In the Loop 3.5: Making Connections is a knitting conference that takes place from 31 July to 2 August, exploring the contemporary potential of knitting with a strong Nordic theme. At the conference participants will hear speakers who are experts in the field of textiles, including artists, curators, designers, knitters, theorists, and historians. In the Loop 3.5 is the fourth in a series of acclaimed knitting conferences initiated and led by Linda Newington from the University of Southampton Library, this year run in collaboration with Shetland Arts. The price to attend the whole conference is £75, and day packages are available for £15 for day 1, and £30 for days 2 and 3. Places can be booked via Shetland Box Office and the conference is open to anyone interested in attending.

Saturday 3 August will see the public opening of Lighten, an exhibition of textile art at Bonhoga Gallery by a group of ten textile artists from Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, exhibiting along with two Shetland artists. Interested members of the public are invited to attend the opening which runs from 11am-1pm, and/or to visit the exhibition which runs from 3 August to 15 September. There will also be a gallery talk by artist Bente Saetrang on Saturday 3 August from 1-1.30pm. Bente is a well known Norweigian textile artist who specialises in printing on fabric. All events at Bonhoga are free to attend and all are welcome.

Also on Saturday 3 August is Meet Shetland Textiles – a drop-in, free to attend, textile networking afternoon. Come along to the Upper Cafe Bar in Mareel from 2 -5.30pm and meet textile artists and craftmakers living and working in Shetland. A unique chance to meet with and find out all about the amazing textile work going on in Shetland. The textile artists available to meet on the day are: Emma Blain, Julia Downing, Ella Gordon, Margaret Hamilton, Wendy Inkster, Barbara Isbister, Jo Jack, Pearl Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Niela Kalra, Wilma Malcolmson, Roxane Permar, Barbara Ridland, Helen Robertson, Hilary Seatter, Wendy Shaw, Suzanne Shearer, Nan Smith, Hazel Tindall, Andrea Williamson, and Julie Williamson.

Textile enthusiasts can also look forward to the opportunity to join two ‘Textile Tours’ on Monday 5 August – one to the West of Shetland exploring open studios and textile centres, from NielaNell and Laurence Odie Knitwear to Jamieson’s Spinning Mill, and one to the North of Shetland inlcuding a special visit to the Unst Heritage Centre for a lace knitting exhibition. Both tours will go on sale via Shetland Box Office soon.

Shetland Arts is also looking for local knitters to sign up to take part in Own Our Own Time, a participative outdoor knitting circle project taking place on Thursday 1 August. Basic knitting skills are required. Own Our Own Time will take place at the Shetland Textile Museum at the Bod of Gremista on Thursday 1 August from 6-8pm. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to email admin@shetlandarts.org.

Knitters can also attend a drop-in afternoon of Swedish 2 ended knitting at Shetland Textile Museum on Saturday 3 August from 2pm (participants are asked to bring size 2.5 or 3 needles), or take part in an Estonian Knitting workshop in Mareel’s Green Room on Wednesday 31 July led by Kait Lubja (places will go on sale soon).

A number of exhibitions across Shetland will also play a part in the festival: a Nordic themed exhibition of contemporary textiles by Shetland College Students being shown at Shetland Museum & Archives during July and August, an international textile collection being exhibited at ASF Shetland (Ann Sutton Foundation, Sellafirth, Yell) in July and August, a Nordic Textiles exhibition at Shetland Textile Museum running from May to October, and a lace knitting exhibition at Unst Heritage Centre from May to September.

The Living Lerwick Fair Isle Festival & Street Market will also get involved with textile window displays and a Fair Isle knitwear-wearing bike ride from 4 – 11 August.

Shetland Arts’ Marketing Officer, Lisa Ward, said: “Textiles have long been important to Shetlanders, and the International Textile Festival aims to explore their contemporary potential and future in relation to the wider world, particularly the Nordic countries. We’ve already had lots of interest and we expect, with the launch of the full programme of activities, we’ll see even more people getting involved.”

Shetland Arts’ International Textile Festival has a strong Nordic theme and will cover the broad activity of textiles; including art, knitting, design, education, and business. More information about the International Textile Festival and its associated events can be found at www.shetlandarts.org/textilefestival

Source: Shetland Arts

If you’re part of a rock band, classical music or singing ensemble, folk group, or you write poetry and want to read it aloud – or in fact have any sort of performance you would like to present to an intimate and appreciative audience – this is your chance.

On the first Sunday of October Cromarty homes are opening their doors to host free performances. Members of the public select what they like from a varied programme of events and spend a pleasant afternoon strolling the streets of Cromarty ‘peeking in on the neighbours’.

Gluren bij de Buren is a concept that has been very successful in the Netherlands and this year we’re trying it out in Cromarty. If you want to be involved, or simply want to find out more, visit: www.glurenbijdeburen.co.uk

Jon and Emmy

THE CHEESE HOUSE

Cromarty

Tel: 01381 600724

Source: Cromarty Arts Trust

Shetland Arts and Stomping Ground are working together to produce a brand new summer project full of theatre making, game playing, character creating and storytelling. There will be two groups, running in tandem catering for anyone aged between 7 and 21. Participants will learn about lots of different drama techniques, tell stories, create new characters, play fun games and make lots of new friends. Both groups will be using the same stimulus to create two entirely different performances, which will be created using participants’ ideas. These will be short and informal, and a chance for friends and family to see what we’ve been up to, and what we’ve learnt.

Shetland Youth Theatre was founded in 1994 and has a national reputation for high quality, innovative theatre. The company is run by John Haswell, one of the country’s leading youth theatre practitioners.

Stomping Ground is dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive theatre by and for communities and young people. The company is run by Sian Thomas, who has run numerous youth theatres and drama projects in London and hopes to expand the range drama opportunities for young people and communities here in Shetland.

Make a Scene will take place at the Garrison Theatre. For children aged 7 -12 the sessions will take place from 9.30am – 12.30pm from Monday 5th to Friday 9th August . These sessions will be led by Sian Thomas. For young people aged 12 – 21 the activity will run over two weeks. From Monday 5th August to Friday 9th August the sessions will be from 2.00pm t0 5.00pm. During week 2 (Monday12th August – Friday 16th August) the sessions will be morning and afternoon 10.00am to 5.00pm. These sessions will be led by John Haswell

Fees for Make a Scene are £50 for 7 -12 year olds and £80 for 12-21 year olds with a 20% discount for siblings in either group. Places are limited and pre-booking is required.

Place scan be booked via Shetland Box Office in Mareel & Islesburgh, over the phone on 01595 745 555, or online at www.shetlandboxoffice.org

Source: Shetland Arts

28 June 8 pm Scottish Chamber Orchestra – the SCO makes its popular annual visit to the Pavilion. Under the baton of dynamic young conductor Gergely Madaras, the SCO performs Beethoven’s ever-popular “Eroica” Symphony, alongside Weiner’s Divertimento Op. 20 and Ibert’s Flute Concerto with virtuosic SCO Principal Flute Alison Mitchell as soloist. Tickets online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk – also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

£14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s

www.sco.org.uk

www.gergelymadaras.com

No performance events in July – we’re full of weddings!

4 Aug Sorry the promoter has decided to cancel Coast’s event here on 4 August – shame, because we were looking forward to it!

9 Aug 8 pm Rab Noakes – one of Scotland’s best-known singer-songwriters, who performed with Lindisfarne, Stealers Wheel and Gerry Rafferty. He went on to become senior music producer with BBC Radio Scotland and then to create his own production company, Neon. Rab is a force to be reckoned with in music in Scotland and beyond. Tickets £10 (conc. £8) now online with WeGotTickets.com and TicketMaster.co.uk – also via TicketMaster 24-hour hotline 084444 771000 – on sale elsewhere very soon

www.rabnoakes.com

10 Aug Friends of the Pavilion stall at the renowned Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, Castle Leod. Usually, local competitions start at 10 am, open competitions from 1 pm – tickets at the gate on the day

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathpeffer-Highland-Gathering/248278731927901

29 Aug 8 pm Spooky Men’s Chorale – a fabulously talented and entertaining Australian group, promising lots of fun as well as wonderful close harmonies. Support by Lucy Wise. Tickets £16 / £15 / £6 on sale soon

www.spookymen.com.au

www.lucywise.com.au

1 Sep 3 pm the Highland Chamber Orchestra in one of their popular Sunday afternoon concerts. This time, they play Aaron Copland’s “Quiet City”, Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony, Malcolm Arnold’s “Serenade for Small Orchestra” and Robert Wallace’s “Highland Sketches”. Tickets £8 / £6 (£1 for school pupils) on sale soon from Pavilion and HCO

www.highland-chamber-orchestra.co.uk

1 Sep 8.30 pm Eddi Reader headlines the AmaSing Festival with a performance at the Pavilion. The full festival line-up is yet to be announced but it will include events at various other venues throughout the village on 31 August and 1 September. Weekend tickets at £42 (£5 for under 13s) are now on sale online from Ticketmaster, via their 24-hour hotline 08444 999 990 and from various local retailers. There are no separate tickets for the Eddi Reader concert.

www.eddireader.co.uk

www.amasing.co.uk

3 Sep 8 pm Dogstar Theatre presents The Baroness, starring Roberta Taylor.  A searing psycho-sexual drama, The Baroness is set in the early 1950s and tells the story of the intense friendship between 62-year-old Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, and Thorkild Bjornvig, 29-year-old rising star of Danish poetry.  Blixen’s Svengali-like relationship with Bjornvig challenged his notions of love, loyalty and what it is to be an artist.   This remarkable play by Thor Bjorn Krebs premiered in Denmark in 2011 to ecstatic reviews. Dogstar presents the UK premiere at An Lanntair on 31 August – the second UK performance is at the Pavilion. Tickets £10 (conc. £8) now online with WeGotTickets.com and TicketMaster.co.uk – also via TicketMaster 24-hour hotline 084444 771000 – on sale elsewhere very soon

www.dogstartheatre.co.uk

www.tv.com/people/roberta-taylor

13 Sep 7.30 pm the National Theatre of Scotland and Blas Festival, in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland present A Little Bird Blown off Course (Eun Bheag Chanaidh). Celebrating the life and Gaelic song collection of Margaret Fay Shaw, this is a new piece of music-theatre by Fiona J. Mackenzie. Tickets £14 / £12 / £5 now on sale from Pavilion 01997 420124 and Blas ticket outlets – soon also from WeGotTickets.com

www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/content/default.asp?page=home_ALittleBirdBlownOffCourse

www.blas-festival.com

http://fionamackenzie.org

14 Sep 8 pm Roger Dean makes a welcome return to the Pavilion with The Johnny Cash Story – “First class show. More please. This is what the Pavilion is perfect for. Thank you.” (audience member comment on the Pavilion website Guestbook after the last show). Tickets £17 / £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

http://roger-dean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl9K7JtYxM

17 Sep Antiques Valuation Day with Bonhams Auctioneers – organised by Friends of the Pavilion – as well as general valuers, Bonhams plan to bring specialists in coins, medals, arms and armour, whisky, fishing/shooting collectables, jewellery and silver

20 & The Blackburn Dance Group from Aberdeenshire regularly spend a

21 Sep weekend in Strathpeffer and hold two dances at the Pavilion with music by top Scottish dance bands – others are welcome to join in and tickets can usually be bought at the door

2 Oct 8 pm The Magic of the Beatles – regarded as one of the UK’s leading Beatles cover bands, playing to ecstatic sell-out audiences throughout the world and regularly appearing on television and radio. Golden Anniversary tour, celebrating 50 years of No. 1 hits. Tickets £18.50 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.easytheatres.com/concert-shows/magic-of-the-beatles

12 Oct 8 pm Isla Grant – Isla started singing in folk clubs when she was only 14. She went on to become a popular country singer and is now an internationally-known singer/songwriter, several of whose albums have gone platinum. We are delighted to welcome her back to the Pavilion. Tickets £17 / £15 / £6 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000 – on sale elsewhere very soon

http://islagrant.net

13 Oct 10 am to 4 pm Antiques & Collectables Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Further info from Eleanor 01667 451839

26 & 10 am to 4 pm Exclusively Highlands “Meet the Makers” Fair

27 Oct www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

1 Nov 8 pm T.Rextasy – the brilliant (and only official) tribute band to Marc Bolan and T.Rex, endorsed by the controllers of Marc Bolan and T.Rex’s catalogue, Marc Bolan’s family, former members of T.Rex and the official Marc Bolan fan club. Tickets £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.trextasy.com

2 & 3 10 am to 4 pm Food & Craft Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion.

Nov Further info from Frances on 01997 421344

8 Nov The Ross-shire Ball – charity event at which you can dance your way through to breakfast!

Plus conferences, weddings, functions and other private events not included on this list

Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.StrathpefferPavilion.org

info@StrathpefferPavilion.org

TicketWeb 24/7 ticket hotline: 08444 771000

Source: Strathpeffer Pavilion

Winner of a Scotsman Fringe First Award, the show explores the by-stander effect and is based on real-life experiences.

In 2010, a close friend of Jenna’s was attacked and mugged in London. Shocked to discover that bystanders witnessed the attack on her friend, Jenna struggles to understand what prevents witnesses of violent acts from protesting and asks whether ‘one punch is enough’ to provoke an intervention.

Lindsay Brown of Play Pieces explains “when we were programming the season this production really stood out as it’s a different way of presenting theatre, using an almost lecture-like style, as well as video accounts of people. However now, the idea the by-stander effect, what with news and media reports coming from the hands of the public who witness events, seems even more relevant and worth exploring.”

Jenna, who participated in the young Florians as well as studying Acting & Performance at Inverness College, will be taking part in a free talk about her work, experiences and inspirations at Velocity Cafe at 7pm on Friday 5 July. Anyone interested in developing writing or performance should head along to find out about opportunities and ways to get involved in the arts.

Talk with Jenna Watt at Velocity Cafe, 7pm on Friday 5 July is free.

Flâneurs is on Saturday 6 July, doors 12:30pm at the Spectrum Centre, Inverness. Tickets cost £10 which includes lunch and are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/60764 or 0844 8700 887 and on the door

Source: Play Pieces

28 June 8 pm Scottish Chamber Orchestra – the SCO makes its popular annual visit to the Pavilion. Under the baton of dynamic young conductor Gergely Madaras, the SCO performs Beethoven’s ever-popular “Eroica” Symphony, alongside Weiner’s Divertimento Op. 20 and Ibert’s Flute Concerto with virtuosic SCO Principal Flute Alison Mitchell as soloist. Tickets online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk – also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

£14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s

www.sco.org.uk

www.gergelymadaras.com

No performance events in July – we’re full of weddings!

4 Aug Sorry the promoter has decided to cancel Coast’s event here on 4 August – shame, because we were looking forward to it!

9 Aug 8 pm Rab Noakes – one of Scotland’s best-known singer-songwriters, formerly of Lindisfarne and Stealers Wheel. Just confirmed, more info soon

www.rabnoakes.com

10 Aug Friends of the Pavilion stall at the renowned Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, Castle Leod. Usually, local competitions start at 10 am, open competitions from 1 pm – tickets at the gate on the day

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathpeffer-Highland-Gathering/248278731927901

1 Sep 3 pm the Highland Chamber Orchestra in one of their popular Sunday afternoon concerts. This time, they play Aaron Copland’s “Quiet City”, Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony, Malcolm Arnold’s “Serenade for Small Orchestra” and Robert Wallace’s “Highland Sketches”. Tickets £8 / £6 (£1 for school pupils) on sale soon from Pavilion and HCO

www.highland-chamber-orchestra.co.uk

3 Sep 8 pm Dogstar Theatre presents The Baroness, starring Roberta Taylor.  A searing psycho-sexual drama, The Baroness is set in the early 1950s and tells the story of the intense friendship between the 62-year-old Karen Blixen, the writer of Out of Africa, and Thorkild Bjornvig, 29-year-old rising star of Danish poetry.  Blixen’s Svengali-like relationship with Bjornvig challenged his notions of love, loyalty and what it is to be an artist.   This remarkable play by Thor Bjorn Krebs premiered in Denmark in 2011 to ecstatic reviews. Dogstar presents the UK premiere at An Lanntair on 31 August – the second performance is at the Pavilion. Tickets £10 (conc. £8) on sale very soon.

www.dogstartheatre.co.uk

www.tv.com/people/roberta-taylor

13 Sep 7.30 pm the National Theatre of Scotland and Blas Festival, in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland present A Little Bird Blown off Course (Eun Bheag Chanaidh). Celebrating the life and Gaelic song collection of Margaret Fay Shaw, this is a new piece of music-theatre by Fiona J. Mackenzie. Tickets £14 / £12 / £5 now on sale from Pavilion 01997 420124 and Blas ticket outlets – soon also from WeGotTickets.com

www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/content/default.asp?page=home_ALittleBirdBlownOffCourse

www.blas-festival.com

http://fionamackenzie.org

14 Sep 8 pm Roger Dean makes a welcome return to the Pavilion with The Johnny Cash Story – “First class show. More please. This is what the Pavilion is perfect for. Thank you.” (audience member comment on the Pavilion website Guestbook after the last show). Tickets £17 / £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

http://roger-dean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl9K7JtYxM

17 Sep Antiques Valuation Day with Bonhams Auctioneers – organised by Friends of the Pavilion – as well as general valuers, Bonhams plan to bring specialists in coins, medals, arms and armour, whisky, fishing/shooting collectables, jewellery and silver

20 & The Blackburn Dance Group from Aberdeenshire regularly spend a

21 Sep weekend in Strathpeffer and hold two dances at the Pavilion with music by top Scottish dance bands – others are welcome to join in and tickets can usually be bought at the door

2 Oct 8 pm The Magic of the Beatles – regarded as one of the UK’s leading Beatles cover bands, playing to ecstatic sell-out audiences throughout the world and regularly appearing on television and radio. Golden Anniversary tour, celebrating 50 years of No. 1 hits. Tickets £18.50 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.easytheatres.com/concert-shows/magic-of-the-beatles

12 Oct 8 pm Isla Grant – Isla started singing in folk clubs when she was only 14. She went on to become a popular country singer and is now an internationally-known singer/songwriter, several of whose albums have gone platinum. We are delighted to welcome her back to the Pavilion. Tickets £17 / £15 / £6 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000 – on sale elsewhere soon

http://islagrant.net

13 Oct 10 am to 4 pm Antiques & Collectables Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Further info from Eleanor 01667 451839

26 & 10 am to 4 pm Exclusively Highlands “Meet the Makers” Fair

27 Oct www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

1 Nov 8 pm T.Rextasy – the brilliant (and only official) tribute band to Marc Bolan and T.Rex, endorsed by the controllers of Marc Bolan and T.Rex’s catalogue, Marc Bolan’s family, former members of T.Rex and the official Marc Bolan fan club. Tickets £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.trextasy.com

2 & 3 10 am to 4 pm Food & Craft Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion.

Nov Further info from Frances on 01997 421344

8 Nov The Ross-shire Ball – charity event at which you can dance your way through to breakfast!

Plus conferences, weddings, functions and other private events not included on this list

Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.StrathpefferPavilion.org

info@StrathpefferPavilion.org

TicketWeb 24/7 ticket hotline: 08444 771000

Source: Strathpeffer Pavilion

Managed by Shetland Arts Development Agency, the leading arts agency in Shetland, Mareel is the UK’s most northerly music, cinema and creative industries centre.

Iain Connelly, President of the RIAS, said: “The 75 submissions from throughout Scotland, ranging in cost from zero to over £30m, is a tremendous vote of confidence. It absolutely confirms that this award, in only its second year, is now the single most important recognition of architectural achievement in Scotland.” Of those 75 submissions, 12 buildings, including Mareel, received awards and were shortlisted.

The building, designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects, is situated in a prominent quayside area in Lerwick, adjacent to the Shetland Museum and Archives and incorporates: a live performance auditorium, two cinema screens, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, education and training spaces, a digital media production suite, broadcast facilities and a cafe bar with free, high speed wi-fi internet access.

Providing a year round programme of film, live music, education and other performance events, Mareel is a hub and a focus for the creative communities not just in Shetland but beyond, and a catalyst for creative industry in Shetland.

Niall Iain Wright, Associate at Gareth Hoskins Architects, said: “We are very proud of Mareel and delighted to receive a RIAS award. It goes some way to rewarding the endeavours of those, from within our office, from PJP Architects and from Shetland Arts, who put in so much effort to deliver the project. As ever, our greatest satisfaction remains in seeing the building being well used, enjoyed and becoming a central part of the Shetland community.”

Shetland Arts’ Marketing Officer, Lisa Ward, said: “Mareel is a building of national significance and we are very proud to see it recognised in the form of a RIAS Award and shortlisting for the prestigious Andrew Doolan Prize.”

The winner of the Andrew Doolan Prize for Best Building in Scotland will be announced later this year.

Source: Shetland Arts

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

Wild Flower Workshop With Fibre Artist Joanne B. Kaar Talk by Dr Seona Anderson from Plantlife International

Exhibition—Friday 28th June until Sunday 28th July 2013 Workshop—Saturday 29th June 2013, 2.00-4.00pm Talk— Sunday 30th June 2013, 2.00-4.00pm

From Friday 28th June until Sunday 28th July 2013 Caithness Horizons will be exhibiting patches from Wildflower Europe’s Patchwork Meadow Exhibition.

Fibre Artist Joanne B. Kaar’s kids workshop on 29th June will include making paper from plants and string from daffodil leaves.

Dr Seona Anderson from Plantlife International will be giving a talk on Sunday 30th June entitled “Wild Plants, Science and Mythology and how they are related – Theophrastus, Linnaeus and Robert Dick”.

Workshop suitable for children aged 7-12 years old. FREE but pre-booking is essential. Priority booking will be given to members of “Peter’s Pals” – Young Curators Club.

Please contact Caithness Horizons on 01847 896508 or e-mail info@caithnesshorizons.co.uk to book your place.

Source: Caithness Horizons

Fresh from Perth Theatre’s winning performance at the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) where she picked up Best Director for The Seafarer, which also won Best Ensemble, Rachel O’Riordan said:

“We are delighted to present a season of classic, thrilling titles:  Macbeth, Shakespeare’s excoriating tragedy of regicide and supernatural terror; Blithe Spirit, Noël Coward’s hilarious revenge comedy, and Cinderella- the pantomime we all love the most. All three of these wonderfully theatrical tales have, at their heart; the idea that there is an afterlife; that, perhaps, what we see is not all there is…

“It seems particularly appropriate to direct Macbeth in Perth where local geographical references abound. Coming at a time when violent political instability is never far from the world news and Scotland’s own identity is under close examination, I am sure that the production will resonate with audiences on many levels.”

Macbeth runs in Perth Theatre from Wednesday 18 September until Saturday 5 October and in the Tron Theatre, Glasgow from Tuesday 8 October until Saturday 19 October. Horsecross Arts has built a comprehensive programme of workshops and presentations for schools, teachers and the general public around Macbeth to explore the geographical, historic, dramatic and cultural references in the show in recognition of its local context.

Victorious generals Macbeth and Banquo witness a prophecy of three witches: Macbeth will sit on Scotland’s throne. A dark seed of ambition has been planted, a king is murdered, a crown seized and a vicious spiral of betrayal and bloody violence begins. Shakespeare’s tragedy of superstition and vaulting ambition is a wild ride from power and glory to greed and treachery. In a ruthless struggle to secure control of a nation, Scotland becomes a battleground where trust, loyalty and truth are only the first victims.

Scottish theatre star Johnny McKnight joins as guest director to present Noël Coward’s supernatural comedy Blithe Spirit. A vintage night of laughter and thrills, full of ghostly goings-on and mysterious misunderstandings Blithe Spirit opens, most appropriately, on Halloween and runs until Saturday 16 November.

Johnny McKnight said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be directing Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit. It’s a play (and movie) that I’ve loved for as long as I can remember yet haven’t seen on a Scottish stage for over 10 years. If you haven’t seen or read the play let me give you an idea. Its part Sixth Sense, part Victoria Wood, part Fatal Attraction – yes it really is!”

In need of inspiration for his next book, novelist Charles Condomine and his wife Ruth hire the services of eccentric psychic Madame Arcati. They are hoping for an evening of high spirits but when the madcap mystic accidentally brings Charles’s first wife Elvira back from beyond the grave, life – and the afterlife – become very complicated indeed.

When first produced, Blithe Spirit became the most successful show that the West End and Broadway had ever seen and it has since proved enduringly popular.

Packed with great songs, crazy costumes, amazing dance routines, plenty of laughter and audience participation, Rachel O’Riordan directs the nation’s favourite panto Cinderella in Perth Theatre from Friday 6 December to Saturday 4 January 2014.

Productions visiting Perth Theatre include CATS Best Technical Presentation Award winning comedy The Incredible Adventures of See Thru Sam, written by Johnny McKnight and presented by Julie Brown and Random Accomplice and Mike Cullen’s The Collection presented by Rapture Theatre. Roger Llewellyn is Sherlock Holmes in David Stuart Davies’ internationally-acclaimed solo drama Sherlock Holmes…the Death and Life, directed by Gareth Armstrong and best-selling 50 Shades of Grey spoof Fifty-One Shades of Maggie guarantees a night of girly fun.

The worlds of theatre and music meet on the Perth Concert Hall stage as Patricia Routledge joins pianist, Piers Lane for Admission: One Shilling based on the life of pianist Myra Hess.

And, with Soul Sister, the West End sensation inspired by the life, times and music of Ike and Tina Turner, set to explode onto the Perth Concert Hall stage from 9 to 14 September, musical theatre lovers are in for a treat too!

Along with information about all the shows for subscribers and theatre goers, Perth Theatre’s new Subscription Season brochure, out in June, contains an update on the transformation of Perth Theatre, set to get underway in 2014, and how audiences can play their part in fundraising for their restored and reinvigorated venue.

Source: Horsecross

A Little Bird Blown off Course

Created and performed by Fiona J MacKenzie

Musical Director, Donald Shaw; Dramaturg, Bart Capelle; Video Designer, Colin Bell and Colin O’Hara, Design Associate.

Celebrating the life and Gaelic song collection of Margaret Fay Shaw, A Little Bird Blown off Course is a new piece of music–theatre by Fiona J Mackenzie, presented by the National Theatre of Scotland and Blas Festival in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland.

The production will open at the Culloden Battlefield Centre on 06 September and then tour the Highlands of Scotland. There will be a special final performance at Camus Arts Centre on the island of Canna on 14 September.

Margaret Fay Shaw was one of the most notable and important collectors of authentic Scottish Gaelic song in the 20th century, even though her name may not be well-known outside of traditional music circles.

Born in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania USA, Margaret came to Scotland as a teenager and spent a year at school in Helensburgh. She went on to study music in Paris and New York, but returned to Scotland and eventually settled on South Uist. Whilst living there, she met the Gaelic scholar John Lorne Campbell and they married in 1935. For the rest of their lives, the couple were to dedicate themselves to the collecting and preserving of Gaelic songs and folklore for future generations.

Lifting extracts from Margaret’s autobiography, letters, personal photography and previously unseen film footage of island life, A Little Bird Blown off Course will cast fresh light on the importance of this collection to Gaelic culture past and present, and examine the role new Gaelic speakers play in reinvigorating the language. The production will feature live music and song, including extracts from the Gaelic song collection that Margaret and John created and preserved and that form the rich legacy they have bequeathed to Scotland.

The production promises to be an intimate but ambitious new piece of contemporary theatre that melds music, text and video with installation, to highlight the importance of new Gaelic speakers to the survival of Gaelic language and culture, for generations to come.

The creation of A Little Bird Blown Off Course has been led by Fiona J Mackenzie, the BBC Scotland Traditional Music Personality of the Year (2004) and winner of the Burnsong International Songwriting Competition (2009).

This production marks the end of Fiona’s year long attachment to the Company as an Associate Artist (Gaelic), and is the Company’s second Gaelic drama production, following the commission and presentation of bi-lingual play Somersaults by Iain Finlay Macleod in 2011.

Fiona J McKenzie says

“Margaret’s book “Folksongs and Folklore of South Uist” was my first contact with Gaelic song many years ago and has remained my ‘bible’ ever since and having the privilege to work on the original material with Magda Sagarzazzu, the Canna archivist, has been one of the most enlightening and exciting experiences of my life. It is very heartening to see major national bodies such as the National Theatre of Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland working together with the Blas Festival, to produce a piece of work which will hopefully increase awareness and develop new audiences for Gaelic cultural events. I’m very much looking forward to touring the show throughout my own home, in the Highlands.”

Caroline Newall, Director of Artistic Development says

“The National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to be working together with the Blas Festival, in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, to present Fiona J MacKenzie’s new music theatre production. As a national performing arts company, the National Theatre of Scotland is committed to developing and presenting Gaelic work of the highest quality, to provide for, and build, audiences for Gaelic performance. We are thrilled by the possibilities for incorporating traditional Gaelic arts into contemporary theatre performance, and A Little Bird Blown Off Course, is our first foray into this type of cross artform collaboration”

TOUR DATES

Wednesday 4 September – St Peters Hall, Daliburgh – South Uist at 7.30pm

Friday 6 September – Culloden Battlefield Centre at 7.30pm

Saturday 7 September – Arainn Shuaineirt/Sunart (strontian) at 7.30pm

Monday 9 September – Ardgay Village Hall at 7.30pm

Wednesday 11 September – Torridan Village Hall at 7.30pm

Thursday 12 September – McPhail Centre, Ullapool at 7.30pm

Friday 13 September – Strathpeffer Pavilion at 7pm

Saturday 14 September – Camus Arts Centre, Canna (NTS) at 4.15pm

Booking: all performances (aside from the South Uist performance on 4 September) can be booked via Eden Court Theatre.

Ticket Prices: £12 – £15 (performances from 6 Sept)

Box Office: 01463 234234 Online: eden-court.co.uk

Full info on Blas Festival programme: blas-festival.com

Please check the National Theatre of Scotland website for further information and booking info for the South Uist performance

Source: NTS

Managed by Shetland Arts Development Agency, the leading arts agency in Shetland, Mareel is the UK’s most northerly music, cinema and creative industries centre.

The building, designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects, is situated in a prominent quayside area in Lerwick, adjacent to the Shetland Museum and Archives and incorporates: a live performance auditorium, two cinema screens, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, education and training spaces, a digital media production suite, broadcast facilities and a cafe bar with free, high speed wi-fi internet access.

Providing a year round programme of film, live music, education and other performance events, Mareel is a hub and a focus for the creative communities not just in Shetland but beyond, and a catalyst for the creative industry sector in Shetland.

RIBA president Angela Brady said: “Risk-taking is not for the faint-hearted in recessionary times, but amongst this year’s crop of truly exceptional buildings I am delighted to see such a variety of projects doing just that.”

Shetland Arts’ Marketing Officer, Lisa Ward, said: “Mareel is an exceptional building and we are proud to see it acknowledged by these national institutes for architectural excellence.”

The winner of the Stirling Prize will be announced on 26 September in London.

Source: Shetland Arts

Back in 2003, while researching a topic for her University course, Francesca bought a second hand postcard for 50p in a knick knack shop in Devon. The postcard, sent from Lincoln to London was addressed to a Miss L Gibbs of 62 Douglas Buildings, Marshalsea Road, Borough. Sent on July 15th 1910, the message on the back reads: ‘Be Careful Tomorrow. A.C.’

On Tuesday 25 June at the Highland Archive Centre, Inverness, Francesca will tell the audience how she began re-tracing the steps of the postcard, travelling from Lincoln to London searching for A.C., Douglas Buildings and why Miss Gibbs should be careful tomorrow. She documented her journey; the people she met, the things she found, and the stories she heard.

Part lecture, part personal biography, part detective noir this performance charts the changes that have been made in research, researching and Francesca herself since she began trying to find Miss Gibbs 10 years ago.

With the release of the 1911 census she found out more than she ever thought possible about Miss Gibbs; why she had to be careful, what happened to her and where she went.

In Me, Myself and Miss Gibbs Francesca takes the audience with her on this intricate, fascinating journey, gently questioning how we remember those that went before us and how we might like to be remembered ourselves.

The performance, promoted by Play Pieces with support from The Touring Network of the Highlands & Islands, also includes a post-show discussion about archive materials and a display by the Highland Archive Centre. Lindsay Brown of Play Pieces hopes the show will encourage more people to access and use the Archive centre as well as see more Theatre.

Francesca’s compelling writing style and humorous presence makes this an engaging and highly enjoyable one-woman show that offers something for everyone.

Me, Myself and Miss Gibbs is on Tuesday 25 June, from 7pm – 9pm at the Highland Archive Centre, Inverness. Tickets cost £10/8 and are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/64878 or on the door.

Source: Play Pieces

Amid the wonderful acoustic of the Pavilion, the SCO is joined by Hungarian conductor Gergely Madaras to present a concert of both classics and rarities.

Madaras opens the performance with a work by his fellow countryman Leo Weiner. His energetic Divertimento No 1 brings together a selection of five Hungarian folk melodies, each given its own short movement presenting a different type of dance and is one of the finest examples of Weiner’s authentic Hungarian style.

To follow, SCO Principal Flute Alison Mitchell presents Jacques Ibert’s rarely-performed Flute Concerto which was written in 1934 for the virtuoso flautist Marcel Moyse. The piece requires great skill of the soloist, particularly the solo cadenza of the last movement which was considered so technically challenging that it became one the test pieces at the Paris Conservatoire.

To bring the concert to a close, the SCO presents a well-loved classic: Beethoven’s magnificent Symphony No 3. The aptly-named ‘Eroica’ Symphony captures the Revolutionary spirit of Napoleonic Europe and demonstrates the respect the composer originally held for Bonaparte. This esteem was dashed when the Corsican proclaimed himself emperor, a move which led Beethoven to remove his original dedication of the piece.

The SCO has a long heritage of performing throughout Scotland and this summer celebrates its 35th consecutive year of touring to the Highlands and Islands, its 11th South of Scotland tour and its 7th Autumn Classics Tour visiting towns across the centre of the country.

SCO Chief Executive Roy McEwan comments:

“Leading up to the SCO’s 40th Anniversary Season, the 2013 summer touring marks some significant milestones in the Orchestra’s history and is a great time to reflect on this important aspect of our work and to reinforce the SCO’s commitment to serving the whole of the nation. The SCO is truly Scotland’s own orchestra and we are delighted to take our music-making to so many towns and villages throughout the country, as well as across the border and overseas.”

Source: SCO

The aim of the project is to increase the skill set of Scottish craftsmen, be they existing stone masons or those who are considering embarking on this career, with a view to increasing the pool of talent that is available in the Highlands.

Last year, Richard worked with 9 apprentices who come from all over Scotland to learn the traditional craft of stone letter carving. One of the apprentices said ‘This is such a terrific opportunity. Richard is a wonderful teacher and I’ve learned so much over the last 2 weeks which I’ll be able to use in my career.’

If you’re interested in this terrific opportunity, please get in touch as places will be very limited. Costs of the course is £495 which includes lunches and refreshments.

Accommodation can be organised if necessary.

Caroline Hewat

Arts Development Manager

Gail Stuart Martin

Administrator

Cromarty Arts Trust

Ardyne

19 Bank Street

Cromarty IV11 8YE

P: 01381 600354

W: www.cromartyartstrust.org.uk

See us on Facebook

Source: Cromarty Arts Trust

The all-ages workshop Structure, rhythm, form accompanies Julie Brook’s solo Made, Unmade exhibition in the main gallery at Bonhoga which opens this Friday. The Art in the Landscape season is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and Shetland Arts and is part of Scotland’s Year of Natural Heritage. It also celebrates the Shetland Nature Festival.

Julie Brook is a landscape artist based in Skye and her exhibition is both indoors and outdoors at Bonhoga. Her show indoors is film and photographic work exploring the relationship between suggested and constructed sculptural forms in the desert landscapes of Libya and North West Namibia. This exhibition of work has toured to Shetland from the Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh. Outside the gallery in Weisdale, Julie has constructed a unique site specific piece of land art which will also be open to the public.

Clair Aldington of Shetland Arts, said: “It is a privilege to have an artist of Julie’s standing creating a new work especially for Shetland here at Bonhoga. The workshop she’ll be leading is a great opportunity for folk to work with her to develop their drawing skills, and to hear more about her work in other parts of the world.”

In the other areas of Bonhoga Gallery, local artist and ranger Howard Towll has a selection of sketches and drawings of Shetland’s wildlife and nature. The show, Sketches, is displayed in the Lower Gallery in the café area. Also in the café, the Craft Cabinet is showcasing the work of local furniture maker Cecil Tait in an exhibition entitled Shetlandmade. The Stairwell Gallery is showing Scottish Natural Heritage’s Four Corners photography project, which aimed to get schoolchildren from the four corners of Shetland out exploring their local environments.  Pupils from Fair Isle, Foula, Unst and Bressay made visits to their local nature sites (the isles of Fair Isle and Foula, and the National Nature Reserves of Hermaness and Noss), documenting their experiences through photography.

All the above exhibitions run from 15 June – 28 July with a public opening from 6-8pm on Friday 14 July which is open to anyone to attend. Shetland Arts’ Art in the Landscape season will continue with other events over the summer.

Source: Shetland Arts

22nd June – 21st July 2012

(including silent auction for VOYAGE 22nd – 24th June)

Open 10am – 4pm daily

Free entry

An Talla Solais, Ullapool Visual Arts is launching VOYAGE: a journey in tiny steps alongside its major solo show this year, Approaching The Verge by Andrew Mackenzie.

VOYAGE is an exhibition of over 100 miniature works of art with the theme of journeying and travel. Artists and An Talla Solais members across Scotland were sent a 10 x 10cm square of wood to transform in any way they chose to fit this theme.

The squares have been transformed into paintings, sculptures and even books, representing myriad journeys from a barrel over the Niagara Falls, the voyage of the spinning moon and the final journey of them all, over the River Styx of Greek mythology into the great unknown. Exhibiting artists include Marian Leven, Will Maclean, Jan Miller, Peter White and Susie Reade, as well as dozens of others including people working with artist Frances Fogg in a community workshop in Ullapool in early June.

The VOYAGE exhibition is a fundraising project for An Talla Solais, the community-run art centre in Ullapool. As a charitable organisation without core funding, ATS is much in need of funds to continue its work enabling local communities to get involved in art through classes, events and exhibitions. The miniature artworks will be for sale throughout the exhibition, starting with a 3-day silent auction from Saturday 22nd – Monday 24th June (10am – 4pm daily) at which people can bid for their favourite pieces.

Andrew Mackenzie: Approaching the Verge

Andrew Mackenzie was born in Banff, north east Scotland, and graduated with an MFA from Edinburgh College of Art in 1993. He lives and works in the Scottish Borders.

His work has been exhibited extensively. His most recent solo exhibition was “Silver Between the Falls” with Sarah Myerscough Fine Art in London in October 2012, accompanied by an essay by Robert Macfarlane.

Other solo exhibitions include “Still Surfacing” with Sarah Myerscough in 2010, “Delicate Ground” with Amber Roome Contemporary Art, part of the 2006 Edinburgh International Festival; “Sunlight on Grey-painted Steel, Watching Water Rise” at The Talbot Rice Gallery Round Room, Edinburgh, 2003, and “New work”, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Leeds, 2002.

Group shows include “Wider Than a Postcard”, Breeze Block Gallery, Portland, Oregon, 2013; “Drawn Away Together” at the Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh, 2013; “A Parliament of Lines”, Pier Art Centre, Stromness, 2012 (including David Shrigley, Callum Innes, Graeme Todd, Moyna Flannigan, Charles Avery and Paul Chiappe, and touring to RMIT, Melbourne); “Evaluation of Space”, Rochester Art Gallery, 2012; “The Secret Confession”, Edinburgh College of Art, 2010; RSA Annual, Edinburgh, 2011 (invited artist); Fleming Collection Summer Show, London, 2011; ”New Commissions from Edinburgh Printmakers” at Edinburgh Printmakers Workshop, 2009; “The Birthday Party”, The Collective Gallery, Edinburgh, 2004; “Viewpoint”, National Galleries of Scotland, Banff, 2005; “ArtFutures”, The Contemporary Art Society, London, 2003, and “Past Standing” at The Changing Room, Stirling, 2003.

He has also shown his work in many international art fairs, including fairs in New York, Toronto, London, Chicago and Paris.

Awards include several Scottish Arts Council awards, a Hope Scott Trust Award and an Arts Trust Scotland Award. In 2011 he completed a major commission for Crown House, a new office building on Kingsway in London.

He is curating his first exhibition this year, opening in August 2013, called “paper planes”, in Stow in the Scottish Borders, showing work on paper by Callum Innes, James Lumsden, Alan Shipway, Graeme Todd, Philip Reeves, Mary Morrison and Bronwen Sleigh, among others.

Collections include Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow; The Fleming Collection, London; Royal Academy, London; Edinburgh City Art Centre; Bank of Scotland; Bank of America and Mayer Brown Global Law Firm.

Opening event Friday 21st June 6-8pm

An Talla Solais is next to the Village Hall on Market Street, Ullapool IV26 2XE

01854 612310

www.antallasolais.org

Source: An Talla Solais

Musical journeys around Scotland and Europe

The Scottish Ensemble will launch its 2013/14 season at the Music Hall in Aberdeen on Friday 7 June 2013. The choice of location is not accidental: it underlines the Ensemble’s commitment to its innovative regional touring model, the City Residencies programme. In October 2012 SE launched residencies in Inverness and Dundee, and in June 2013 Aberdeen and Perth also receive their first–ever Scottish Ensemble residencies.

Throughout the 4-day residencies SE undertakes a wide range of on- and off-platform events designed specifically around individual communities. Events have included: coaching sessions with young and amateur musicians, pop-up performances, late-night and cross-art-form events, tea dances, ceilidhs, and more. This new model is ambitious and has already delivered significant results. It has brought about a considerable increase in audience numbers, strengthened key relationships with community stakeholders and is bringing high-quality music-making to previously unreached groups.

2013/14

The Scottish Ensemble’s season takes audiences on a number of exciting musical journeys around Scotland and Europe; each programme is inspired by place and musical identity. 2013/14 includes four major tours in Scotland, four city residencies, concerts at London’s Wigmore Hall, lunchtime concerts, and chamber music performances. It also includes late-night gigs and a whole range of activities in surprising and unusual locations as part of the city residencies.

Season highlights include:

· A season of work rooted in the idea of musical place and identify.

· Performances of Martin Suckling’s full set of Musical Postcards written for the Ensemble.

· A new commission from Danish composer Christian Winther Christensen in a programme to include classic Scandinavian string repertoire alongside contemporary voices.

·

A major tour of Scotland with rising star mezzo soprano Sophie Harmsen, which will culminate in a performance at London’s Wigmore Hall.

· Concerts with Chris Stout and Catriona McKay, to include Sally Beamish’s Seavaigers, plus new material from Stout and McKay.

· A new commission to some of Scotland’s most exciting composers, each writing a variation on a traditional Scottish melody.

· The continuation of SE’s relationship with key broadcast partner BBC Radio 3.

From Russian with Love

29 September Inverness; residency 26-29 September / Dundee 3 October; residency 30 September-3 October

The season begins in September/October 2013 with SE’s second residencies in Dundee and Inverness. In addition to numerous activities outside the concert hall there is a distinctly Russian flavour to the main concerts. Music with heart, soul and tremendous emotion from Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky opens the season and lets the new audiences SE encounters throughout the residencies experience a real musical high for their first Scottish Ensemble experience.

Tchaikovsky Andante Cantabile

Shostakovich String Quartet No. 2 in A major (arr. Morton)

Shostakovich Two Pieces

Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings in C major

Britain vs. Germany

21 October Aberdeen / 22 October Edinburgh / 23 October Glasgow / 24 October Perth / 26 October London

In October, SE is staging the classic musical football match of Britain vs. Germany. British string music has always formed an important part of the Ensemble’s work and here it is contrasted against German compositional forces in a concert of two halves. A string classic and a new work by both British and German composers, SE invites its audience to root for its team and come along to decide who wins this particular match.

Walton Sonata for Strings

Leopold Hurt Dead Reckoning

Martin Suckling Musical Postcards 1-4

Brahms String Quintet No. 2 in G Major (arr. Morton)

Nordic Nights

Concerts by Candlelight

6 December Aberdeen / 7 December Inverness / 8 December Dundee / 9 December Perth / 10 December Glasgow / 11 December Edinburgh

The Scottish Ensemble’s popular December ‘Concerts by Candlelight’ series has a Nordic twist in 2013. The programme includes a new arrangement for the Ensemble of Grieg’s string quartet and an usual journey through ‘Holberg’s Time’ with fascinating detours via exciting contemporary Scandinavian voices.

Grieg From Holberg’s Time (Holberg Suite)

with interludes from contemporary

Scandinavian composers including

Christian Winther

Christensen New Work (SE Commission)

Sibelius Andante Festivo

Grieg String Quartet No. 1

Love and War in Bohemia

21 February Inverness / 22 February Dundee / 23 February Glasgow / 24 February Edinburgh / 26 February London

Following her successful UK debut with the Scottish Ensemble in 2012, the thrilling mezzo soprano Sophie Harmsen returns to perform with the Scottish Ensemble in February 2014. She performs Dvořák’s magical love songs alongside virtuosic baroque arias in a concert centring on musical treasures from Bohemia. The concert concludes with a Suk’s beautifully romantic Serenade for Strings.

Pavel Haas Study for String Orchestra

Dvořák Love Songs (arr. Matthews)

Handel Selected Arias

Biber Battalia

Suk Serenade for Strings in E Flat Major

Mezzo soprano Sophie Harmsen

Seavaigers

Aberdeen 24 April; residency 21-24 April / 29 April Perth; residency 26-29 April /30 April Glasgow / 1 May Edinburgh

In April, the Scottish Ensemble team up with folk super duo Chris Stout and Catriona McKay for the final musical journey of the season, one SE will take to Aberdeen and Perth as part of the city residencies. Sally Beamish’s Seavaigers was composed especially for the Ensemble and these two soloists; it describes a sea journey from Dundee to Shetland. The programme also includes Bach’s Double Violin concerto in a performance that explores the work’s folk roots. There is also a composite new commission from some of Scotland’s most exciting musical voices, all writing a variation on a traditional Scottish melody.

Stout/McKay Sunstone (new material)

Sally Beamish Seavaigers

Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor

Various Composers Scottish Variations (SE new commission)

Violin Jonathan Morton

Scottish harp Catriona McKay

Fiddle Chris Stout

Scottish Ensemble Artistic Director Jonathan Morton said:

Presenting exciting concerts of the highest quality throughout Scotland and in London remains our main objective, but in 2012 our activities broadened significantly in two areas. Firstly, we launched our first annual city residencies, and secondly we raised our profile internationally through two major touring projects in the USA and in China and Taiwan. In quite different ways these experiences have enriched our purpose, and encouraged us to keep striving for deeper and more meaningful engagement with our audiences.

The 2013/14 season is rooted in the idea of musical place and identify. Highlights include a genre-crossing programme with folk musicians Chris Stout and Catriona Mackay, featuring an evocative score by Sally Beamish; our Christmas programme, including new and familiar Scandinavian music transporting you to a Nordic winter landscape; and in February, a musical collaboration with a star of opera stages and concert halls, mezzo soprano Sophie Harmsen.

We’re also presenting lunchtime concerts and chamber music programmes, in addition to the broad programme of off-platform events which take place as part of our residencies.

Source: Scottish Ensemble

Catriona Lexy Campbell, a published novelist and poet from Lewis, will join Rosemary Ward from the Gaelic Books Council (Comhairle nan Leabhraichean) to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with Gaelic writing and publishing. Topics will include getting started on a book, how to approach publishers, the publication process and digital developments.

The talk, which will be delivered at Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula, later this month, is the last in a series of free Gaelic lectures taking place this year. Organised by the University of the Highlands and Islands, the series marks the 60th anniversary of Lews Castle College UHI, a partner of the university.

Based on the theme of Gaelic in modern life, the lectures recognise Gaelic as an integral part of Scotland’s heritage and national identity. Head of BBC ALBA, Margaret Mary Murray, spoke about Gaelic media in Glasgow in January and a lecture on Gaelic in education took place in Stornoway in May.

The talks also tie in with courses offered by the university, which include degrees in Gaelic language and culture; Gaelic with education; Gaelic and development and a higher education certificate in Gaelic and communication. All of these courses are offered through Lews Castle College UHI as well as Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, where Catriona Lexy Campbell is the current writer in residence.

Speaking about the lecture, Catriona Lexy Campbell said: “Through my work with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, I have had many opportunities to meet people who are interested in writing in Gaelic and I’m very happy to be taking part in this project and building on that experience. I’m sure it’ll be a great day.”

Rosemary Ward said: “I am delighted to have been asked to participate in this important series of lectures that highlight the contribution the media, education and literature and publishing have made to the revitalisation of Gaelic. I am particularly pleased to be invited to deliver the lecture in Benbecula in front of a ‘home’ audience having, myself, been brought up and educated in South Uist.

“Comhairle nan Leabhraichean is committed to increasing the number, range and quality of Gaelic publications and our development strategy focuses on supporting Gaelic authors, editors and publishers to produce accessible, new and exciting Gaelic books. The upsurge in digital developments presents challenges and opportunities for us in our efforts to address the demands of readers to have Gaelic literature available in a variety of formats.”

James Fraser, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, welcomed the lecture, saying: “We are delighted that Rosemary Ward and Catriona Lexy Campbell are speaking about Gaelic in publishing as part of this lecture series and that they are doing so in Benbecula. The University of the Highlands and Islands is spread across the Gàidhealtachd and, through Lews Castle UHI, offers a number of important programmes in music and art in Uist and Benbecula. Adding this lecture to the other activities underlines our commitment to the whole of our region.”

The Gaelic in publishing talk will take place from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesday 19 June at Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula. The lecture will be delivered in Gaelic and simultaneous interpretation into English will be available through headphones. To book a FREE place, contact the university’s events team on 01463 279 344 or at events@uhi.ac.uk

To find out more about the university’s lecture series or Gaelic courses, visit www.uhi.ac.uk

Source: UHI

There are some new updates and additions to the website which we hope is of interest.

The new interview section contains some cracking pieces contributed by Ally White, Karine Polwart, Paddy Callaghan and the most recent from Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward & Fisher. We’ll be adding more every week so keep checking for these. Read more here http://www.hebceltfest.com/festival/interviews

An overview of the complete Hebcelt programme can be viewed at http://www.hebceltfest.com/festival/glance.

Stage splits / timings are now available from http://www.hebceltfest.com/festival/times.

And finally important information about our ongoing efforts at greening the festival and a fantastic new project that we hope you all help us out with on the day. We are the only festival in Scotland to be hosting these Recycle & Reward machines http://www.hebceltfest.com/backstage/greening, your assistance in helping us recycle as much as we can will be rewarded by some fantastic prizes.

Enough reading for one day.

We will be open on Church Street on Saturdays, 15th and 22nd June, and then open fulltime from Monday, 24th June. Please come in and collect your tickets if you stay locally or check out our merchandise. We aim to have this available online shortly.

You can also book online from http://www.hebceltfest.com/booking or by calling us on 01851 621234.

And finally keep up with us on Facebook and / or Twitter for all the latest news in the run up to the event.

For all local area information remember to check out http://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk

Source: Hebridean Celtic Festival

6 June 8 pm The Inverness Mahler Players and soprano Emily Mitchell perform Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, Debussy’s Prélude à l’après Midi d’un Faune and Martinu’s Nonet. The Inverness Mahler Players is a new ensemble founded for this project and features some of the area’s finest musicians, conducted by Tomas Leakey. Tickets £9 (£7 for seniors, £5 for under 26s) from Pavilion 01997 420124, Leakey’s Bookshop Inverness and online from WeGotTickets.com

There will be performances of the same concert at Dornoch Cathedral on 5 June and Nairn Community Centre on 7 June, for which tickets are also available from Strathpeffer Pavilion and other outlets as above.

www.emilymitchellsoprano.com

8 June from 11 am Strathpeffer’s famous annual Victorian Market Day, with a variety of stalls and events and this year incorporating an Art & Music Trail in various venues around the village. Teas with delicious home baking by Friends of the Pavilion and the Church of Scotland will be on sale in the Pavilion, along with an exhibition of old photographs. ABC Radio, Alness, plan to do an outside broadcast from Strathpeffer on Victorian Day.

www.facebook.com/events/422605581105010

www.gumtree.com/p/community/strathpeffer-victorian-day/1017131171

14 June 10 am Sticky Kids present a Funky Monkey Singalong. The Sticky Kids team presents hugely popular interactive shows for children up to 7 years old, which invariably sell out at the Pavilion. Last few tickets (only ten left!) at £6 now available only from the Pavilion 01997 420124.

http://stickykids.net

15 June 8 pm Fiona Kennedy – Fiona’s previous Pavilion concert – a tribute to her father the great Calum Kennedy – sold out in advance. We are delighted to welcome her back with her own show, “Fiona and Ruairidh on the Road – The Wee Osprey Tour”, featuring Ruairidh McDonald. Fiona says this is a vibrant celebration of music both ancient and modern, featuring a newly-released song written especially for Ruairidh, “Fly Lady Fly”. The song celebrates the record-breaking osprey ‘Lady’, who has made an annual 6,000-mile round trip to return to Dunkeld for over 20 years. Tickets £14 / £12 online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

www.facebook.com/fiona.kennedy.948

28 June 8 pm Scottish Chamber Orchestra – the SCO makes its popular annual visit to the Pavilion. Under the baton of dynamic young conductor Gergely Madaras, the SCO performs Beethoven’s ever-popular “Eroica” Symphony, alongside Weiner’s Divertimento Op. 20 and Ibert’s Flute Concerto with virtuosic SCO Principal Flute Alison Mitchell as soloist. Tickets online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk – also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

£14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s

www.sco.org.uk

www.gergelymadaras.com

No performance events in July – we’re full of weddings!

4 Aug Sorry the promoter has decided to cancel Coast’s event here on 4 August – shame, because we were looking forward to it!

10 Aug Friends of the Pavilion stall at the renowned Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, Castle Leod. Usually, local competitions start at 10 am, open competitions from 1 pm – tickets at the gate on the day

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathpeffer-Highland-Gathering/248278731927901

1 Sep 3 pm the Highland Chamber Orchestra in one of their popular Sunday afternoon concerts. This time, they play Aaron Copland’s “Quiet City”, Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony, Malcolm Arnold’s “Serenade for Small Orchestra” and Robert Wallace’s “Highland Sketches”. Tickets £8 / £6 (£1 for school pupils) on sale soon from Pavilion and HCO – the date of this concert may need to be changed, we’ll keep you informed

www.highland-chamber-orchestra.co.uk

3 Sep 8 pm Dogstar Theatre in The Baroness, starring Roberta Taylor – just confirmed, more info soon

www.dogstartheatre.co.uk

13 Sep Blas Festival event – the Blas 2013 programme is due to be announced on 13 June

14 Sep 8 pm Roger Dean makes a welcome return to the Pavilion with The Johnny Cash Story – “First class show. More please. This is what the Pavilion is perfect for. Thank you.” (audience member comment on the Pavilion website Guestbook after the last show). Tickets £17 / £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

http://roger-dean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl9K7JtYxM

17 Sep Antiques Valuation Day with Bonhams Auctioneers – organised by Friends of the Pavilion – as well as general valuers, Bonhams plan to bring specialists in coins, medals, arms and armour, whisky, fishing/shooting collectables, jewellery and silver

20 & The Blackburn Dance Group from Aberdeenshire regularly spend a

21 Sep weekend in Strathpeffer and hold two dances at the Pavilion with music by top Scottish dance bands – others are welcome to join in and tickets can usually be bought at the door

2 Oct 8 pm The Magic of the Beatles – regarded as one of the UK’s leading Beatles cover bands, playing to ecstatic sell-out audiences throughout the world and regularly appearing on television and radio. Golden Anniversary tour, celebrating 50 years of No. 1 hits. Tickets £18.50 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.easytheatres.com/concert-shows/magic-of-the-beatles

12 Oct 8 pm Isla Grant – Isla started singing in folk clubs when she was only 14. She went on to become a popular country singer and is now an internationally-known singer/songwriter, several of whose albums have gone platinum. We are delighted to welcome her back to the Pavilion. Tickets £17 / £15 / £6 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000 – on sale elsewhere soon

http://islagrant.net

13 Oct 10 am to 4 pm Antiques & Collectables Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Further info from Eleanor 01667 451839

26 & 10 am to 4 pm Exclusively Highlands “Meet the Makers” Fair

27 Oct www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

1 Nov 8 pm T.Rextasy – the brilliant (and only official) tribute band to Marc Bolan and T.Rex, endorsed by the controllers of Marc Bolan and T.Rex’s catalogue, Marc Bolan’s family, former members of T.Rex and the official Marc Bolan fan club. Tickets £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.trextasy.com

2 & 3 10 am to 4 pm Food & Craft Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion.

Nov Further info from Frances on 01997 421344

Plus conferences, weddings, functions and other private events not included on this list

Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.StrathpefferPavilion.org

info@StrathpefferPavilion.org

TicketWeb 24/7 ticket hotline: 08444 771000

Source: Strathpeffer Pavilion

Chloe is already well-known locally for her distinctive vocal style and her catchy tunes. Her two most well-kent songs are Fish Out Of Water and Vitamin D Deficiency, both regularly played on SIBC.

Paul Brady is one of Ireland’s most highly regarded and successful artists. He incorporates folk, rock, blues, traditional Irish, and classic pop styles into his song writing. Often described as “a musicians’ musician,” his songs have been covered by a huge array of major artists including Tina Turner, Cher, Joe Cocker, and Carlos Santana.

At these two concerts he will perform sets including songs from his extensive 40 year catalogue, including hits from his albums Hard Station, True For You, Back To The Centre, Primitive Dance, Trick Or Treat, Spirits Colliding, and more.

Shetland Arts’ Marketing Officer, Lisa Ward, said: “Chloe is fast establishing herself as a gifted singer songwriter of limitless potential. She will make a wonderful support act for Paul Brady.”

Tickets for both concerts are available now via Shetland Box Office in Mareel & Islesburgh, over the phone on 01595 745 555, or online at www.mareel.org and www.shetlandboxoffice.org

Source: Shetland Arts

Shetland Arts is looking for local knitters to sign up to take part in Own Our Own Time, an outdoor knitting circle project taking place on 1 August as part of Shetland Arts’ International Textile Festival running from 31 July – 5 August this year. Basic knitting skills are required.

Own Our Own Time is an art project that deals with issues of time associated with a human pace, in form of a monumental knitting with 80 people all knitting together in a circle.

The project aims to raise questions about tradition and development, the participants’ own stories and about attention. It is run by the Swedish artist Kerstin Lindstrom with the help of skilled knitters from many countries. This event is being presented in collaboration with Shetland Textile Museum.

Kerstin Lindstrom is well known for her participative performance art, aiming in her work to evoke emotions, and elements of behaviour and relationships with people and places.

Own Our Own Time will take place at the Shetland Textile Museum at the Bod of Gremista on Thursday 1 August from 6-8pm and more information is available at Kerstin’s blog: http://knittingincircle.blogspot.co.uk/ Anyone interested in taking part is asked to email admin@shetlandarts.org.

Shetland Arts’ International Textile Festival will take place in Mareel, Bonhoga Gallery, Shetland Museum & Archives, and other locations in Shetland. The Festival has a strong Nordic theme and will cover the broad activity of textiles; including art, knitting, design, education, and business.

Events for the public and textile enthusiasts include a Nordic textile art exhibition at Bonhoga Gallery called Lighten and a Knitting Conference at Mareel and Shetland Museum & Archives called In the Loop 3.5: Making Connections.

The conference takes place from 31 July to 2 August 2013. At the conference, participants will hear speakers who are experts in the field of textiles, including artists, curators, designers, knitters, theorists, and historians. Artists exhibiting in the Nordic Textile Exhibition Lighten at Bonhoga Gallery will also be attending the conference.

In the Loop 3.5 is the fourth in a series of acclaimed knitting conferences initiated and led by Linda Newington from the University of Southampton Library, this year run in collaboration with Shetland Arts.

Shetland Arts’ Marketing Officer, Lisa Ward, said: “There are loads of knitters in Shetland, from beginners right through to experts, and it’d be great to see a wide range of them getting involved with the International Textile Festival, whether by volunteering to take part in the Own Our Own Time knitting circle, booking a place at the In The Loop 3.5 conference, or by coming along to one of the many other events happening as part of the Festival.”

Members of the public can book a place at the conference for £75 via Shetland Box Office in Mareel and Islesburgh, over the phone on 01595 745 555, or online at www.mareel.org and www.shetlandboxoffice.org

More information about the International Textile Festival and its associated events can be found at http://www.shetlandarts.org/whats-on/festivals/international-textile-festival/

Source: Shetland Arts

The concert, on 15th June, will be in the Drawing Room at Dunrobin Castle. Appropriately, the performers are The Sutherland Duo, with Harriet Mackenzie (violin), and Christina Lawrie (piano).

With their strong ancestral links to Sutherland, the Duo, winners of theWinners of Scotland Award 2010 – 2012, are an eclectic and energetic duo. Their repertoire spans more than 300 years of western classical music, ranging from the elegance of the French Baroque, the searing emotional intensity of Brahms, and the wild gypsy rhythms of Sarasate, to the exciting music of our times.

Christina and Harriet are both Park Lane Group Young Artists and have both performed at prestigious venues such as the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, St Martin in the Fields and Cadogan Hall, and have given live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. They were also invited to perform in the historic Bath Pump Room for its 300th Anniversary celebration concert.

Thanks to the EMS Chamber Music Residency, the Sutherland Duo have toured all over Scotland. At Dunrobin they will play music by Grieg and Prokofiev.

The concert begins at 7:30pm, with tickets priced at £15 (£12 concessions). Wine and soft drinks will be offered. Further details and ticket reservations: MF@northhighlandconnections.org Phone: 0752 107 7053

Source: NHC

Shinty’s Heroes Musical Director, Gary Innes (himself a hero) and wordsmith, Hugh Dan MacLennan (who always wanted to be a hero), will inform, entertain and surprise at the Nevis Centre, Fort William on Friday , September 13. Amongst the stellar list of guests are Skye’s Donnie Munro, Duncan Chisholm from Cannich, Duncan MacGillivray from Easter Ross, Allan Henderson, Iain MacFarlane and the one and only Fergie MacDonald – all from various parts of Lochaber.

The first half of the programme will revolve round the impact of the First World War on shinty- playing areas. Hugh Dan will provide an audio-visual display detailing some of the exploits of Highland Heroes at battles such as Festubert in 1915 through a combination of war-time and sporting images, many of which have been unseen before.

He said: “The starting point of our journey is really the unique success of the Lovat and Beauly teams who allegedly combined to win the Camanachd Cup in 1913. We’ll celebrate that remarkable event and then follow a couple of the Beauly players who went to War and left us a remarkable pipe tune which we will play on the evening. There are extraordinary tales to tell and on the eve of shinty’s greatest day out, it’s singularly appropriate that we mark the shinty player’s and the shinty community’s contribution to the Great War. And the impact that had on the game.”

Musical Maestro Gary Innes will mastermind the musical aspects of the event, and is confident the success of “Lochaber Gold” two years ago will be repeated. “I cannot think of a better way to launch Shinty’s Heroes than be here at the Commando Memorial in my home village of Spean Bridge. I am delighted that so many top musicans from the shinty-playing areas, each with a connection to shinty teams, will be joining us. It promises to be a remarkable evening and we are sure it will sell out as it will be the start of a perfect weekend for shinty fans throughout Scotland.”

Hugh Dan and Gary were joined for the launch of Shinty’s Heroes at the Commando Memorial by the one and only Fergie MacDonald, formerly a trainer of Fort William shinty club and most recently occupied producing his latest musical accomplishment, the song “The Shinty Referee” recently released as a single.

All three assisted Camanachd Association President Archie Robertson make the draw for the quarter finals of the Scottish Hydro Camananchd Cup. Archie added: “The Camanachd Association is delighted to again partner with the Blas Festival. It is a great event which celebrates many aspects of Highland culture and it seems very appropriate that the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final should be part of it. The content and array of performers included in Hugh Dan and Gary’s show, “Shinty’s Heroes”, leaves me in no doubt that it will be an excellent evening and a perfect start to the cup final weekend as those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War are remembered.”

Shinty’s Heroes will take place at the Nevis Centre, Fort William on Friday, September 13, 2013 at 7.30pm.

The formal launch of the Blas 2013 Festival Programme will take place at Eden Court Theatre Inverness on Thursday, June 13.

Gaelic version

Curaidhean na Camanachd le urram aig Blas 2013

Thèid an ceangal eadar saoghal na camanachd agus na thachair anns a’ Chogadh Mhòr a chomharrachadh aig cuirm shònraichte mar phàirt de dh’Fhèis Blas 2013. Air an oidhche mas tèid cuairt dheireannach Cupa na Camanachd a chluich anns a’ Ghearasadan am bliadhna (Dihaoine 13 Sultain) thèid na thachair a chomharrachadh tro chuirm le dealbhan, ceòl agus sgeulachdan. Chaill mòran a bha rio camanachd am beatha anns a’ Chiad Chogadh agus bha buaidh aig na thachair air grunn choimhearsnachdan Gàidhealach. Bidh Curaidhean na Camanachd a’ coimhead air sin agus làithean mòra eile anns na cuairtean deireannach tro eachdraidh faisg air 120 bliadhna na farpais.

Seo a’ chiad chuirm de Bhlas 2013 a th’air fhoillseachadh, le Stiùiriche a’ chiùil Gary Innes agus fear-an-taighe Ùisdean MacIllInnein a’ lìbhrigeadh oidhche a bhios air leth. A-measg na bhios air an àrd-ùrlar còmhla riutha bidh sàr luchd-ciùil agus seinneadairean, uile le ceangal ri sgìrean no sgiobaidhean camanachd, leithid Donaidh Rothach bhon Eilean Sgitheanach, Dunnchadh Siosal bho Channich, Dunnchadh MacGilleBhrath, am Pìobaire bho thaobh sear Rois, Ailean MacEanruig, Iain MacFàrlain agus cò eile ach Fergie Dòmhnallach, uile a’ riochdachadh diofar cheàrnaidhean de Lochabar.

Thèid a’ chiad earrann dhen oidhche a chur seachad a’ sealltainn mar a thug an Cogadh Mòr buaidh air sgìrean agus ginealach gan sgrios, leithid ann am boglaich na Frainnge. Thèid dealbhan (gu leòr nach fhacas leis a’ mhòr-shluagh roimhe seo), a shealltainn a nì ceangal eadar na thachair ann an leithid Blàr Festubert ann an 1915 agus mar a chaidh uibhir de bhalaich òga an Eilein Sgitheanaich a mharbhadh an sin agus nach do thìll.

Thuirt Uisdean: “Tha sinn a’ dol a thòiseachadh le mar a thachair 100 bliadhna air ais nuair thàinig sgiobaidhean Lòbhat agus a’ Mhanachain còmhla agus bhuinnig iad an cupa ann an 1913. Bha feadhainn san sgioba sin nach do thill ach a dh’fhàg pìobaireachd àraid againn a’ cuimhneachadh air a’ ghèam. Tha iomadach sgeulachd ri h-innse, duilich is àmhghaireach gu leòr dhiù, ach ‘s math an cur air beulaibh dhaoine agus iad a’ cruinneachadh dhan Ghearasdan an ath latha son Là Mòr na Camanachd. Cha bu chùir do dhuine na thachair a dhiochuimhneachadh.”

Tha Gary Innes làn chinnteach gun tèid cho math leis an oidhche sa chaidh le cuirm eile a chaidh a chumail ann an Ionad Neibheis mar phàirt de Bhlas 2011 – “Òr Lochabair”. Thuirt e: “Cha b’urrainn dhuinn àite nas iomchaidh a thaghadh airson na cuirme fhoillseachadh an seo aig Carragh-chuimhne Dhrochaid an Aonachainn anns a’ bhaile far an do thogadh mi fhèin. Tha mi air leth toilichte gu bheil uibhir de shàr luchd-ciùil air aontachadh tighinn chun na cuirme, uile le ceangal fa-leth ri sgirean camanachd. ‘S e oidhche shònraichte a bhios ann le spòrs is fealla-dha a-measg a h-uile càil eile, agus tha mi cinnteach gum falbh na tiocaidean leis a’ ghaoith agus daoine gu bhith dol chun ghèaim mhòir an ath latha.”

Còmhla ri Gary agus Ùisdean a’ foillseachadh Curaidhean na Camanachd bha Fergie Dòmhnallach a bhios e fhèin a’ gabhail an àrd-ùrlair. Bha iad le chèile a’ cuideachadh ann a bhith a’ tarraing an ath chuairt de chupa na Camanachd aig a’ Charragh Chuimhne.

Thuirt Ceann-Suidhe Chomann na Camanachd Eàirdsidh Robasdan: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte a bhith ag obair còmhla ri Fèisean nan Gàidheal a’ cur air adhart Blas 2013. Tha e air leth freagarrach gun rachadh cuirm mar seo a chumail an co-cheangal ri là mòr na camanachd. Tha an luchd-ciùil agus an dreach a chuireas Ùisdean agus Gary air an oidhche air leth tarraingeach agus tha mi deimhinne gun tèid na gnothaichean uabhasach a thachair sa Chogadh a chomharrachadh dhan h-uile duine a bhios a’ cruinneachadh dhan Ghearasdan.”

Bidh Curaidh na Camanachd ann an Ionad Neibheis anns a’ Ghearsadan, oidhche h-Aoine, Sultain 13, aig 7.30 feasgar. Thèid am program slàn airson Fèis Blas 2013 fhoillseachadh ann an Inbirnis air Diardaoin, 13 Ògmhios.

Source: Fèisean nan Gàidheal

Tuesday 9 July at 11am, 3pm, & 7pm @ Mareel, Shetland

Join Doctor Smith from the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies as he puts you at the heart of a hypothetical Zombieism epidemic, and teaches you what to do when a Zombie outbreak occurs. Worst Case Scenario is a new spoof tutorial on the real science behind a disease outbreak, featuring a multi-media presentation and interactive demonstrations the outcome of the outbreak is down to you; with multiple endings depending on how you decide to deal with the Zombies.

Founder of the Institute, Doctor Austin says: “Generally people believe the best way to deal with Zombies is to conduct involuntary euthanasia, but murdering people afflicted with a disease isn’t very nice, or effective. “

This tutorial is a sequel to the successful 2010/11 Zombie Science 1Z lecture which explored the real science behind the undead and received a wealth of critical acclaim and five star reviews.

Worst Case Scenario expands on the science covered in Zombie Science 1Z to communicate topics including genetics, virology and epidemiology. The tutorial format will simulate a Zombieism outbreak and teach you how the cause of a new disease is identified, what preventative measures can reduce its spread, and how treatments and cures are developed.

Supported by the Scottish Government, Wellcome Trust and University of Glasgow, Zombie Science: Worst Case Scenario is designed to educate, entertain, and inspire teenage & adult audiences about Zombiology as well as other biological sciences.

Ensuring the science is deadly accurate are a team of scientists including; Dr. Kevin O’Dell, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Genetics at the University of Glasgow and Dr. Katie White, a research associate at the University of Glasgow with a PhD in Cardiovascular Gene Therapy.

Always remember in the fight against Zombieism the greatest weapon is knowledge, and crossbows, but mainly knowledge.

Zombie Science: Worst Case Scenario is suitable for people aged 13+. It is free to attend, but booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available to book via Shetland Box Office in Mareel & Islesburgh, over the phone on 01595 745 555, or online at www.mareel.org and www.shetlandboxoffice.org

Source: Shetland Arts

MOON FOOL’S TITANIA

The Universal Hall, Findhorn hosts an unusual reworking of Shakepeare on Sat 15th June at 7.30pm. Moon Fool’s Titania is an innovative re-imagining of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In this engaging, amusing and participatory production, the much-loved Queen of the Night plays out events from her past, hosting nightly revels in an attempt to woo audiences off the path and back into the woods.

A heady fusion of original music and vocal acrobatics, Titania is the Queen of the Faeries’ tale with an amplified twist (and don’t expect conventional Shakespeare) – a solo musical cabaret from the talented Anna-Helena McLean – exotic, delightful, and brilliant a “… reconfiguring of Shakespeare plays like jazz variations, beautifully orchestrated.” (Observer newspaper) Ticket prices are £10/£8 concs/£6 U16s available from the Phoenix Stores 01309 690110 and online at www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Source: Universal Hall

Julie Brook is a British artist who works with the land, where her response to the forms and materials to hand is expressed through her work. Over the past twenty years she has lived and worked in a succession of wild and remote landscapes, creating sculptures, paintings, drawings and films.

During 2008/09 Julie Brook travelled and worked in the black volcanic desert in central Libya and in the Jebel Acacus mountains in South West Libya. The stark landscape influenced a corresponding shift in the way she made large scale drawings and sculptural work in situ. This led to further exploration in 2011/12 in the semi-desert of North West Namibia where the absolute nature of the light and shadow is expressed in the new sculptural work.

The work is transient and changes significantly according to the light and time of day it is seen. Brook explores these changes through film and photography which become in turn the expression of the work.

Julie Brook’s first solo exhibition since her return has just closed at the Dovecot in Edinburgh and the work for exhibition in Bonhoga will be coming directly from there. It is a great addition to the project that Shetland Arts is able to commission her to create a site-specific work for Shetland.

Jane Matthews, Shetland Arts’ Exhibitions Officer, said: “We’re extremely grateful to SNH for their support, enabling this project to happen, strengthening and celebrating the connections between art and the landscape in the Year of Natural Scotland.”

Julie will also be running a drawing workshop in the landscape, also funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, on the 15th June from 11am – 1pm. For more details and booking visit shetlandboxoffice.org or call 01595 745 555.

Source: Shetland Arts

Sunday 9th June until Thursday 22nd August

Temporary Exhibition Gallery

An exhibition by Sutherland based artist Sue Jane Taylor. During the exhibition we are hosting a family day with artist Sue Jane Taylor on Saturday 13th July. In the evening of Thursday 22nd August, there will be a talk from Allan MacAskill.

A Midsummer Night’s Scream

Friday 21st June 6-9pm

Launch Event in Caithness Horizons. We’ll be joining in the fun of the Midsummer Night’s Scream event opening night with a graphic novel workshop with Sonya Paul followed by readings and a talk with Glasgow writer Kirsty Logan. There will also be a themed pasta buffet and a variety of thrills, spills and surprises. £6 per ticket, includes pasta buffet. Tickets available from www.screamthurso.co.uk

Patchwork Meadow Exhibition

Friday 28th June until Sunday 28th July 2013

Main Exhibition Hall

Wild plants and the rural communities who maintain our landscapes are a fundamental part of Europe’s culture. Wild plants are part of what links different individuals and communities to each other, their history and their landscape throughout Europe and beyond.

From Friday 28th June until Sunday 28th July 2013 Caithness Horizons will be exhibiting patches from Wildflower Europe’s (http://wildflowereurope.org/) Patchwork Meadow Exhibition in the Museum’s Main Hall as part of the Wild North Festival (Friday 28th June until Sunday 7th July 2013).

Wild Flower Workshop With Fibre Artist Joanne B. Kaar

Saturday 29th June 2013

2.00-4.00pm

Come along to Caithness Horizons and join Fibre Artist Joanne B. Kaar and make paper from the plants and leaves growing in her garden and string from daffodil leaves. You will also make 3D wild flowers based on patches in Wildflower Europe’s Patchwork Meadow Exhibition and specimens from the Robert Dick Herbarium. This event is part of the Wild North Festival (Friday 28th June until Sunday 7th July 2013).

Suitable for children aged 7-12 years old. FREE workshop but pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Priority booking will be given to members of “Peter’s Pals” – Young Curators Club. Please contact Caithness Horizons on 01847 896508 or e-mail info@caithnesshorizons.co.uk to book your place.

Wild Plants, Science and Mythology and how they are related – Theophrastus, Linnaeus and Robert Dick

Sunday 30th June

2.00-4.00pm

On Sunday 30th June Dr Seona Anderson from Plantlife International will be giving a talk entitled “Wild Plants, Science and Mythology and how they are related – Theophrastus, Linnaeus and Robert Dick”. This event is part of the Wild North Festival and is linked to Wildflower Europe’s Patchwork Meadow Exhibition.

FREE talk but pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Please contact Caithness Horizons on 01847 896508 or e-mail info@caithnesshorizons.co.uk to book your place.

Source: Caithness Horizons

Cromarty Stables, 23 June 2013, 4.00pm.

Bob Pegg, Christina Stewart and Bill Taylor present Tales and Music from Highland Perthshire at the Cromarty Stables, on Sunday afternoon 23rd June 2013.

The programme combines Perthshire stories with songs in Gaelic and Scots/English, and tunes played on the ancient wire-strung clarsach. The production centres around stories collected by Lady Evelyn Stewart Murray (1868-1940) of Blair Castle, which were taken from local informants and preserved in twelve manuscript volumes using their unique dialect and usage of native Perthshire Gaelic. Bob, Christina and Bill will present Lady Evelyn’s tales as they might have been heard at a traditional ceilidh, with a mix of stories (re-told in English), songs and music.

Tickets cost £10, £8 and £3 – suitable for adults and older children.

The show has been very well received at the Pitlochry Book Festival, and the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh. We are looking forward to performing for a more northerly audience.

Source: Bob Pegg

Saturday 15th June 2013

Heavily influenced by guitar virtuosos such as James Taylor, Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, Jim Michie has long been much sought after as a session musician in concert and recording studio.

Showcasing his distinctive guitar style and vocals with a repertoire that looks back over forty years of songs and tunes, the concert will also feature many who have collaborated with Jim over the years.

Featuring:

Jim Michie (guitars, vocals)

Jim Hunter (guitars, vocals)

Chris Pritchard (guitars, vocals)

Kaela Rowan (vocals)

Graham Flett (bass, keyboard)

Brian Hepburn (vocals)

Jamie Ash (drums)

Jim Gaitens

Bill Gillespie

With more guests to be announced!

Start time 8:00pm, tickets £10 (under 18s £8)

Source: Glenuig Hall

All the squares were knitted by members of the public, or a member of the monthly Mareel knitting group, and will vary from full patchwork knitted blankets to tablemats and chairbacks of stitched knitted squares, donated to the project in response to a knitting challenge for knitters of all ages in Shetland. After Dementia Awareness Week all the knitting will be stitched into blankets and donated to various Shetland charities.

Members of the public are also welcome to come along to Bonhoga Gallery on Saturday 1 June from 10am to 4pm to join in on a ‘Sewing Up Day.’

Ann Williamson, Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Advisor, said “The installation will hopefully get everyone thinking about Dementia. The number of people with Dementia is set to double in a generation and it is important that communities are dementia aware and talking about the illness in order to be well informed.”

Source: Shetland Arts

What made you who you are? What are you going to become? In the hope of bringing someone closer to you, do you have to let them go?

Find out more about this Nordic Noir performance

Find out more about Skraelings Theatre company on Facebook

Buy tickets for this performance

In Person: The Spectrum Centre, Inverness

Online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/playpieces/events

Telephone: 0844 8700 887 (a lo-call rate number, 5p per minute)

Doors open: 12:30pm

Performance starts: 1pm

Tickets: £10 which includes lunch

There will be a short, post-show discussion directly after the performance.

Please note that a booking fee (% per transaction) is applicable when booking online or by telephone. The telephone box office service is a booking facility only, and has access to the same information as customers booking online

Source: Play Pieces

DF Concerts & Events in association with Shetland Arts presents Tim Burgess live at Mareel on Friday 27 September.

Tim is touring his new album ‘Oh No I Love You’, which will be released on September 2, around the UK with his five-piece band, including The Charlatans guitarist Mark Collins.

The Charlatans front-man, who recently published his autobiography Telling Stories, worked with Lambchop’s Kurt Wagner on the record.

Speaking of the making of ‘Oh No I Love You’, Tim said: “The root of this album goes right back to a Kurt Wagner show in Manchester…I carried Kurt’s guitar to the car for him. I took the chance to ask him if he would ever consider writing a song with me. He said, ‘Sure Tim, you write the music and I’ll write the words’. That one song turned into an album and almost ten year’s after we first talked about it, the album is read.y”

Recorded in Nashville with producer Mark Nevers, it features members of Lambchop, Clem Snide, and My Morning Jacket. Chris Scruggs, grandson of the legendary banjo player Earl Scruggs played on the album, as well as experimentalist R Stevie Moore. Further contributions came from Factory Floor’s Gabe Gurnsey and Nik Colk Void.

Tickets go on sale this Friday (31 May) at 9am via Shetland Box Office in Mareel & Islesburgh, over the phone on 01595 745 555, or online at www.shetlandboxoffice.org and www.mareel.org. Tickets will also be available via Ticketmaster. For more information, please see www.gigsinscotland.com

Source: Shetland Arts

6 June 8 pm The Inverness Mahler Players and soprano Emily Mitchell perform Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, Debussy’s Prélude à l’après Midi d’un Faune and Martinu’s Nonet. The Inverness Mahler Players is a new ensemble founded for this project and features some of the area’s finest musicians, conducted by Tomas Leakey. Tickets £9 (£7 for seniors, £5 for under 26s) from Pavilion 01997 420124, Leakey’s Bookshop Inverness and online from WeGotTickets.com

There will be performances of the same concert at Dornoch Cathedral on 5 June and Nairn Community Centre on 7 June, for which tickets are also available from Strathpeffer Pavilion and other outlets as above.

www.emilymitchellsoprano.com

8 June from 11 am Strathpeffer’s famous annual Victorian Market Day, with a variety of stalls and events and this year incorporating an Art & Music Trail in various venues around the village. Teas with delicious home baking by Friends of the Pavilion and the Church of Scotland will be on sale in the Pavilion, along with an exhibition of old photographs.

www.facebook.com/events/422605581105010

14 June 10 am Sticky Kids present a Funky Monkey Singalong. The Sticky Kids team presents hugely popular interactive shows for children up to 7 years old, which invariably sell out at the Pavilion. Last few tickets (only twelve left!) at £6 now available only from the Pavilion 01997 420124.

http://stickykids.net

15 June 8 pm Fiona Kennedy – Fiona’s previous Pavilion concert – a tribute to her father the great Calum Kennedy – sold out in advance. We are delighted to welcome her back with her own show, “Fiona and Ruairidh on the Road – The Wee Osprey Tour”, featuring Ruairidh McDonald. Fiona says this is a vibrant celebration of music both ancient and modern, featuring a newly-released song written especially for Ruairidh, “Fly Lady Fly”. The song celebrates the record-breaking osprey ‘Lady’, who has made an annual 6,000-mile round trip to return to Dunkeld for over 20 years. Tickets £14 / £12 online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

www.facebook.com/fiona.kennedy.948

28 June 8 pm Scottish Chamber Orchestra – the SCO makes its popular annual visit to the Pavilion. Under the baton of dynamic young conductor Gergely Madaras, the SCO performs Beethoven’s ever-popular “Eroica” Symphony, alongside Weiner’s Divertimento Op. 20 and Ibert’s Flute Concerto with virtuosic SCO Principal Flute Alison Mitchell as soloist. Tickets online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk – also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

£14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s

www.sco.org.uk

www.gergelymadaras.com

No performance events in July – we’re full of weddings!

4 Aug Sorry the promoter has decided to cancel Coast’s event here on 4 August – shame, because we were looking forward to it!

10 Aug Friends of the Pavilion stall at the renowned Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, Castle Leod. Usually, local competitions start at 10 am, open competitions from 1 pm – tickets at the gate on the day

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathpeffer-Highland-Gathering/248278731927901

1 Sep 3 pm the Highland Chamber Orchestra in one of their popular Sunday afternoon concerts. This time, they play Aaron Copland’s “Quiet City”, Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony, Malcolm Arnold’s “Serenade for Small Orchestra” and Robert Wallace’s “Highland Sketches”. Tickets £8 / £6 (£1 for school pupils) on sale soon from Pavilion and HCO

www.highland-chamber-orchestra.co.uk

13 Sep Blas Festival event – the Blas 2013 programme is due to be announced on 13 June

14 Sep 8 pm Roger Dean makes a welcome return to the Pavilion with The Johnny Cash Story – “First class show. More please. This is what the Pavilion is perfect for. Thank you.” (audience member comment on the Pavilion website Guestbook after the last show). Tickets £17 / £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

http://roger-dean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl9K7JtYxM

17 Sep Antiques Valuation Day with Bonhams Auctioneers – organised by Friends of the Pavilion – as well as general valuers, Bonhams plan to bring specialists in coins, medals, arms and armour, whisky, fishing/shooting collectables, jewellery and silver

20 & The Blackburn Dance Group from Aberdeenshire regularly spend a

21 Sep weekend in Strathpeffer and hold two dances at the Pavilion with music by top Scottish dance bands – others are welcome to join in and tickets can usually be bought at the door

2 Oct 8 pm The Magic of the Beatles – regarded as one of the UK’s leading Beatles cover bands, playing to ecstatic sell-out audiences throughout the world and regularly appearing on television and radio. Golden Anniversary tour, celebrating 50 years of No. 1 hits. Tickets £18.50 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.easytheatres.com/concert-shows/magic-of-the-beatles

12 Oct 8 pm Isla Grant – Isla started singing in folk clubs when she was only 14. She went on to become a popular country singer and is now an internationally-known singer/songwriter, several of whose albums have gone platinum. We are delighted to welcome her back to the Pavilion. Tickets £17 / £15 / £6 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000 – on sale elsewhere soon

http://islagrant.net

13 Oct 10 am to 4 pm Antiques & Collectables Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Further info from Eleanor 01667 451839

26 & 10 am to 4 pm Exclusively Highlands “Meet the Makers” Fair

27 Oct www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

1 Nov 8 pm T.Rextasy – the brilliant (and only official) tribute band to Marc Bolan and T.Rex, endorsed by the controllers of Marc Bolan and T.Rex’s catalogue, Marc Bolan’s family, former members of T.Rex and the official Marc Bolan fan club. Tickets £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.trextasy.com

2 & 3 10 am to 4 pm Food & Craft Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion.

Nov Further info from Frances on 01997 421344

Plus conferences, weddings, functions and other private events not included on this list

Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.StrathpefferPavilion.org

enquiries@StrathpefferPavilion.org

TicketWeb 24/7 ticket hotline: 08444 771000

Source: Strathpeffer Pavilion

The Potting Shed Stage www.tartanheartfringe.co.uk

A festival within a festival, relaxed and informal, a place where the artist have fun, rootsy and impromptu, to celebrate the 10 Belladrum we welcome back some friends and introduce you to even more.

Well, I heard the news, there’s good rockin’ tonight.

Two American Stars return to Belladrum for Potting Shed Stage appearance, putting the carni in a carnival of Roots Music talent from around the globe (and Conon Bridge)

Mary Jean Lewes (The Killers Niece) played the very first Belladrum with her mother and sister (The Lewis Three) & our mutual friend Phil Lee returns on his “Fall and Further Decline of The Mighty King Of Love” European Tour”.

In true Potting Shed fashion watch out for one off impromptu Rock n Roll fireworks when they meet at Belladrum.

Let’s rock, rock, rock, rock, We’re gonna rock all our blues away!!! The Potting Shed Stage Belladrum 2013.

Thursday Aug 1 8pm 11pm

The Coffee Shop Sessions Blues Revue with The Blues Experience & Red Blues

The now traditional Blues Jam lead by Dingwall Greenhouse Coffee Shop Sessions regulars from Conon Bridge Emma Mitchell & Matt Sillars mew Blues Band The Blues Experience & special guests Red Blues from The Spey Valley Delta

https://www.facebook.com/groups/131214630251847/

Friday Aug 2

Scott and Farquhar MacDonald 12.00 12.30 http://www.scott-macdonald.co.uk/

Not relations except in music, Scott Macdonald is one of Scotland busiest songwriter entertainers, fiddler Farquhar is a legend on Skye their radio hit album Hope Street reflects Scott and Farquhar’s well travelled life gigging from The Islands to The City.

Impromptu organised on the day 12.30

The Federal 12.40 1.10 https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Federals/184467628375789

Ye Ha Math Tha Highland Hillbillies Bluegrass, Blues & Country

Impromptu organised on the day 1.10

Gypsy Dave Smith 1.30 2.10 http://www.reverbnation.com/gypsydavesmith

Impeccable Slide Blues from Potting Shed Stage favourite and guitarist in residence

Impromptu organised on the day 2.10

John Duffy and The Highland Hot Club 2.20 3.00 https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Duffy/156587891046457

Gypsy Jazz Fusion. Ayrshire’s John Duffy with our own Highland Hot Club for a Cafe Orchestra Fusion

Impromptu organised on the day 3.00

Jimmy The Hat & the Portmaheekans

3.20 3.50

A cast of Portmaheekans gather to wish Highland Country Legend Jimmy a happy 50th birthday (on 10 years since the last Catalyst Festival in the Port, the inspiration behind the Potting Shed Stage)

Impromptu organised on the day 3.50

Davy & The Hosebeast

4.00 4.40

www.davycowan.com

Celtic Rocker Davy Cowan, explores his punk roots.

Impromptu organised on the day 4.40

Diddums

5.00 5.40

https://www.facebook.com/pages/DIDDUMS/328156197800

Diddums are Punk Rockers, Diddums are Punk Rockers, Diddums are Punk Rockers NOW!!

Impromptu organised on the day 15.40

Des Horsfall & Tim O’Connor

6.00 6.40

www.kuschtyrye.net http://www.timoconnor.co.uk

Ronnie Lane never did a show with John Lennon, this is as close as you’ll get.

Impromptu organised on the day 6.40

Mary Jean Lewis

7.00 7.40

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Jean-Lewis-and-The-Low-Men/281499475215145

Mary Jean (niece of Rock n Roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis) played the first Belladrum with her Mother and sister as The Lewis Three, we are delighted to welcome her back, there will be good rocking tonight.

The Galipaygos

8.00 8.40

http://thegalipaygos.com/

If a band sums up the Potting Shed Stage thing it would be The Galipaygoes rootsy and right good fun, welcome home guys.

The Whiskys

9.00 9.40

http://thewhiskys.org/

The Whisky River Band are now stripped back to the Whiskys, with a stripped back sound and a jug full of new songs.

The Ballahulish Hellhounds

10.00 10.45

Ballahulish shit kicking Bluegrass. Perennial favourites and our Friday Night Headline act.

Saturday

Fash Stewart & The Great & The Good

12.00 12.20

www.fashstewart.co.uk

Our Compere beyond compare, with well! – with who knows who but they will be The Great and The Good.

Impromptu organised on the day 12.20

Andrea Soler

12.30 12.50

http://andreasoler.com

Gentle tropical jazz infused, Andrea Soler is an award winning Australian singer songwriter with compelling vocals and insightful lyrics.

Impromptu organised on the day 12.50

Little Fire

1.00 1.20

http://littlefiremusic.com/

Inspired by the warm tone of the voice of Ted Hawkins, the passionate delivery of Ray LaMontagne and the eclectic approach to song writing so ably displayed by John Martyn.

Impromptu organised on the day 1.20

Dumb Instrument

1.50 2.30

http://dumbinstrument.com

If Ivor Cutler and Michael Marra sat down for a cup of tea together they might have dreamt up Dumb Instrument.

Impromptu organised on the day 2.30

The Jeff Jolly Band

2.50 3.30

http://www.jeffjolly.net/

San Francisco Rocking Blues band reminiscent of George Thorougood & Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Impromptu organised on the day 3.30

Jamie Marshal

3.45 – 4.10

https://www.facebook.com/jamie.marshall.908?fref=ts

Itinerant protest singer with a strong message.

Impromptu organised on the day 4.10

Mark Dean & The Dogies

4.30 – 5.00

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Dean-Ellen/291582080943456

They do all kinds of music – Country & Western!

Impromptu organised on the day 5.00

Phil Lee

5.15 to 6.00

www.phillee1.com

Bob Dylan meets Jimmy Durante – The Mighty King Of Love on tour to promote his hit album (3 months in The Euro Americana Chart) The Fall and Further Decline of The Mighty King Of Love, and this year stars in a movie as a down at heals country star living out of a suit case (No type casting there then)

Impromptu organised on the day 6.00

The Hamish Roberts Band

6.20 .7.00

Well travelled Inverness Guitar Wiz, brings the band of his choice to Belladrum.

https://www.facebook.com/hamish.roberts1

Impromptu organised on the day 7.00

Baby Isaac

7.20 – 8.00

http://www.babyisaacblues.com/

Swing Rhythm & Blues Jazz

Authenticity was a key factor in developing the Baby Isaac sound – it is all about the feel, and the natural, energetic performances.

The David Latto Band

8.15 8.40

http://www.thedavidlattoband.com

Country harmony from the home of Country Music Kirkcaldy, Imagine The Everly Brothers when they were young and handsome and talking to each other.

Roots and Cheroots The Vieille Alliance

9.00 – 9.20

www.theslimpanatellas.co.uk

When Cigar Box Don and Rob Ellen went to the French BSA Cigar Box Guitar Festival and said, “you must come and visit us some time”, they never dreamed they would. Some Gaelic home grown hand rolled blues fusion. Viva La France, Viva Écosse.

Earls Of Caithness

10.00 – 11.00

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Earls-Of-Caithness/322002967909785

Soul Funk Fusion from The Flow Country featuring Conon Bridge Chanteuse Emma Mitchell.

www.medicinemusic.co.uk

Source: Medicine Music

Three stages of entertainment, enough Thistly Cross cider and Williams Brothers beer to fuel even the most epic of expeditions, delicious food including this year’s pop-up restaurant from the incredible Pamela Brunton, head chef at The Painting School and a whole host of other fantastical distractions – most notably, YOU!

Saturday tickets have already SOLD OUT!

So don’t dilly-dally or the ride will leave without you…

Full details at http://www.insiderfestival.com

The Insider >>> Edinburgh

Official Warm Up at The Voodoo Rooms

Tuesday 28 May 2013

8pm-1am

Tickets £12

With just under a month to go until The Insider, we thought it only proper to venture out of our cosy confines of Inshriach and bring a top-drawer delegation to do our bit for international relations.

As well as our wonderful hosts, Adam Holmes and the Embers, the enchanting Siobhan Wilson and our Very Special award-winning guests there’s all sorts of other nonsense to look forward to!

The party will be carrying on til 1am with -YET ANOTHER- Special Guest kicking off the dancefloor and some Insider DJ favourites taking you Around The World in… a bunch of tunes.

Source: Insider Festival

On Tuesday 4th June at 1.00pm, the outstanding young fiddler and violinist, Graham Mackenzie from Culloden returns home from completing his fourth year at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester to perform a selection of twenty-nine tunes in a mix of Scots traditional and light classical styles accompanied by his mother and local music teacher Alison Mackenzie at the piano.

Graham’s programme will feature traditional tunes from Orkney and Shetland, from Ireland and Cape Breton, as well as numbers written by Phil Cunningham, Fritz Kreisler, Nigel Hess and some of Graham’s own compositions. He will end with a tribute to the great Scott Skinner.

In recent years Graham has been earning plaudits and awards in many areas. He has been a finalist in both the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year and the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards; he has won the Scottish Fiddle Championships at both junior and senior level, won the Oban Invitational Fiddle Masters Competition and was runner-up in the prestigious Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships.

The following week, on Wednesday 12th June at 1.00pm At One With Music is delighted to welcome back the excellent Sutherland Duo of violinist Harriet Mackenzie and pianist Christina Lawrie. Both have endeared themselves to the Inverness audience on their past visits, not only together but also in a solo recital by Christina and by Harriet in her world music trio Kosmos.

Harriet and Christina have chosen two beautiful works to play at this concert; the Violin Sonata No 3 in C minor by Edvard Grieg and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir d’un lieu cher (Memories of a much loved place), which is taken to mean Brailovo, the country estate of his benefactress Nadezhda von Meck. The third movement “Melodie” has developed an existence of its own.

For both concerts the Town House doors will be opened at 12.30pm. Admission costs £5 for Adults and £1 for Children. The concerts will last approximately 55 minutes.

Source: James Munro

New work by Lisa O’Brien

8th June – 14th August 2013

“Putting a pencil to paper and making a line is unexpectedly, and thankfully, life affirming.

My dad died last year, followed by my friend Joanna and our family dog, all within weeks of each other.

This is an exhibition of how drawing helped me to keep my head above water. For a few months, drawing everyday became a very centring experience and has ultimately changed the direction of my work.”

For more information please visit www.rhueart.co.uk

Source: Rhueart

The quartet, which was made up of University of the Highlands and Islands’ students, performed a selection of traditional Scottish and Gaelic music as well as their own compositions. Amy is a keen fiddler and Jamie specialises in whistles as well as fiddle.

The musical performance was part of a University of the Highlands and Islands and University of the Highlands and Islands Development Trust event to thank existing donors and supporters and connect with other key individuals and businesses with strong links to the Highlands. Over 60 guests attended the event which was hosted by HRH The Princess Royal. HRH was installed as the first chancellor of the university in June 2012.

Amy and Jamie travelled to Buckingham Palace from Lews Castle College UHI’s Benbecula campus on Uist where they study the university’s HNC in music. Delivered by tutors with backgrounds in the music industry, the applied music course encourages participants to gain as much live performance experience as possible. The students have already played for the BBC TV programme Landward, Swiss Radio and the Celtic Connections music festival in Glasgow this year.

Speaking about the event Amy MacAulay said: “It was such an honour to be chosen to represent the university at an event in Buckingham Palace. The music was a success and a lot of people came to talk to us after the event to give thanks. It was a once in a lifetime experience I definitely won’t forget.”

Anna-Wendy Stevenson, programme leader for the applied music degree, said: “Our students were very excited to be representing the university at this important event and they practiced hard. They showcased their talents as well as the Gaelic song and traditional music of the Highland and Islands region. The performance highlighted the success of the university’s innovative music courses like our applied music degree which is available all over Scotland.”

Nuala Boyle, head of development at the university, said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our talented students as well as illustrate the diversity of our university offering.”

To find out more about the University of the Highlands and Islands music courses visit www.uhi.ac.uk or call the course information line on 0845 272 3600.

You can read about the University of the Highlands and Islands Development Trust at www.development.uhi.ac.uk

Source: UHI