competitors from Gaelic communities throughout the world.

The eight day festival is a celebration of Gaelic music, dance, drama, arts, literature and cultural heritage.

Local pubs, hotels and other venues in Dunoon will also host some of Scotland’s top ceilidh artists in addition to official Royal Mòd events as part of the Mod Fringe.

For full festival programme and details, visit www.acgmod.org or http://www.dunoonmod2012.org

Source: Royal National Mòd

Scotland's Culture

Each year the Scottish government conduct a Scottish Household Survey that gives us an insight into the composition, characteristics, attitudes and behaviours of Scottish households and individuals. The research is used by the government to support their work in transport, communities and local government policy areas and allow for the early detection of national trends. The Survey covers a range of topics including housing, communities, economic activity, finance, education, transport and travel, the internet, health and caring, local services, volunteering and culture and sport.

I’ve been looking over the last three published reports going back to 2007 to see what trends we can detect about cultural attendance and participation in Scotland. I’ve picked out some of the things which caught my attention and I’ll let you interpret the facts in the way you want. However this type of information can help you to identify either how big a potential local or national audience you could have, or help us to identify areas that we need to grow, develop and support.

Sian’s Top Insights into the Scottish Household Survey

I’ve been looking at the reports from 2007/2008, 2009/2010 and the most recent report 2011 to see what patterns or trends I can see. These are some which stood out.

Participation and attendance

• 63% of the population read for pleasure, by far the most popular cultural activity to participate in (the second most popular activity is dancing with 17%). There are approximately 5.2 million people living in Scotland, so this means around 3.3 million people read for pleasure.
• When we then look at the cultural activities that people attend in Scotland it shows that only 5% of the population attend book or writing related events, that’s about 261,100 people. A fraction of the total number of people who read books.
• A similar trend emerged for dance – 19% of the population participate in dancing, however only 5% attend a live dance or ballet performance. It is not clear what the survey means by ‘participate in dancing’ and whether that refers to classes or dancing on a night out.
• However in music, art, theatre and cinema the behaviour shows the opposite trend.
• Around 11% of the population play an instrument, however 28% have attended a live music event (that’s around 1.5 million people).
• 9% of people actively create art or sculpture, while 17% have attended a gallery, and a further 17% have attended an exhibition or viewed an art collection (together that’s around 1.7 million people – although I would imagine that people who said they have visited a gallery are likely to be the same people who say they attend exhibitions).
• And in cinema, 53% of the population have been to the cinema to see a film (the most popular activity attended in Scotland), however only 2% of people in Scotland actively make film or video’s.

Age

I noticed three possible trends in the data around age and attendance.

• There has been a small rise (2%) of the number of 16 to 24 year olds in attending cultural events in the last 5 years (2007-2011).
• Similarly for people aged 25 to 34 there has been a 2% increase in attendance.
• Together that’s about an extra 25,000 people under the age of 34 attending cultural events.
• However, this is compared to a 3% decrease in the number of people aged 75 and over attending cultural events – this equates to a drop of around 10,970 people.

 Frequency of Attendance

• A quarter of people go to the cinema once a month in Scotland (that’s about 705,000 people), while 42% of people go 3 or 4 times in a year (around 1.1 million people).
• On average 27% of the population have attended the theatre in the last 5 years (1.4 million people), of these less than a third have been 3 or 4 times a year (approximately 469,990 people), just over a third had been twice a year and less than a third once a year.
• Similar patterns emerged from museum attendance, live music attendance, exhibition and gallery attendance. Around about a third of people will attend 3 or 4 times a year, a third twice a year and a third once a year.
• In Crafts, although the survey does not clearly outline what a craft exhibition is and whether that includes craft fairs or visiting craft shops, approximately 11% of the population (574,430 people) have attended a craft exhibition. Around 23% go 3 or 4 times a year, 35% go twice a year and 36% go once a year.
• There has been an increase in the frequency of craft exhibitions people attend in the last 5 years – we can see a 5% increase from 21% of people attending craft exhibitions 3 or 4 times a year in 2007 to 26% in 2011 – that’s an increase of approximately 28,700 people in 5 years.
• In opera and classical music 6% of the population attend these events (that’s around 313,330 people). Of these 40% attended one event per year, 30% saw 2 events per year and 22% saw 3 or 4 events, which is approximately 68,930 people.
• We can also see some rises and falls within opera and classical music attendance over the last 5 years. In 2009/2010 there was a big rise in the number of people attending classical and opera events. In 2007/08 27% of people saw 2 events per year, and then in 2009/10 34% of people had seen 2 events. However in 2011 only 29% of people went to see 2 classical or opera events – that’s a drop of 5% – approximately 21,932 people from the previous two years.
• A similar fall can be seen in the number of people who see opera or classical music once a year. In 2007/08 44% of people went to see at least one classical or opera concert (that’s around about 137,863 people). While in 2011 this dropped by 5% to 39% – which is a fall of about 15,666 people.
• Finally dance showed a different trend, of the 5% of the population who attend live dance or ballet performances, over 50% go to see a show once a year, 25% go twice a year and 15% go 3 or 4 times a year.

Rural versus Urban

For the first time in 2009/2010 the survey distinguished between urban and rural attendance and participation. Although we only have two reports worth of data to compare there are some interesting trends to be brought to your attention.

• Attendance of live music events in urban areas and accessible rural areas has increased by 5%.
• Theatre attendance across urban and rural areas has stayed the same since 2009.
• Museum attendance has increased by 5% in remote rural areas.
• Gallery attendance has increased in remote small towns by 5% and 4% in rural areas.
• Nearly twice as many people in rural areas attend craft exhibitions as they do in urban areas. While 10% of urban populations go to craft events, 19% do so in remote rural areas and 17% in accessible rural areas.
• 8% of large urban populations attend dance performances compared to 7% of people in accessible rural areas; only 5% attend dance performances in remote rural areas.
• Of course there are individuals who do not attend any cultural events during the year, and the report shows us that 22% of people in urban areas do not attend, while 30% of people in remote rural areas do not attend.

There is a lot more information available in the reports which you can download directly from the Scottish Governments website (all links made available below). And if you would like any advice on how to use and interpret this kind of data then you can get in touch with me.

Scotland’s People

Scottish Household Survey 2007/2008

Scottish Household Survey 2009/2010

Scottish Household Survey 2011

BONNIE Prince Charlie must be the most famous member of our line-up of romantic losers.

HE became so within decades of the defeat on Drumossie Moor in the wild spring of 1746, a shift possibly without equal in our popular culture, thanks to James Macpherson, Sir Walter Scott, Lady Nairne and a regiment of other creative worthies, writes Jim Miller.

It has to said, though, that the Prince had shovel loads of charisma before a Jacobite foot ever trod on the fateful Moor. Witness the swooning of the young ladies in Edinburgh in the autumn of 1745 when the Prince and his force occupied the city.

Jimmie Macgregor

The story of his escape from the battlefield and the weeks he spent as a fugitive in the Highlands makes an ideal plot for a romantic thriller. That no one betrayed him for Hanover gold, that he put himself into the hands of a brave woman, that he hid in caves and bothies and endured cold, hunger and wet before that boat finally arrived to take him off to France – you almost could not make it up.

As material for an illustrated talk and an excuse for a stravaig through the mountains and islands, what could be better than to follow the fugitive’s trail? And who better to present it than the inimitable Jimmie Macgregor?

I can remember Jimmie appearing with Robin Hall in speckled black-and-white on the BBC Tonight programme when the duo sang old Scots songs. Most folk now probably know him from his TV programmes about walking the West Highland Way and other long-distance routes. He has also been active in nature conservation.

During this long and active life – he is now 82 years old – he has not changed a great deal. All right, he has put on weight and his hair has turned snowy white but he still presents the same cheery grin and the same, lively, amusing patter.

“The last thing this is going to be is a history lecture,” he said when he came on stage. As it turned out, his story held a good deal of history but it also had plenty of humour and, I was delighted to hear, a robust use of Scots.

With regard to a badly balanced Jacobite pistol, he said, “I don’t think ye could shoot a coo in the ersh with it.”

The audience, 110-strong in the One Touch, was with him every step of the way, during his asides and digressions – “This has nothing to do with Bonnie Prince Charlie,” he said, showing a picture of ponies on the Uists – and even during a short-lived fankle with his computer and the digital projection.

By the time the interval came – “I meant to stop quite a bit earlier,” said Jimmie – and we were between, roughly, Elgol and Mallaig, I was no longer sure whose itinerary we were following – the Prince’s or Jimmie’s – but it did not really matter. As Stevenson said, it is the travelling that counts.

© Jim Miller, 2012

Links

• Jimmie Macgregor

HER problem, however, is that the Scottish village which sits at the northernmost point of the British mainland bears nothing like the same iconic reputation as a tourist destination. Quite the opposite, in fact – those who have been there speak of it in quite disparaging terms as one of the least inspiring settlements in the country, and in 2010 it was nominated for a dreaded Carbuncle Award for just that reason.

GUNN’S job is to change that perception. As Head of Transformational Projects with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, she’s leading the campaign to put John O’Groats on the map as something other than one end of the longest journey in the country. “It’s a bit of a personal pilgrimage for many people,” she says, “and an emotional journey, especially for those who are travelling the length of the country. But then it’s visited by many locals as well, you can’t stereotype the people who go there.”

Environmental artists Louise Scullion and Matthew Dalziel

A 2009 report by GVA Grimley into the condition of John O’Groats made many recommendations in terms of infrastructural changes which might be needed, and eco-holiday company Natural Retreats are already building modern holiday chalets in the area. Yet a second report earlier this year attempted to get right to the heart of John O’Groats’ persona as a place and to figure out what signals it should be sending to the world by exploring the potential for landmark public art installations in the area.

“It was quite depressing when we first went there,” laughs Louise Scullion, one half of Scots artist duo Dalziel + Scullion, who wrote the latest report. “Matthew (Dalziel) said he felt quite angry, because it’s such a famous name and it made us angry to think, god, is this how we’re being represented?”

The intention behind the pair’s involvement, though, wasn’t to charge in and tell the local community what they’ve been doing wrong. “It did feel very down at heel,” says Scullion, “but I can appreciate it’s complex and very challenging to make a living in a place with a small population through something as transient as tourism. We weren’t trying to be judgemental – what was lovely was that the project involved a lot of evening sessions with local people who wanted to discuss how these commissioning projects evolve. They happened on quite miserable nights and they were all well-attended, so there’s obviously a lot of people who care and who feel equally frustrated about how things have evolved.”

What Dalziel and Scullion most clearly took away from these sessions was a wealth of local stories and locations which are unique to John O’Groats and which aren’t known about anywhere else. “Some were funny, some were quirky, some were poignant,” she says. “What came through was that with this incredibly rich resource, the stories weren’t being told. The image that’s being sold to people is very ordinary and generic, it’s not about what’s authentic to John O’Groats.”

“There’s a fantastic coastal environment, a big open sky, views across to Orkney,” says Gunn. “It’s quite spectacular, but people are tumbling out of cars looking for signposts telling them what there is for them to see and there aren’t any. We want to say hold on a minute, look at the landscape we’ve got here, look at the sea stacks at Duncansby Head, look at the bird colonies. You can see killer whales, dolphins, porpoises… the biggest predator in the world on your doorstep. But these things have been hidden, so we have to highlight them. It’s about supplying information, but not just handing people an A4 sheet, you know?”

John O'Groats Hotel transformed

Gunn describes everything that’s happened so far as part of a process, including a temporary graffiti exhibition using the old hotel as a canvas and a sculptural display of sails on lampposts by local artist Gavin Lockhart, as well as community and schools events involving storytelling and model boat building, for example. “These things are about making a statement that John O’Groats is changing,” she says, “that things are different and we’re moving forward.”

Paper Boats

Dalziel and Scullion’s report, which can be downloaded from the HIE website (see link below), is an aspirational document containing various suggestions and rough costing estimates regarding a range of potential works, including smaller permanent and semi-permanent installations designed to emphasise a sense of arrival and departure from what is a gateway into and away from the mainland, and other works which accentuate the biodiversity of the area and the coastal routes which might be found nearby. Most prominent is what they have provisionally named The Call, which is intended to be a large-scale public artwork that will become synonymous with John O’Groats.

Already the first series of works are due for completion in July 2012, again by Lockhart, this time a walking trail of commemorative sculptures which will be sited along the coast. “Around the time of the Second World War a lot of sand was removed from beaches for land improvement,” says Gunn, “so the beaches in some parts of the harbour area have gone. Gavin’s created some large stone works to commemorate them, because these weren’t just beaches, they were part of the local identity.”

Work in progress on Gavin Lockharts's sculptures

While work done so far has been funded by Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the Highland LEADER Programme, the potential of John O’Groats will only be realised through the gaining of public and private awards and sponsorship. “I suppose you have to be realistic about what’s feasible,” says Scullion, ”but there are very basic things which can be improved, like a messy aesthetic of different signage, so quite simple things can be done to give it a more holistic, a more interesting feel. Then with the art commissions that might happen, it gives everyone more confidence in what they’ve actually got there, which is just the beginning of the process of giving the place back its identity.”

“What we want,” says Gunn, “is for people who come to John O’Groats to feel a sense of welcome, that they’ve arrived somewhere, and to look back on it as somewhere that’s meant something to them. A bit like going to the Grand Canyon – that it’s an iconic place and a real destination.”

© David Pollock, 2012

Links

• John O’Groats Public Arts Strategy
• Dalziel + Scullion

The £11.3 million additional funding for “shovel-ready” projects announced today will not only will boost the Scottish economy, but will also bring social and community benefits across Scotland.

Ms Hyslop said:

“Scotland is known around the world for its rich culture and heritage. These sectors attract thousands of visitors to our shores each year, supporting jobs and generating billions of pounds for the Scottish economy.

“This Government is focused on maximising the value of every public pound as we take forward programmes to support economic recovery – including further investment in the maintenance of our cultural assets.

“Creative Scotland’s capital programme invests in facilities, refurbishments and equipment, improving access, presentation and enjoyment of the arts and culture all round Scotland. Additional funding of £3 million over the next three years will help Creative Scotland to support even more projects that bring real economic benefits to communities and deliver better facilities for artists and audiences.

“Funding of £1.6 million over two years is also being provided to Historic Scotland to support the completion of repairs to Lews Castle in Stornoway, including the external stonework and the roof, and the fine plaster and timber work inside. The Castle, which has been empty since 1998, has had long term problems of water ingress and structural instability.

“This investment is enabling the Castle to be developed as a hotel and museum, maintaining public access while allowing the main rooms of the Castle to be used as reception rooms, and in a financially sustainable way.

“A further £2 million funding for Historic Scotland will ensure the agency’s heritage assets continue to be maintained effectively and reduce the need for extensive and costly repairs in the future.

“This funding for shovel-ready culture and heritage projects will inject growth into the economy, demonstrating how this Government – in the face of Westminster economic neglect – is using all the powers we have to create new opportunities for our people.”

Support for cultural projects also covers an energy-saving maintenance project at the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh, the internal and external maintenance of National Library of Scotland premises, and roof repairs at the National Records of Scotland building in Sighthill, Edinburgh.

Source: Scottish Government

The Highlands and Islands culture MLitt has been developed by the University of the Highlands and Islands. As well as being available for full or part-time study, the course can also be accessed from anywhere in the world. Tutors will use resources such as video-conferencing technology to teach students wherever they are based.

It is hoped this will help to attract students from around the globe who would like to learn more about Scotland, including those with Scottish ancestry or who have been inspired by the forthcoming Disney animation, Brave.

Course leader, Dr Donna Heddle, said: “This course was created to allow people from all over the world to explore the culture of the Highlands and Islands. It’s an opportunity to study a unique and multi-faceted culture which fascinates whether or not you are one of the 55 million people worldwide who are of Scots descent. There is no doubt

that the Highlands and Islands has a timeless magic of its own and we’re looking forward to sharing that with our students and the wider world.”

Robert Livingston, director of HI~Arts, said: “Every year the

Highlands and Islands plays host to hundreds of thousands of visitors who seek out the cultural riches of the area, from Celtic and rock festivals to great castles and gardens, and from contemporary galleries to ceilidhs offering the best in traditional and Gaelic music. It will be a huge asset to have a course which offers in-depth knowledge and understanding of both the roots of Highland culture and its current forms and expressions and is, moreover, accessible worldwide.”

Enrolment for the Highland and Islands culture MLitt is already open, with the first intake of students starting in September. For more information, call 01856 569 300, email

cns@orkney.uhi.ac.uk

or visit

http://www.uhi.ac.uk/en

Source: UHI

IF YOU live on the north coast of Scotland, it might be worth a look, as Strathnaver Museum’s artist-in-residence, Joanne B Kaar, has been inspired to make 200 paper shoes and hide them in mail boxes and public places from Balnakeil to John O’Groats. She made the shoe drop last week.

Overwhelmed with objects and stories in Strathnaver Museum, Joanne decided to find out more on the objects which remain a mystery 40 years after they were donated to the museum. A ladies shoe and dogskin buoy were donated to the museum in the 1970’s; they had been concealed within the walls of a house in Melness along with a whisky bottle (which no longer exists). That’s all that is known.

Joanne's first batch of paper shoes

Joanne has since discovered there is a ‘directory of concealed shoes’ at the museum in Northampton. Northampton was known for it’s shoe manufacturing. They have over 1500 shoes in the ‘directory of concealed shoes’, and the Melness one isn’t one of them. Joanne is gathering as much information as she can, to add the Melness shoe. They were apparently concealed in buildings as good luck tokens or to ward off evil spirits, a practice carried out in secret and not talked about, which makes research difficult. They are usually discovered when a house is being renovated or knocked down.

Each of Joanne’s paper shoes contains information about the Melness shoe and also asks if you know any more about it or if you have ever found anything unusual concealed within walls, and if so, to get in touch. Joanne has already and a few interesting e-mails from finders of paper shoes and hopes that you might be intrigued enough to visit Strathnaver Museum and see the real one. She admits it’s also quite fun, trying to leave paper shoes in public places without being seen! Finders keepers.

The artist at work

Joanne has more paper shoe fun planned for workshops with Tongue Primary school later this month, and at Tongue Village Hall in August, when Strathnaver Museum will host one of their ‘road-shows’.

Joanne is one of five artists working at Strathnaver Museum during 2012, on a project “To increase heritage knowledge and involve people in development of heritage awareness through improvement of the Museums resources”. It is being part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Highland LEADER 2007-13 programme, and the Heritage Lottery supported by Comunn na Gàidhlig Highlands and Islands Enterprise and CVS North.

The other artists are Déirdre Ní Mhathúna, Liz Myhill, Will Sadler, and Lorraine Robson. You can follow their progress during 2012 on their collaborative artists’ blog (see link below).

© Strathnaver Museum, 2012

Links

• Strathnaver Artists Blog

Are you ready to Crowdfund?

HI-Arts, the cultural development agency for the Highlands and Islands, is visiting Argyll in May to deliver a series of Crowdfunding workshops and 1-2-1 sessions for professionals and individuals working in the cultural, creative and heritage sectors. On the 29th and 30th of May the team will visit Oban and Dunoon to offer specialist advice and support in the areas of Crafts, Visual Arts, Heritage, Music, Writing, Marketing and Audience Development.

What is Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a modern, online and interactive way to raise funds for your projects and activities directly from the public – or the Crowd. With the advent of Crowdfunding we can now turn our audiences into supporters and funders, by collecting multiple small donations online and offering unique incentives to encourage giving. Not only can you raise funds to get your project off the ground but you can also start to create a ‘buzz’ around it before you start.

The Crowdfunding workshop will cover all the aspects you will need to create, implement and market your project. The workshop is suitable for all individuals, organisations and professionals who work within the cultural, creative, heritage and arts sector.

1-2-1 Sessions

Join colleagues and fellow creative people, meet HI-Arts staff to discuss your professional development, your future plans and get advice on a wide range of topics – tea and coffee provided. There is the opportunity to book a 1-2-1 meeting with Audience Development Manager, Sian Jamieson; Talent Development Manager, Craft, Pamela Conacher; Project Development Manager, John Saich and Talent Development Manager, Writing, Peter Urpeth.

Where will the Hit Team be?

Tuesday 29th May 2012: Oban – Corran Halls

• 10am – 1pm Crowdfunding Workshop
• 10am – 1pm 1-2-1 sessions
• 1pm – 3.30pm HISEZ Networking Lunch www.hisez.co.uk
• 2pm – 4pm 1-2-1 sessions

Wednesday 30th May 2012: Dunoon – Dunoon Burgh Hall

• 10am – 1pm Crowdfunding Workshop
• 10am – 1pm 1-2-1 sessions
• 2pm – 4pm 1-2-1 sessions

Booking information

To Book your place with the Hit Team please click on the appropriate link to our event registration (you can book for both the Crowdfunding workshop and 1-2-1 sessions).

Book your place in Oban here (http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3422975211)

Book your place in Dunoon here (http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3423067487)

For more information about the event and for booking information please visit

http://hi-arts.co.uk/services/business-development/hiarts-hit-team-visits-argyll-this-may/

If you have any queries regarding these events then please feel free to contact Avril at HI-Arts on avril@hi-arts.co.uk or call 01463 720886.

Source: HI-Arts

Wolf Walk
Saturday 28th April
Timespan are holding a walk and talk up Glen Loth to complement the beautiful, newly commissioned film ‘Wolf’ by Dalziel + Scullion, now showing in Timespan’s gallery.

Please either gather at Timespan at 10.30am for 10.45am departure or meet at first bridge (from A9) in Glen Loth at 11am. Bring camera, sketch book, paints, picnic and boots!

They will have an artist with us to help bring this thought provoking landscape alive and the more energetic of us can walk over the ridge into Glen Sletdale in search of the Last Wolf’s lair!

Phone 01431 821327 for details.

From Picts to Pixels
18 – 20 May 2012 in Timespan
Launch of clearances trail app
Unveiling of Pictish Stone
All Welcome!

Festival of Museums 2012
18th-20th May

Friday
7.30 – 9.30pm: Unveiling of the Borrobol Pictish Stone in the museum
Followed by talk by John Borland, RCAHMS and discussion with the experts

Saturday
10.30am-12.30pm: Children’s Pictish art workshop with Meg Telfer
2pm-3pm: Poetry of the Clearances with Scottish writers George Gunn, Bess Ross and Myles Campbell
3.30-5.30pm: Launch of the Museum Without Walls: Scotland’s Clearances Trail App. Followed by ‘Last Footstpeps of Home’ – contemporary music by Robert Aitken of Piping Arts
5.30pm-6.00pm: Children’s storytelling and artwork display in museum
6pm-10pm: Picts to Pixels buffet & quiz

Sunday
11am-12pm: Museums and digital technology
2pm-5pm: Minibus trip along the Kildonan clearances trail (Booking advised)
Special lunch offer – £4.95
Bar and Raffle

Timespan
T. 01431 821327
enquiries@timespan.org.uk
www.timespan.org.uk

Source: Timespan

Sian's Facebook Timeline

At the end of last month Facebook users saw one of the biggest refurbishments to the social network there has been, since it went global. The introduction of the Facebook Timeline has created a lot of controversy, as we all grapple with the changes to the design features of the site, while trying to continue to engage with our fans. Some love it, others hate it. But what kind of impact is this having on our pages and their abilities to connect with Facebook users?

Facebook states that “the new Pages helps businesses and organizations express their identity through features like cover photo and Page timeline” (Facebook Pages). Brittany Darwell of Inside Facebook reiterates this when writing:

“Timeline is primarily a design change and is unlikely to be directly responsible for any differences in fan engagement because most interaction occurs on posts within News Feed, not on pages themselves. Page owners should recognize the importance of Timeline as a first impression for visitors, but should not count on the redesign to change the way fans interact with their page.”

Facebook Timeline, according to Facebook, is only about changing design. They want to see businesses design interesting pages to capture people’s attention, and then focus on engaging fans through the news feed. But there have been reports that we are seeing less posts from pages getting through to people’s individual news feeds, and a marked drop in engagement with fans.

EdgeRank Checker and HubSpot released studies that looked into brand pages last month. They took 3,500 brand pages and found that all, regardless of whether they converted to Timeline of not, lost traffic (March 2012). HubSpot indicated that content scheduled to be published automatically to Facebook, after the company switched to Timeline, saw a 234% decrease in user engagement.

An eye movement study conducted by SimpleUsability found the Facebook Timeline that brand pages were forced to switch over to are “flawed”, with many of the new features going unnoticed or being misunderstood.

“The average user doesn’t fully understand the new layout, or interact with it in the way intended,” said Guy Redwood, managing director of SimpleUsability. “This will likely change over time, but as the mechanics of obtaining ‘Likes’ has become more difficult for brands, they now need to drive engagement more than ever.”

From the study SimpleUsability discovered the following:

• Cover photos are not as important as they think – most users in the study ignored the cover image entirely or disregarded it as ‘advertising space’. In most cases the first action a user took when landing on a facebook page was to scroll down the page to orientate themselves.
• The Timeline is a valuable feature – the benefit of the Timeline is that it has the ability to tell a brands story. The study found that it was easier to learn about a brand through their Facebook page then it was on their official website.
• The timeline only works if it is current – an outdated timeline confuses people, but the study found that most users do not look beyond one month in the Timelines reverse chronology.
• Users notice when a Friend ‘Likes’ or interacts with a brand – users are more likely to interact with a friends comment about a brand that they consider timely.
• Users rarely, if ever, interact with Apps – this could change over time as people become more familiar with Timeline, but for now, few people notice the customisable app button, it’s almost exclusively used to view photos.

Social Media Management platform Wildfire conducted their own research into how the Timeline has impacted on their partners pages by comparing how pages were accessed before the Timeline was adopted and a month after adoption. They found that top volume pages saw a marked increase in engagement, while other pages saw a general decline in all engagement areas. Wildfire also analysed types of posts and their impact pre- and post-timeline.

Pre-Timeline status updates were the best way to generate ‘likes’ and comments in comparison to other post types such as photos and video. However video posts were the best ways to generate ‘shares’ and outperformed all other post types. Post-Timeline the data revealed that status updates were still generating the most ‘likes’, that photo posts were slightly better at generating comments, and that videos were still the best way of generating ‘shares’.

What Wildfire has demonstrated is that the Timeline is working best for visual media – so it you have available visual media (photography, animation, illustration and videos) get these loaded onto your Facebook page.

Any change that takes place on a platform such as Facebook is going to cause some confusion, irritation and therefore some decrease in engagement. The old adage ‘time heals all wounds’ might well apply to this recent change, and after a while, once we understand how to use the site again, posts will start to reappear and our engagement increase.

On the other hand this could be the first sign of the tide turning against Facebook. The first group of people to leave the network won’t be those with pages, it will be the users, the people we are using the network to talk to. If this is something which concerns you then there are other alternatives such as Twitter (which is currently having a greater impact on search engine optimisation then Facebook is) and Google +. 

Of course a social network is about cultivating your community through providing useful, interesting content of value, and building a meaningful dialogue between your audiences/customers to engage them effectively, rather than fancy design and layout changes. However, if the fancy design and layout changes are effecting engagement with meaningful content, then does this not defeat the purpose of the network for businesses?

—

What are the main changes that will impact on businesses pages

1. Introduction of the Cover Photo (measuring 851 x 315 pixels).
2. No more default landing pages, now when users come to your Facebook page they will land on one page only, the main page with your cover photo and wall.
3. Private messaging – you will now have the ability to private message your fans.
4. Pin Posts – you can now ‘pin’ selected wall posts to the top of your wall. This will highlight the post so that it appears at the top of your wall.

Other recommended articles:

 15 must know tips to rock your new Facebook timeline business page

How to engage your audience with the new Facebook timeline for pages

Facebook Timeline for Pages – FAQs

Can you name 3 reasons I should give a rip about your Facebook business page?

Facebook Timeline pages and how to use them to promote your business

8 Tactful ways to use your personal Facebook account as a marketing tool

Good examples of Facebook pages

For good use of Photo Covers – http://www.facebook.com/fanta?ref=ts

Good use of Twitter App’s and Timeline – http://www.facebook.com/edfringe?ref=ts

Good use of Multiple Apps (see Show Your Best) – http://www.facebook.com/olympics

Good use of photography and video and Highlight feature – http://www.facebook.com/smallpetitklein?ref=ts

The event takes place over the weekend 18 – 20 May 2012, from Aberdeen to Ayrshire and Skye to Stirling, there’s an ever-growing programme with more than 50 confirmed events so far Scotland-wide, and many of the events are free.

This year, visitors can enjoy some sleuthing at the Bell Pettigrew Museum in St Andrew’s; settle down to some wistful and wonderful Celtic fairy tales at the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens in Glasgow; discover Scotland’s ‘horrible history’ at the Falconer Museum in Forres, Moray; listen to Tosca in the National Galleries in Edinburgh or attend a Japanese tea ceremony at Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura. From little ones to big kids, and young Einsteins to avid inventors – there’s something for everyone.

Festival of Museums is organised by Museums Galleries Scotland. Follow them on Twitter for the latest news: @FestofMuseums and join in using the hashtag #FoM12

Browse through the full line up at www.festivalofmuseums.com.

A’ gabhail ealla: tagradh chroitearachd –  Taking Stock: The Claim of Crofting

March 2012, Skye

The series of arts and cultural events A’ gabhail ealla: tagradh chroitearachd –  Taking Stock: The Claim of Crofting includes

Òran Mòr na Croitearachd or The Big Song of Crofting – three hundred school children in Skye have been writing songs and creating stories of their own about these lives and times.

5 March – 16 March, Broadford, Edinbane, Dunvegan, Portree, Sleat Primary Schools, Plockton and Portree High Schools

Ri Gualainn a Chèile or United We Stand – with scenes from ‘The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black, Black Oil’ in a unique professional performance, with Lesley Riddoch, Andy Wightman, George Gunn, Aonghas MacNeacail, Babelfish and many others, with pupils from Elgol, Sleat and Portree performing their own songs this will be a ceilidh to remember.

Friday 16 March – Sabhal Mor Ostaig – 7.30pm

The original set from ‘The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black, Black Oil’  painted by artist John Byrne will form the centrepiece of the exhibition  – Croitearachd ann an òran agus sgeul or Crofting in Song and in Story.

13 – 24 March, Sabhal Mor Ostaig

Aonghas Dubh who is himself from a crofting family in Uig on Skye has also been commissioned to write a new poem in Gaelic and English celebrating crafting, its harshness and its strength.

This poem will receive its first public reading on Friday March 16 at Sabhal Mor Ostaig as part of Ri Gualainn a Chèile / United We Stand.

This month The Crofters Commission, created in 1955 in the wake of The Taylor Commission Report, ceases to exist and is replace by The Crofting Commission on 1^st April 2012.  This project and the events on Friday 16^th March in Skye explore the history of the crofting system from the 1880s until the present day.

Crofters Commission Convenor Drew Ratter said: “Fifty-five years is a long time in the life of any organisation, and the fetish of modernisation has been used to strike down most of the Crofters Commission’s historical peers: the HIDB, The Red Deer Commission, the Hydro Electric Board. The list is long.”

He continued: “Such bodies made the Highlands and Islands a distinctive region, and without doubt they all contributed to the astonishing renaissance of that region, which permits us to gather in a living community, and surrounded by school children, today.  The Highlands and Islands are standing at a crossroads again today, as in the 1950s. Population decline was arrested with the coming of electricity – among other things – and the Crofters Commission has played its part in helping to arrest that decline.

It never managed to please everybody. In fact often it failed to please anybody, but that was part of its function. Best to be angry with the Commission than with your neighbours.

We are not here to look to the future – that would be lese majeste. We are here to celebrate a future of which I am very happy to be part. “

These events are sponsored by Jean Urquhart MSP and are funded by a range of public agencies and organisations in the Highlands and Islands.

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Taking-Stock-The-Claim-of-Crofting

www.crofterscommission.org.uk

Source: Open Book

First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“Throughout the centuries, Scots have paid tribute to the remarkable achievements of women in both small and grand ways. From plaques and cairns to statues and buildings, all commemorate the contribution that women have made to Scottish life, from the most humble to the most generous. It is a rich and fascinating story. This project is a very fitting one to be launched at the time of International Women’s Day and I would urge all those interested in the achievements of Scottish women both at home and abroad to help with some detective work and build the Women of Scotland website into a very useful database and resource we are all proud of.”

The site already contains over 75 records but the aim is to build on this base to create a comprehensive national database.

From Shetland to the Borders, the Western Isles to Fife, women have made a huge contribution to national life in all fields and many are commemorated in various ways in towns and cities and in small communities. A number are featured in The Biographical Dictionary of Scottish Women (Edinburgh University Press, 2005).

Examples found so far range from plaques and cairns to statues, streets, named buildings and stained glass windows. All commemorate the contribution that women have made to Scottish life. It is a rich and fascinating story.

In Dunrossness on the Shetland Mainland, a stone records the misadventures of 60-year-old Betty Mouat in 1886: ‘[She] was the sole passenger on the smack “Columbine” from Grutness, to Lerwick. By accident the smack lost its crew. Betty, alone on board, endured eight days and nights of drifting in stormy seas until grounding on the Island of Lepsøy near Ålesund in Norway, where local people rescued and cared for her.’ She became something of a cause célèbre in Victorian society and, despite her ordeal, lived to be 93.

Less fortunate was the young Glasgow School of Art student, Catherine Watson, who drowned in the East Bay, North Berwick, on 27th July 1889 while rescuing a drowning child. Her sacrifice is commemorated by a stone cross with a bronze portrait panel designed by her fellow students, erected on Anchor Green, North Berwick in 1889.

Over the past year Girlguiding Scotland has helped to seek out memorials to add to the site, but now more help is needed. We are calling on people across Scotland to visit the Women of Scotland website and record details of the memorials they find.

Mapping Memorials to Women in Scotland at http://womenofscotland.org.uk

General/public enquiries:

• Helen MacDonald (Glasgow Women’s Library): info@womenofscotland.org.uk
• Glasgow Women’s Library: 0141 248 9969 / info@womenslibrary.org.uk
  Glasgow Women’s Library, 15 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7BW

Women’s History Scotland exists to promote study and research in women’s and gender history, particularly for those working in Scotland or working on Scottish themes. It has a commitment to history at all levels and aims to provide a network of information and support to all.

For more information about Women’s History Scotland, please visit www.womenshistoryscotland.org

Ewan MacRae and Gordon Urquhart on the top of Ben Nevis

Gordon Urquhart worked with HI~Arts from 2006 until 2008 on the Heritage North project, along with his colleague Ewan Macrae, and we retained regular links with him thereafter.

Gordon was devoted to the history and heritage of the Highlands and Islands.  One lasting project which he launched while with us was the Forestry Memories programme in association with Forestry Commission Scotland and the Centre for Historical Studies, UHI.

Sadly Gordon passed away unexpectedly on 10 February 2012 whilst living in  Zambia, where he was supporting his wife Anne as she worked as a volunteer for the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET).

In memory of Gordon we are seeking to raise £500 towards a Memorial plaque in aid of The Highlanders’ Museum Redevelopment Project at Fort George.  This seems especially appropriate given Gordon’s work in researching military history.

Any monies raised over and above the £500 will be wholly donated to Anne’s charity organisation, THET.

If you wish to donate to the Gordon Urquhart Memorial Plaque please use the PayPal Donate button below.

Donate

Often or not people are surprised at how excited I get about statistics, data and research information. It’s a genuine excitement as well, I often refer to myself as a bit of an information geek. The reason why I love cold hard statistical evidence is because it can’t really lie, these are the facts that we cannot ignore. Although what saddens me is often it is ignored and sometimes overlooked as having any direct relevance, and in the really extreme cases can be manipulated to suit predetermined opinions.

Last year I worked on an evaluation for a new festival, I looked at and analysed their audience survey, which was completed by those attending the festival events and activities. As a result of the evaluation, and of course the success of the festival itself, it has now been able to secure additional funding to rerun the festival this year. The value of the audience survey is one which cannot really be matched by any other means of evaluation (although others might disagree). However when we are in the business or providing arts, cultural and creativity, the ultimate indicator of success is the audience experience, is it not? It is my belief that even if the art exhibited is not ‘understood’ or recieves, what we might consider to be, negative feedback, this is all helpful, useful and reliable information. If we were constantly praised for the work we do, then we would never develop, never grow, never seek to engage with new ideas and new audiences. It is much easier to address constructive criticism then it is to be told everything is perfect all the time.

I have had the opportunity of evaluating a number of organisations audience surveys now, and I am always on the look out to evaluate and analyse other’s audiences! If you engage audiences or customers in an arts, creative or cultural setting, and are interested in learning more from them, then the time has come to drop me a line.

If you are looking for audience survey design, implementation, evaluation and/or analysis then please contact me at HI-Arts (sian@hi-arts.co.uk).  

 I genuinely look forward to hearing from you!

Crowdfunding Workshop

Are you constantly looking for the right funding route but coming up empty handed? Are you looking for alternative routes to fund your project that doesn’t rely on public bodies? Would you like to start engaging people with your project now?

Crowdfunding could be your answer!

Crowdfunding is a modern, online and interactive way to raise funds directly from the public – or the Crowd – for your projects and activities. With the advent of Crowdfunding we can now turn our audiences into supporters and funders, by collecting multiple small donations online and offering unique incentives to encourage giving, not only can you raise funds to get your project off the ground but you can start to create a ‘buzz’ around it before you start.

The Crowdfunding workshop will cover all the aspects you will need to create, implement and market your project.

The workshop is suitable for all individuals, organisations and professionals who work within the Cultural, Creative, Heritage and Arts sector in Orkney. It will be led by Sian Jamieson, Audience Development Manager at HI-Arts on Wednesday 29th February between 10am – 1pm (with a break for coffee and networking). In the afternoon (from 2pm onwards) there will also be the opportunity to have a one to one consultation with Sian about Crowdfunding and any ideas for potential projects.

Networking Day

Drop in Networking day on Thursday 1st March 2012 between 11am to 3pm. Come and join colleagues and fellow creative people, meet HI-Arts staff to discuss your professional development, your future plans and get advice on a wide range of topics – tea and coffee provided.

There is the opportunity to book a 1-2-1 meeting with Audience Development Manager, Sian Jamieson and Pamela Conacher, Craft Development Coordinator.

Sian can offer advice in marketing and promotion, social networking and social media, surveys and focus groups, identifying your target audience and evaluating their audience experience.

Pamela provides support for the craft sector throughout the Highlands and Islands and can help you with planning your future creative and professional development in both visual arts and crafts.

If you are interested in attending the Crowfunding Workshop, Networking Day and/or booking a 1-2-1 appointment on 29th February & 1st March please visit our website http://hi-arts.co.uk/services/business-development/starting-out/ (and click on the links for Crowdfunding Workshop and Networking Day on the left hand side of the page) for booking details or contact us directly on info@hi-arts.co.uk or call 01463 717091 and ask for Avril Souter or Laura McHattie.

Source: HI-Arts

The Crowdfunding Workshop will take place on Wednesday 29th February 2012 between 10am – 1pm (with a break for coffee and networking) and will be led by Sian Jamieson, Audience Development Manager at HI-Arts. In the afternoon (from 2pm onwards) there will be the opportunity to have a one to one consultation with Sian Jamieson about Crowdfunding.

HI-Arts are hosting a free Drop in Networking day on Thursday 1st March 2012, 11am to 3pm. Come and join colleagues and fellow creative people, meet HI-Arts staff to discuss your professional development , your future plans and get advice on a wide range of topics.

There is also the opportunity to book a 1-2-1 meeting with Audience Development Manager, Sian Jamieson and Pamela Conacher, Craft Development Coordinator.

To find out more and book for the Crowdfunding workshop on 29th February click here.

If you are interested in attending the Networking Day and/or booking a 1-2-1 meeting on 1st March click here.



There’s plenty who will not need reminding of the hug party on Shetland this week – Up Helly Aa is the annual street festival supported by all kinds of activities running through to the end of the week. But this month is bursting with entertainment across all Scotland’s Islands – and if you’ve been keeping up with the likes of the Pulse, The Daily Record and The Sunday Times in the last week or so you’ll have seen confirmation of just how well people do entertainment on the islands.

Up Helly Aa
31 Jan 2012, Shetland Mainland

This is just the big day itself. It involves a series of marches and visitations, culminating in torch lit procession and Galley burning. There’s stand-up comedy, folk music and hours of performing acts and dancing in halls throughout the evening and early morning. This truly is a day you will never forget!

‘Auto Portraits’ and ‘Traces, Elements, Atmosphere’
7 Jan 2012 – 5 Feb 2012, Shetland Mainland

Once you’ve recovered, things to do include this striking exhibition of work by two artists at Lerwick’s stunning modern Museum and Archives.

Stand Up Comedy with Josie Long
4 Feb 2012, Mull

Just a short ferry hop across the sound. “Josie Long’s new show couldn’t be any better. It’s honest, intelligent, funny, and it’s exactly what Britain needs right now… Josie Long is poised to become the most important voice in British comedy” The Skinny*****

Papay Gyro Nights 2012 Art Festival
6 – 13 Feb 2012, Papa Westray, Orkney

An international contemporary art festival, originating from the ancient Papay tradition of the Night of The Gyros. An extraordinary week-long programme begins with a fire lit procession and includes theatre, video, film, workshops and a book launch.

Concert with Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle
14 Feb 2012, Skye

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle are three members of the acclaimed Transatlantic Sessions. With Mike and John McCusker having just finished a tour with Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler, it’s a rare chance to see three of the world’s finest musicians share a stage together.

Sally Magnusson’s Talk – ‘From Harris Tweed to Electric Cars – The Extraordinary History of Pee’
21 Feb 2012, Lewis

We’ll let broadcaster and journalist Sally Magnusson tell the stories that explain this, ahem, interesting title.

Rachel Sermanni with Special Guests
24 Feb 2012, Skye and 25 Feb 2012, Lewis

After months of anticipation, 20-year-old singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni unleashes her debut ‘Black Currents’ EP on January 30th. Check-out the track “Breath Easy” on Joe Whiley’s January 24th Radio 2 show. A concert NOT to be missed!

Arran Bike Club Night Rides
2, 9, 16, 23 Feb 2012, Arran

Mountain Bike runs are off-road as much as possible, using forest tracks and single-track. Anyone is welcome to join, young or old, fit or not so fit – nobody gets left behind! This is a whole other way to see and sense the island landscape. Rides finish at around 8.30 or 9.00 pm. Just visiting? Hire your bikes locally…

Contact:
Scotland’s Islands,c/o Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Development Department, Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2BW
Tel: 01851 822693
Email: info@scotlandsislands.com
Web: http://www.scotlandsislands.com/

This event will be a gathering around the theme of the cliffs of Hoy, with an award winning film, an exhibition opening and a choir!

Head for the heights of Hoy –

The Long Hope film Showing:
Professional rock climber Dave MacLeod will tell the story of his first free ascent of the famous Long Hope route on St John’s Head. Dave spent three summers visiting Hoy and attempting the climb which was documented in a new film. Dave will talk about his adventures on St John’s Head and then present the film which has already been picking up awards in mountain film festivals around the world.

The Long Hope route now stands as one of the most difficult rock climbs of it’s type in the world. St John’s Head has recently been nominated as one of the world’s top ten ocean views by the National Geographic.

The man who never was a boy:
The Old Man of Hoy exhibition opens, celebrating Hoy’s most famous resident. This exhibition will be an on-going show and people are invited to add to the collection of material about the Old Man and hitting the high notes, The Stromabank Pub Choir will be singing – for the first time- a new composition celebrating the Old Man of Hoy.

Refreshments will be provided.

Join the Hoy heritage e-newsletter by visiting www.hoyheritage.co.uk and clicking the subscribe button under ‘follow us’

For any further information please contact hoyheritage@btinternet.com or call on 01856 850459

For those traveling from the mainland – travel couldn’t be easier, catch the 5.45pm boat from Stromness Pier to Moaness Pier in Hoy. The journey is a half hour ferry ride (passenger ferry, no cars) and Hoy Kirk is a short lift or 20 mins walk from the boat. The organisers will get you back down to the pier in time for the 10 o’clock boat back to Stromness.

This event is funded by the Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership Scheme. The Friends of Hoy Kirk heritage project has been funded by LEADER, Heritage Lottery Fund, Orkney Islands Council Community Development Fund, The Hoy Trust and Graemsay, Hoy and Walls Community Council.

Source: Rebecca Marr

Accreditation sets the standard that museums and galleries should aspire to for the benefit of users, today and in the future. It sets out what good practice looks like and is the recognised quality standard for UK museums and galleries.

The revised scheme focuses on the issues relevant to museums in the 21st century including collections development. It also puts a greater emphasis on visitors’ needs, encouraging museums to develop new and imaginative ways for visitors to interact with collections, and acts as a more focused development tool for museums aiming to improve.

Joanne Orr, Chief Executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said:

“To create a thriving museums and galleries sector driving improvements in standards and encouraging ambition is essential. For this reason, Museums Galleries Scotland has valued collaborating with the UK partners on the development of Accreditation. We are delighted that Orkney Islands Council is one the four museums services that has undertaken and reached the revised standard – their work to help pilot the revised scheme has been commendable.”

Alan Davey, Chief Executive of Arts Council England said:

“Our ambition is for more people to experience and be inspired by museums and galleries. Accreditation is an important way to improve the quality of that experience and to help ensure each visit is as culturally rich as possible. We also want to encourage museums to develop and adopt innovative and sustainable ways of working that will allow them to be more resilient for the future, and the revised Accreditation scheme does just that.”

The scheme reopens for application to museums and galleries across the UK from today (Wednesday 14 December). Full details of the new standard, how to apply, and the new supporting guidance documents are available from the ACE website.

The process for obtaining Accredited status has also been streamlined to allow museums to focus on their aims and ambitions for the future.

Four organisations – Ashby de la Zouch Museum Trust, Bury Fusiliers Museum, Orkney Islands Council and Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust – which collectively operate 11 museums, were invited to test out the revised process in order to meet the new Accreditation Standard.

They successfully met the criteria and are now the first museums to hold full Accreditation against the 2011 Standard. There are currently around 1800 Accredited museums and galleries in the UK, with around 100 additional museums expected to apply for Accreditation against the new status over the next two years.

Accreditation is a renewable status. Museums currently Accredited under the 2004 standard will be invited to renew their status against the new standard over a five year period, which will respect their existing planning cycles.

Museums Galleries Scotland represent over 350 museums and galleries across Scotland, which welcomes 25 million visitors and provides £800 million in value to the Scottish economy.

For more information visit http://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/the-programmes/accreditation/

Source: Museums Galleries Scotland

Excitement is building in the communities of Lochcarron, Strathcarron and Kishorn as the screening of the Great British Treehouse Challenge is about to take place. The programme was filmed for SKY 1 TV by OctoberFilms in late autumn and charts the efforts made by three very different communities as they attempt to create the ultimate environmentally friendly community space. The Lochcarron “house”, the first of the three broadcasts will be shown at 8pm on Monday 12th December on SKY 1 and SKY 1 HD.

The Kirkton Woodland and Heritage Group, based in Strathcarron had an idea to establish a community space on the Smithy site at Strathcarron and this seemed like an opportunity not to be missed, a community treehouse for free!. Local Development Officer Kristine MacKenzie, got together with local artist Vicky Stonebridge and together they submitted an application on behalf of Kirkton Woodland and Heritage Group. Jointly they saw this as not only an opportunity to involve the community in creating a unique community space, but also to provide a base where the community could meet to set in motion their plans for the community acquisition of Kirkton Woodland from the Forestry Commission. Adding to that, the chance to raise the profile and promote the Lochcarron area as a preferred visitor destination via the TV broadcast was not to be missed.

Over the next few weeks the film crew met with members of the community on a regular basis and continually commented on the friendliness of the people and the high level of enthusiasm towards the project. People spoke to them in the shop and the filling station and they felt that people were genuinely excited about the prospect of being able to show case their community to a global audience. This obviously paid off when we heard that we were one of three communities selected to take part in the programme.

Things moved quickly, and before long the production team and architects, Charlie Luxton and Alex Shirley-Smith were on site. They worked closely with the community and it wasn’t long before our “house”, based on the original sketch was at the draft stage and planning permission applied for. The journey from initial sketches to completed building is all documented and forms part of the programme. The actual building was not without its challenges, the lorry came from Austria and arrived a day late and midges plagued the crew, but the enthusiasm of local volunteers overcame all the obstacles and demonstrated just how much can be achieved when a community pulls together.

The building is no ordinary treehouse, it’s a unique, inspiring space that will be used for a variety of purposes, as a nature classroom, rural skills and art workshops and as a photographic backdrop for special events. For information on how to book the “house” visit; www.wix.com/lctreehouse/kwhgroup

The treehouse forms part of the Lochcarron Development strategy to create greater sustainability in the area which, like most rural, fragile areas suffers from decline with issues such as an aging population, lack of employment opportunities and affordable housing. As the anchor organisation under the HIE Community Accounts Management Scheme, the KWHG will oversee the treehouse and other proposed developments on the Smithy site. Any income generated from rental of the treehouse will go towards the woodland acquisition.

This is an exciting project and eight weeks after the last members of the film crew departed, the momentum of the volunteers who assisted with the build remains high and several work parties have taken place over the last few weeks. Adding to this is the sense of achievement and community ownership felt by those who took part. In recognition of this, a celebratory supper followed by a live viewing of the programme has been organised by the KWHG at the Carron Restaurant, tickets available by telephoning 01520 722882

Source: V Stonebridge

Kilmartin House Museum Jan-March 2012 programme

Upcoming events:

Hawthorn – Sunday 20 November, 2pm, Edinburgh Botanic Gardens

Willow – Sunday 27 November, 2pm, Timespan, Helmsdale

Mandy said, ‘I love trees and I find them a great inspiration for writing, not least because of all the legends about them and the amazing facts about their historical uses. This project is a way for me to encourage people to connect with the rich tradition rooted in the Gaelic tree alphabet, pick up a pencil and paper (both of which come from trees) and let their imaginations run riot.’

The Gaelic alphabet has 18 letters, so the first phase has involved 18 events. These blend folklore, practical uses and ecology of trees while being playful with words during a walk in the woods. Most of the events are public and they are being hosted by schools, community woodland groups and environmental organisations around Scotland, from Borgie to Stranraer and from Skye to Angus, including three of the four Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh, the Borders and Argyll.

Events so far have included an afternoon with Stoer and Lochinver Primary Schools, a morning with some mental health service users from Inverness, a session in the woods on Skye with children from Shetland, Orkney, Argyll and the Western Isles. There have also been public events with the Woodland Trust, Trees for Life and the Falkland Centre for Stewardship.

Mandy said, ‘I’ve been delighted so far by all the leafy words sprouting from participants’ pencils!’

As part of the second phase of the project, from 1 to 18 December 2011, Mandy will be tweeting facts and figures about the ecology, folklore and practical uses of trees, working through the tree alphabet, one tree per day.

ABOUT MANDY HAGGITH:

Mandy is a writer who lives on a coastal woodland croft in Assynt. She has published dozens of nature poems in literary magazines, has two poetry collections (letting light in and Castings) and her novel, The Last Bear, won the Robin Jenkins Literary Award for environmental writing in 2009. This novel is structured around the Ogham: each of its chapters is called after a tree and draws on the Celtic tree lore for that species.

Mandy has been a forest researcher and activist for the past fourteen years, prior to which she was an academic specialising in computer tools to support environmental decisions. She has worked on forest issues for many organisations, including the Centre for International Forestry Research, WWF, Greenpeace, the Taiga Rescue Network, Culag Woods and Assynt Foundation. She was the co-ordinator of the European Environmental Paper Network from 2005-2009. Mandy is an experienced facilitator of writing events, she has led many creative writing retreat weeks and poetry courses, as well as evening classes, guided writing walks and workshops.

The A-B-Tree project is made possible by funding from Forestry Commission Scotland and HI-Arts.

For more information contact Mandy Haggith on 01571 844020 or mobile 07734 235704.

Email: hag@worldforests.org , Website: http://mandyhaggith.worldforests.org/a-b-tree.asp

 Source: M Haggith

Click on the link for an update on events and the Hoy archive – http://hoyheritage.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/whats-new-at-the-hoy-kirk-and-the-heritage-archive

For more information visit www.hoyheritage.co.uk

Source: Hoy Heritage Centre

Feis Rois are putting on a couple of special events during their visit, and all are invited to join in the celebrations.

THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER, CONCERT AT BOGBAIN FARM, INVERNESS, 8 – 10pm

Please come and join in an evening of fantastic traditional music and song at Bogbain Farm. Feel free to bring an instrument and join in too! Entry is £5 on the door.

FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER, FAMILY CEILIDH, THE STABLES, CROMARTY, 8 – 11pm

This promises to be a fun night of dancing and music for all the family. As well as Scottish ceilidh dancing, the Frisian visitors will teach you some of their folk dances and they will be wearing their traditional dress (which takes two hours to put on)!!! Entry is £5 on the door and £3 concession.

DON’T FORGET to get your tickets for our Feis Rois is 25! concert at Eden Court Theatre on Friday 11th November. This promises to be an extra special night with over 40 performers representing the 25 years of Feis Rois. Many Feis Rois tutors will perform alongside participants and tradition bearers, Aonghas Grant, Rona Lightfoot, John Carmichael and Fergie MacDonald.

This is a very special one-off concert. Not to be missed!

Tickets are available from Eden Court on 01463 234 234 or book online at www.eden-court.co.uk

Source: Feis Rois

The aim of the project is to create a new work of art that will celebrate aspects of the cultural heritage of Scapa Flow in collaboration with community partners across the area. The residency will run for twelve weeks this winter and culminate in a new film which will be screened in June 2012.

The project, developed jointly by the Pier Arts Centre and SFLPS, aims to create a deeper and more unified understanding of the Scapa Flow area’s landscape, including the natural, built and historic landscapes, and to promote and support its sustainable management, use and enjoyment by as many people possible – locally, nationally and across the world.

Julian Branscombe, SFLPS Manager said of the appointment, “I am really excited. Combining Mark Jenkins filmmaking with the local community is a brilliant chance to capture a fascinating record of Scapa Flow’s heritage. I think a film like this could be a bit different – with Mark’s sensitive approach and the contribution of people and places, I am sure this project will do the subject justice.”

The residency is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Orkney Islands Council and the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2007-2013 Programme.

Mark Jenkins commented “I’m totally thrilled to get this residency. It’s a great chance to develop my filmmaking practice and I’m looking forward to the challenge of interpreting the rich culture and heritage that is apparent in and around Scapa Flow.”

Mark Jenkins has worked on many films over more than twenty years. His credits include editing the BAFTA Scotland Award winning Ma Bar in 2009 and Peter in Radioland voted Best International Short Film at Glasgow Film Festival in 2010.

Curator at the Pier Arts Centre Andrew Parkinson, added “We are very pleased to have appointed Mark as artist in residence for Scapa Flow. Mark is a very fine filmmaker and has worked across many different genres including animation, documentary and drama. I’m sure his skill and experience will lead to an exciting re-examination of the history and culture of the area and we look forward to seeing how his ideas develop.”

“Supporting artists to create new work in Orkney is an important aspect of the work of the Pier. I’m pleased that we now have Mark starting work at the same time as Rik Hammond continues his Scotland’s Islands residency in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney as well as the latest Royal Scottish Academy resident artist, Kirsty Palmer from Glasgow, who is currently based in Stromness.”

Meanwhile, the exhibition the lamp in the seaward window – the art of Sylvia Wishart continues at the Pier Arts Centre until 5 November 2011.

The Pier Arts Centre is open Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm. Admission is free.

The Pier Arts Centre
Victoria Street
Stromness
Orkney
Tel: 01856 850209
Web: http://www.pierartscentre.com/

Source: The Pier Arts Centre

Nicola Henderson

Timespan Museum and Art gallery is having a change of Director at the end of the month. Nicola Henderson, who has been in post for just over 3 years is moving to Aberdeen to be near her husband, Alastair. She has just been appointed Director of Woodend Barn, one of the leading arts centres in Scotland. On the edge of Banchory in Aberdeenshire, Woodend Barn is a hub of creativity, hosting a diverse programme of music, theatre, comedy, dance, film, children’s events, art exhibitions and workshops.

Nicola has moved Timespan from strength to strength in her short time in Helmsdale. She and her staff worked hard to be one of the first museums to achieve national accreditation. She then went on to lead Timespan into the Amb:IT:ion project funded by Creative Scotland bringing the latest in digital development to the organisation. This allowed Timespan to produce an exciting, innovative, contemporary, heritage project, Museum Without Walls, part of which is to produce a new heritage trail into the Strath of Kildonan with the help of a smartphone app.

Timespan prides itself by working with the community for the community and Nicola was instrumental in ensuring that Timespan’s unique selling point, bridging heritage with the arts, has become stronger for the community. Art Across Sutherland, a programme that she has led along with the Timespan Arts committee has ensured that artists bring creativity and innovation to our heritage projects whilst artists are encouraged to gain inspiration from our rich, unspoilt heritage; so much so that Timespan appeared on the Creative Scotland website where it was described as ‘one of three arts organisations in the Highlands who are leading the way in providing a platform for local and international artists and who are working closely with their local communities to produce innovative public art projects.’ A full page article on Timespan and artist Graham Fagan appeared in the Review section of Scotland on Sunday last month – such national recognition is quite a feat for such a small organisation.

Timespan’s chair, Jean Sargent said, ‘We are going to miss Nicola so much. Her drive, enthusiasm and hard work is second to none. She has a great insight into what will work for our community. Helmsdale should be very proud of what their Museum and Art gallery has achieved during her time here. We wish her well in her new role and hope that we will be able to work with her on joint projects in the future.’

When Nicola first took on the role of Director at Timespan she commuted to Helmsdale from Skye. She and Alastair then moved to Helmsdale where they entered into village life. Nicola soon became a member of the Helmsdale Development Group where she helped get the first projects underway. She was also one of the founder members of the Friends of Kildonan Church which was set up to safeguard the future of this historic building. She joined the Highlands and Islands Museum Forum and soon became its Chair. She has organised, encouraged and supported numerous events in Timespan for the people of Helmsdale, from the exhibition by world renowned artist Ed Ruscha to fundraising events for other charities such as RLNI and Macmillan Cancer Support. Always looking to promote Helmsdale, she has appeared on TV, radio and in national newspapers during her time at Timespan.

Nicola said, ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed leading Timespan over the past three years since its redevelopment. I inherited an organisation that was refreshed and ready for new challenges and believe that together with the staff, volunteers and board we have faced those challenges head on allowing the organisation to flourish and its reputation to grow nationally – as the Scotland on Sunday said “(Timespan)…is one of the most remarkable little galleries in the country’. I hope to stay in touch and work with the Helmsdale community again in the future. Thank you to all who welcomed me into the community and to the staff and board for supporting me in my work’.

A new Director, Kati Clark, has been appointed and will start work in November. Kati recently moved from Battersea Arts Centre, London to the North East of Scotland.

Source: Timespan

Gordon Sleight, projects leader for Historic Assynt said, ‘The whole project has been a huge success so far with a lot of local people and visitors taking part in the excavations, workshops and activities. Each of the excavations has produced important new insights into Assynt’s past. At Glenleraig we have learnt that the people there in about 1800 had devised ingenious flues to allow them to control their centrally placed fire for cooking and heating, and that they owned some fine pottery.’

The pottery finds included an intricately decorated Staffordshire mug, which has intrigued the archaeologists. It appears to date from prior to 1770, and is a delicate piece of ceramic not normally associated with a poor family making a subsistence living. This implies that whoever lived in the croft house had sufficient money to buy special goods and raises the question of how the people here were making their extra income.

Gordon Sleight said, ‘Fishing for herring which they sold on to herring ‘buses’ (actually big ships in Minch), military service, cattle droving, seasonal work and specialist skills could have all played a part in the late 18th century economy of Assynt.’ The unusual flue in the floor has also raised speculation about whether cash was being generated from whisky distilling.

Other finds at Glenleraig include pieces of bottles, a small hobnailed boot and a belt buckle. The overall assemblage suggests a level of prosperity unusual for such a small house in that period and is in stark contrast to the conventional view that the pre-clearance crofters were living in conditions of near destitution.

Erlend Hindmarch, the archaeologist who led the dig at Glenleraig said, ‘The pottery assemblage is not what one may expect from such a site as it is of good quality and suggest that the occupants had a fair amount of disposable wealth, also indicated by the presence of wine bottles.’

The Life and Death in Assynt’s Past project now moves into the post-excavation phase, analysing finds in detail and interpreting the lifestyles of the people who inhabited the three excavated buildings.

On 12 November, some aspects of the way of life of the dwellers of the house at Glenleraig will be explored at a public event in Lochinver Hall. There will opportunities to try out a range of crafts including carding, spinning, weaving, knitting, basketry and fishing net making, with pre-clearance foods on the menu for lunch.

The three digs: at a Neolithic cairn at Loch Borralan, Ledmore, an Iron Age broch at Clachtoll, and a pre-Clearance longhouse in Glenleraig, were carried out by AOC Archaeology and funded by Historic Scotland, Leader and the Lottery.

For more information contact Gordon Sleight, Phone: 01571 855207, Email: gsassynt@gmail.com  or see the dig diary at http://www.aocarchaeology.com/ldap/

Source: Historic Assynt

THE existence of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Scottish Studies’ archive isn’t common knowledge, and only the fact that Emily Roff of Glasgow promoter Tracer Trails used to study there has brought about this eye-opening project.

Once you’ve been made aware of it, though, this newly-commissioned trio of musical works seems like an obvious idea.

Alasdair Roberts took an unexpected approach

Over the course of three months, contemporary Scots musician Alasdair Roberts, Drew Wright (aka Wounded Knee) and Aileen Campbell were given full access to the archive, whose contents include field recordings of Scots folk songs and stories curated by people like Hamish Henderson and Calum (brother of Sorley) Maclean, the recordings dating back to the 1950s and the texts and reminiscences themselves being much older. From their immersive experiences in the archive, the trio were invited to create their own musical responses.

All three are thoughtful and esoteric, although Campbell – a visual artist and improviser – had chosen probably the most out there, learning to sing songs before us in the space of half an hour, in a work called Conversations Around a Song. It set the tone for the evening, a personable dialogue between artist and audience, not at all like a concert but more like an impromptu folk set in a country pub. By the end of the thirty minutes, the audience were helping out and even singing along.

Wright, on the other hand, knew all his songs and more. Having jotted down a list of his own tracks, cover versions he knows and songs from the archive, he invited audience members to draw a number from a bag (or to have “a rummage in my bawbag”, as his droll jingle had it) and would then play the corresponding song either in a deep baritone vocal a cappella, or with the simple backing of a droning shruti box.

Playing his own works seemed like a bit of a cheat, but Wright’s justification was that “the musician is the document; he is the information,” and that his whole process has been worked through in an archival spirit. The distinctly folky tones of his voice and delivery allowed such disparate works as Eric B & Rakim’s hip hop classic I Know You Got Soul, Buffalo Tom’s Porch Light and his own Whither Wither and The 44 to Balerno – odes to East Lothian naturalist John Muir and taking a bus to the Pentlands, respectively – to share airtime. His closing track was a sublime combination of his own Pentland Noir, about army manoeuvres in the hills, and a version of The Dowie Dens O’ Yarrow after Ewan MacColl.

Finally contemporary folk artist Alasdair Roberts, who brought a show quite unlike anything he’s performed before. The musical element was minimal: instead, Roberts and puppeteer Shane Connolly of Sokobauno Puppet Theatre interpreted first a semi-masonic induction ritual for a secret farmhands’ society which existed in North-East Scotland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a somewhat creepy encounter between an ape-like man and a towering demon with a sheep’s-skull head, and then a more cheerful, puppet-assisted version of old Borders folk tale Galoshins.

The latter was gently amusing, rich in Scots character and demonstrated an unexpected ability as an actor from Roberts, whose slight woodenness was in line with a gangling, scarecrow-like presence. It was also, much like each of the works here, wholeheartedly crafted and utterly engaged with the process of revisiting and reimagining history. Hopefully more artists might be let lose in the archive soon.

© David Pollock, 2011

Links

• Archive Trails
• Tracer Trails

Gordon Sleight, projects leader for Historic Assynt said, ‘Alongside three archaeological digs, the team has begun some experimental archaeology investigations into early pottery. We started this as a way to give local people a chance to become involved in the project and to get a sense of what life might have been like for those who used the buildings we are excavating, but the results are already turning out to be really interesting.’

On Saturday 24 September, the team explored the idea that in the Neolithic period, pots may have been fired on an ordinary open fire rather than in a specially built kiln. Pots, which had been made in the weeks previously by a wide range of members of the local community, were warmed then placed into a fire. The pots were of two types: some made with modern, specialist ceramic clay, and some made with clay dug up from a local seam at Elphin. Most of the pots exploded, but those made of the local clay were most robust and tolerant of this primitive firing technique. This may perhaps be due to the presence of organic material in the clay.

Brenda Gibson, project officer and potter, said, ‘This has been a fascinating experiment which now points the way to other things we might try, in order to end up with useful pots. Surely the early potters went through similar trials, learning from their experiences as they went along. I feel as though we are travelling the same journey of discovery that our ancient ancestors travelled before us all those years ago.’

Further experiments with the Elphin clay and with clay dug up at Clachtoll will be carried out in coming months, to determine how it performs in kilns. The team is now discussing more simulations of early firing methods, perhaps constructing simple kilns. Ultimately the aim is to be able to produce reproductions of some of the shards of pots dug up in local excavations, such as the recent finds at Clachtoll broch and earlier finds from Neolithic chambered cairns.

Having dug a Neolithic cairn at Loch Borralan, Ledmore, and an Iron Age broch at Clachtoll, the project is now starting work on an excavation of a pre-Clearance longhouse in Glenleraig (from 26 September until 8 October). The three digs are being organised by Historic Assynt and funded by Historic Scotland, Leader and the Lottery. Visitors are welcome to the digs at any time between 9am and 5pm and there will be someone who can show them round. Volunteers are most welcome. No experience is required and there are things to do for all abilities.

For more information and photographs, contact:

Gordon Sleight, Phone: 01571 855207, Email: gordon@gsleight.freeserve.co.uk

or see the dig diary at http://www.aocarchaeology.com/ldap/

Source: Historic Assynt

Please see below a selection of events taking place in October and take a look at the Scotland’s Islands website for more: http://www.scotlandsislands.com/

Shetland Community Orchestra, 1 October, Shetland
The first of two concerts by the newly formed Shetland Community Orchestra, featuring well-known guest soloists and high profile conductors. Includes film music from Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and James Bond.

Step We Gaels, 1 October, Mull
A series of Ceilidhs in Tiree Hall, Coll Hall, An Tobar and Iona Hall islands with daytime workshops provided. Open to all to give everyone an opportunity to “come and try” an instrument.

Singing Far into the Night – A New Play by Hamish MacDonald (Isle of Coll Hall & Other Venues)
A new play by Hamish MacDonald, commissioned by Mull Theatre. The scene is Glasgow 1931 ~ civil unrest, rioting and a society in turmoil as an impoverished working class feels disconnected from the roots of authority. Power is in the hands of the powerful: job losses, pay cuts and fear of poverty bring angry protests to the streets.

Scottish Crofting Federation’s Annual Gathering – “1886 and all that”, 3 – 4 October, Skye
The theme of the Annual Gathering this year will be crofting land tenure: past, present and future. There will be speakers on crofting history, crofting community and culture; the formation of crofting regulated tenure, other forms of land tenure, community ownership, use of common grazings and the current crofting law in regards to land tenure. Young Crofters will be meeting to discuss what they feel are the needs and aspirations of their generation.

Shetland’s 23rd Accordion and Fiddle Festival, 8 – 10 October, Shetland
A Scottish dance music festival featuring the best Shetland bands along with top Scottish and International players. Concerts and dances popular with both Shetland residents and visitors alike.

Royal National Mod, 14 -22 October, Lewis
Famous for celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival provides opportunities for people of all ages to perform across a range of competitive disciplines including Gaelic music and song, dance, instrumental, drama and literature.

Skye Dance Xchange, 20 October, Skye
This first dance exchange will bring together young dancers from SkyeDance and Isle Dance, based on the isle of Lewis, to create, perform and then share their work at Sabhal mor Ostaig on the Isle of Skye. They will work with professional dance artist and gymnast Fiona Fyfe along with SkyeDance development officer Lorayne Mclucas and Isle Dance director, Kirstie MacDonald.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival – An Island Odyssey (Storytellers on Tour), 21 – 30 October, Various Islands
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is an ideal place to discover Scotland’s treasure-trove of stories in a lively celebration of storytelling performance exploring the links between Scotland’s rich storytelling heritage and other cultures. This year the Festival is all about exploring and pursuing the island experience through story, myth, music, song and dance. Greek and Roman myths mix with sagas of the Celts in a ten day festival of unrivalled opportunity to enjoy the traditions of Scotland’s Islands alongside Mediterranean tale spinners and musicians from Corsica, Sardinia, Malta, Greece and Cyprus.

FACLAN: Island Conversion from Sceptic to Believer, 26 Oct 2011, Barra, Uist, Harris & Lewis
The transition of a Gaelic poet from Sceptic to Believer. Come along and hear Myles, who is one of the most acclaimed and talented Gaelic poets of his generation. Here with his wife, Margaret, they will be giving four presentations for Faclan 2011 in Uist, Barra, Harris, and Lewis.

Meet the Storytellers – Orkney Storytelling Festival (An Island Odyssey: Scottish International Storytelling Festival), 27 October, Orkney
A chance to meet the storytellers and performers taking part in the Orkney Storytelling Festival ~ get to know their backgrounds and hear some tales in a relaxed setting. Everyone is welcome.

The Lamp in the Seaward Window – The Art of Sylvia Wishart, to 5 Nov 2011, Orkney
The Pier Arts Centre is pleased to present an exhibition of drawings, paintings and prints by Orcadian artist Sylvia Wishart RSA (1936-2008). At the heart of Sylvia Wishart’s work is the landscape of her native Orkney. Her drawings and paintings express a distinct and singular approach to recording her subject. Her acute observation of the shifting seasons and the ever-changing patterns of human activity on the land convey a remarkable insight that reveals much more than just the visible.

Contact:

Scotland’s Islands,c/o Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Development Department, Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2BW
Tel: 01851 822693
Email: info@scotlandsislands.com

Source: Scotland’s Islands

Unsettling Provenance
An exhibition of new work by Artist in Residence Corin Sworn

Timespan invites you to join them for the preview of a new collection of works by artist Corin Sworn created during her three month residency in Sutherland.

Corin’s research has focused on historical objects both left in the natural environment and those found and now displayed in museums. Through walks and discussions with the local community she examined the preserved remains of an extinct forest, ancient and ruined architectures as well as other miscellaneous found artefacts. Corin also investigated the context displaced Highlanders would have found on their arrival in Canada 200 years ago and their relationships with the indigenous population.

Much of this research led back to interests within her own practice that focus on layers of meaning and the folding of various spaces and times into one another. Her exhibition includes a new HD video work, a collection of sculptures, drawings and photographs which overlap conceptually while being distinctly different mediums. The opening is at 7pm on Friday 7th October and the exhibition runs until 20th December 2011.

To read more about Corin’s time at Timespan, please visit her blog

Museum Without Walls Poetry Competition
Poetry Theme – A Sense of Place
Closing date – Saturday 28th January 2012
Three age categories: 8-12, 13-17, over 18s

Winning entries: The winning entries will be published in the new Clearances trail book, shown in the new Clearances exhibition in Timespan and recorded for the app trail – in 2012. There will be one winner for each age group.

Judging panel: Timespan are delighted to have eminent Scottish novelist and poet, Bess Ross and Gaelic poet and writer, Myles Campbell on the panel of judges

For more information on how to enter please go to www.timespan.org.uk/timespan-international-poetry-competition/

Talk presented by John Mackay, Rogart
Sutherland Estate Lodges
Saturday 1st October at 10.30am-11.30am in Timespan, Helmsdale

Talk about Trentham Estate
Saturday 1st October at 12pm-1pm in Timespan, Helmsdale

Highland Archaeology Fortnight
Minibus tour of the Strath of Kildonan (10.30am-1pm)
Saturday 8th October from Timespan car park
Booking required (4 places left) – 01431 821327 or archive@timespan.org.uk

Talk presented by Malcolm Bangor-Jones
The Highland Clearances (2pm-3pm)
Saturday 8th October in Timespan, Helmsdale

Enquiries – 01431 821327 or archive@timespan.org.uk
Comments, feedback or follow
www.timespan.org.uk/category/kildonan-clearances-2013/
twitter.com/Kildonan2013

Timespan
Timespan Museum and Arts Centre
Dunrobin Street
Helmsdale, Sutherland KW8 6JA

Source: Timespan

The former Kincardine Parish Church, at Ardgay, the exhibition centre of the Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society (K.O.S.H.S) will be open for the entire Highland Archaeology Festival 2011 from the 1st to the 16th October [inclusive], 10 a.m. to 5p.m, when they will be holding the annual Archaeological and Historical exhibition, this year entitled: “A PLACE TO CALL HOME”.

As part of this years’ exhibition, noted local wildlife photographer Charlie Phillips will be exhibiting around 30 of his wildlife images at the centre and members of the public are invited to join him for the evenings of the 10th and 11th October from 7:30pm onwards to enjoy many wildlife photographs in a visual show entitled “Fins, Fur and Feathers” where he will explain about the wonderful diversity of local wildlife, especially around our coastlines and how wildlife species needs a “Place to call home” too. The framed wildlife prints will also be for sale with a donation from each print going to the Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society.

Source: C Phillips

This will be a week of workshops and events with something for all ages including

• Felt making and rag rugging workshops for adults
• Ceramics workshops for families / adults
• Childrens sessions
• An evening of harp music and stories with Bob Pegg and Bill Taylor
• Pre school stories

For a full programme please visit the Groan House Museum website on www.groamhouse.org.uk or email admin@groamhouse.org.uk to book / request a programme.

Source: Groam House Museum

25 Herring Houses – Saturday 24th of September: 11am (Route to be confirmed nearer the time).
As a thank-you to all the good deeds done in the community Helmsdale’s resident town-crier will lead a procession through the town to celebrate people who have contributed in their own way to making Helmsdale a great place to be, by crowning their homes Herring Houses.

The Silver Hooley – Saturday 24th of September 7pm – late (The Community Centre Hall)
A celebration for the entire town: with music, food and dancing. The Big Fat Electric Ceilidh will entertain with a family-friendly acoustic set before breaking into a club inspired ceilidh for the young at heart.

Lets Go Fly a Fish – Sunday 25th of September 2pm
Come join Now Now and the local school children in flying their silver, herring-shaped home-made kites in Couper’s Park.

You can keep up to date with how the celebrations are taking shape by following http://www.timespan.org.uk/category/blog/

If you would like to be part of the preparations please contact Timespan at enquiries@timespan.org.uk  or ring Timespan on 01431 821327.

Details:

Timespan
Dunrobin Street,
Helmsdale,
Sutherland,
KW8 6JA
Tel: 01431 821327
Email: enquiries@timespan.org.uk

Source: Timespan

Source: Timespan

Co-ordinated by the Highland Council’s Historic Environment Team, the festival’s events are organised by a wide range of community groups, individuals, museums and professional bodies. Programmes are available now from libraries and service points throughout the area.

The festival will end with a two day conference in Inverness featuring talks about excavations and research across Highland. The “Recent Archaeological Discovery and Research” conference will be held at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th October. The seminar provides a platform for archaeologists who have been working in Highland to present the results of their work. Conference admission is £20 for both days or £15 for one day.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “The Highland Archaeology Festival is firmly established as a key event in our cultural events calendar. Thanks go to all event organisers without whose dedication and hard work the festival would not be possible.”

2011 programme highlights include:

• In Caithness, join Caithness Field Club for a guided walk from Yarrows to Ulbster, taking in Yarrows Broch and wag, hut circles, cairns, lime kilns and more; try out your pre-historic bushcrafts at Auckengillk Harbour; or discover wind and water power 19th century style at Castletown.
• In Sutherland, take an excavation site tour of a pre-clearance longhouse in Glenleraig; join a guided mini-bus tour on a journey back in time to learn about the Kildonan Clearances; or take a guided walk to the cleared township of Coire Aghaisgeig in Clyne Parish.
• In Easter Ross, take a guided tour of the recently excavated possible motte at Foulis; join the Easter Ross Ranger for a walk to Cnoc an Duin Iron Age Hill Fort, Strathrory; or take part in a free family arts and crafts day at the Highland Museum of Childhood.
• In Wester Ross, explore a recently discovered group of pre-historic roundhouses; see experimental archaeology in action in Applecross; or discover Port Henderson: Past and Present at Gairloch Heritage Museum.
• In Skye, visit a display about the Armadale Pier Dig at Museum of the Isles; and see live archaeology in action at Eilean Donan Castle.
• In Lochaber, enjoy a slide show of old photographs and browse the fascinating collection of scrapbooks held by Glencoe and North Lorn Folk Museum; take part in a special viking themed event in Fort William; or discover the darker side of Glencoe on a massacre landrover safari with National Trust for Scotland.
• In Inverness, get hands on with history at Culloden Battlefield in a series of special events by National Trust for Scotland; or discover what life was like in pre-historic times at Aigas Field Centre. Take part in special craft activities for children at Inverness Museum and explore the star stories of the ancients at Abriachan Forest.
• In Badenoch and Strathspey, discover lime and Rock-art around Dulnain Bridge; enjoy free admission to the award-winning Highland Folk Museum; and take in a talk at Clan Macpherson Museum.

These are just some examples of the events taking place throughout the Highland Archaeology Festival. Pick up your programme from libraries or service points, or visit the website at www.highland.gov.uk/archaeology to download the programme. Visit the website for news, regular updates and late additions or alterations to the programme.

Source: Rowan Tree Consulting

The next residency will be based at Castletown Heritage Centre, near Thurso. Titled ‘Singing for All’, it begins on Tuesday, 20^th September, and will incorporate preparation for the Edwardian Concert presented by Castletown Heritage Society on Friday, 23^rd September.

The leader is Professor Chris Underwood, lately Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama), which is one of NHC’s 19 formal partners.

Master classes will be held at the Heritage Centre on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7:00 to 9:00pm. Participants and observers are welcome; there is no charge. During each day Professor Underwood will visit schools to work with local children, some of whom will participate in the final concert.

That concert will take place in the Drill Hall at 7:30pm on Friday, 23^rd September. Admission is £5 (£3 concessions) by programme at the door. The concert programme has been researched by the Heritage Society, and recreates a concert given in the Hall one hundred years ago.

Further information about the classes and the concert can be obtained from the Heritage Centre, or by phoning 07521077053.

NHC has already successfully promoted the LEADER-supported events focussed on visual arts, drama and string playing. In November there will be a Traditional Music residency in Kinlochbervie, led by the celebrated musician, Phil Cunningham. Further information from NHC, e-mail: MF@northhighlandconnections.org

Source: North Highland Connections