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

About SDT

Scottish Dance Theatre is Scotland’s leading contemporary dance company. Based at Dundee Rep Theatre, Scottish Dance Theatre seeks to create dance that is moving, thought provoking and has resonance in people’s lives.

SDT’s programme includes work by internationally celebrated and emerging choreographers and dancers. The repertoire is constantly evolving, pushing boundaries and expectations. The company has 9 dancers and 1 apprentice dancer and tours throughout the UK and internationally, with recent performances in China, The UAE The Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Denmark and the USA. What on Earth!? Is SDT’s first work for children and premiered in Dundee in April 2012.

Source: Universal Hall

ELIZABETH ROGERS

A former resident of Findorn and Forres, US-based singer-songwriter Elizabeth Rogers returns to the Universal Hall on 18th May at 8pm, after several years of touring and travelling. Starting out in opera,moving to jazz and eventually settling in the folk genre, Liz often gets compared to Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, bringing stories from her own life into her songs. Liz has produced two, critically-acclaimed solo albums: One Fine Day and Breathe and Begin, both partially recorded here in Moray. Her pure voice and fine guitar work are a treat not to be missed. Tickets are £12 and £10 concessions with an £8 price for the U16s available from the Phoenix Stores, Findhorn (01309 690110) and online (plus 10% booking fee) from

www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Waterboy Mike Scott said of her first album, “…terrific – boy has she got a good voice! Fine productions, performances, everything. I’m really impressed!”

See www.elizabethrogers.com for more info.

Be Silent or Be Killed – Sun 19th May, 7.30pm

Alves-based theatre company Right Lines Productions, are touring a powerful new play throughout Scotland in May and they bring it to the Universal Hall, Findhorn on Sunday 19th May at 7.30pm. Be Silent or Be Killed, written by Euan Martin and Dave Smith, and is based on the true story of Roger Hunt as told in his book by Roger Hunt and Kenny Kemp.

A production of intense, dramatic theatre, Be Silent or Be Killed concerns the impact of international terrorism on the individual and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The production is a multi-media project, with the audio/visual aspects being an integral part of the process from the outset. In November 2008, Roger, a North East businessman, set off from his home in Macduff destined for Mumbai, to set up a new project for the Royal Bank of Scotland in the country’s financial capital. However, little did Roger know that this routine business trip would turn into an extraordinary, life-changing experience. Shortly after his arrival in Mumbai, Roger became caught up in a deadly terrorist attack which claimed the lives of many innocent people. For 40 hours, Roger lay hidden and alone in his hotel bedroom as terrorists moved from floor to floor seeking Western targets. Amazingly, he was able to communicate via his BlackBerry with colleagues at RBS headquarters in Edinburgh, and it was this support, along with Roger’s calculated decision-making, personal resilience and determination to survive that led to his eventual rescue. The fourth anniversary of his ordeal was in November 2012. The play is directed by Ian Grieve, Set and Video Design is by John McGeoch, Sound Design by Dave Martin and costumier is Kay Smith.

Tickets are £10 and £8 concessions with an £6 price for the U16s available from the Phoenix Stores, Findhorn (01309 690110) and online (plus 10% booking fee) from www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall.

Wed 22nd May, 7.30pm

BLAZIN’ FIDDLES

There will be a welcome return to the Universal Hall on 22nd May for Blazin’ Fiddles – one of the finest fiddle bands on the circuit today. What began as a project for the Highland Festival almost 15 years ago, continues in the ‘Blazers’ as one of Scotland’s top traditional bands. From remote village halls to the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Blazin’ Fiddles has delighted audiences with their Highlands and Islands tunes and tales whilst embodying the excitement, passion ansensitivity of Scottish music. You hear pieces featuring the regional styles of each fiddler, then the bows, backed by guitar and piano, blaze away for a wonderful explosion of music – a fiery blend fit to raise the roof as they almost did at the Universal Hall last time they played. Guaranteed to entertain anyone with an interest in fiddle music, the tickets are £14 and £12 concessions with a £10 price for the U16s, available from the Phoenix Stores, Findhorn (01309 690110) and online (plus 10% booking fee) from

www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

The show starts at 7.30pm.

 Source: Universal Hall

Be Silent or Be Killed

Moray based theatre company Right Lines Productions, in association with Eden Court, are touring a powerful new play throughout Scotland in May. Be Silent or Be Killed, written by Euan Martin and Dave Smith, and is based on the true story of Roger Hunt as told in his book by Roger Hunt and Kenny Kemp.

A production of intense, dramatic theatre, Be Silent or Be Killed concerns the impact of international terrorism on the individual and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The production is a multi-media project, with the audio/visual aspects being an integral part of the process from the outset.

In November 2008, Roger, a North East businessman, set off from his home in Macduff destined for Mumbai, to set up a new project for the Royal Bank of Scotland in the country’s financial capital. However, little did Roger know that this routine business trip would turn into an extraordinary, life-changing experience. Shortly after his arrival in Mumbai, Roger became caught up in a deadly terrorist attack which claimed the lives of many innocent people. For 40 hours, Roger lay hidden and alone in his hotel bedroom as terrorists moved from floor to floor seeking Western targets. Amazingly, he was able to communicate via his BlackBerry with colleagues at RBS headquarters in Edinburgh, and it was this support, along with Roger’s calculated decision-making, personal resilience and determination to survive that led to his eventual rescue. The fourth anniversary of his ordeal was in November 2012.

The tour will commence in Inverness and other venues include Musselburgh, Perth, Cumbernauld, Falkirk, Greenock, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Findhorn and Paisley, before finishing in Aberdeen.

The highly talented Scottish cast includes James Mackenzie, who plays Roger. The other cast members are Helen Mackay (Irene) and Ewan Donald (Chris) and the play is directed by Ian Grieve, all of whom have worked with Right Lines previously. Set and Video Design is by John McGeoch, Sound Design by Dave Martin and costumier is Kay Smith.

The production is sponsored by The Fire Training Group, Aberdeen. Part of Aberdeen International Airport Limited

This production has been made possible thanks to a Quality Arts investment award from Creative Scotland, support from Eden Court and HI-Arts Ltd.

We are also delighted that this sponsorship has been matched by Arts & Business Scotland through the New Arts Sponsorship grants scheme.

For further information and images: Liz Smith Tel: 0141 423 4373 Mobile: 07971 417210 Email: daisy.ben@live.co.uk

Press Night: Friday 3 May Eden Court, Inverness at 8.30pm. For press tickets please contact Liz Smith. If this performance is not convenient please let us know if you would like tickets for another venue.

Notes to Editors: The Fire Training Group. Based in Aberdeen, the Fire Training Group offers specialist fire training to the Oil & Gas, Maritime and Aviation industries. With more than 13 years’ experience and 12,000 delegates per annum, the Fire Training Group is one of the leading providers of fire training in the UK. For further information on FTG, please contact Fire Training Centre, Forties Road, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 0NT. t: +44 (0)1224 348526  m: +44 (0)7771 947040w: thefiretraininggroup.com. Part of Aberdeen International Airport Limited.

New Arts Sponsorship grants scheme

This is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Arts & Business Scotland with the aim to build private sector sponsorship of the arts. The grants provide match funding for new arts sponsors, doubling their sponsorship benefits.

The New Arts Sponsorship grants scheme was launched in 2006, funded by the Scottish Government, run by A&BS and administered in partnership with Creative Scotland.

Since 2006 over £1.8 million has been invested into the arts by A&BS through the New Arts Sponsorship Grants scheme. This figure has been more than doubled by the participating business sponsors making available over £4.5 million for arts activity throughout Scotland.

Altogether 321 new or returning business sponsors have been attracted to the cultural sector under the scheme.

Tour schedule

Eden Court, Inverness Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 May at 8.30pm Preview Thursday 2 May at 8.30pm £8 £12/£10 Box Office 01463 234234 www.eden-court.co.uk Post Show discussion with Roger Hunt Saturday 4 May

The Brunton, Musselburgh Wednesday 8 May 7.30pm £11.50/£9.50/£6.50 Box Office 0131 665 22409 www.thebrunton.co.uk

Perth Theatre, Thursday 9 May 7.30pm £12.50/£10 inc bf) Box Office 01738 621031 www.horsecross.co.uk

Cumbernauld Theatre, Friday 10 May 7.45pm £9/£7 Box Office 01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk

FTH, Falkirk Saturday 11 May 7.30pm £12/£10.5001324 506850 Box Office www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/arts

Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, Tuesday 14 May 7.30pm £10/£8 Box Office 01475 723723 www.beaconartscentre.co.uk

Summerhall, Edinburgh Wednesday 15 8pm & 10pm £14/£10 Box Office 0845 874 3001 www.summerhall.co.uk

Cottiers Theatre, Kelvinbridge, Glasgow Thursday 16 May 7.30pm £12/£10 + booking fee Box Office 0141 387 4000 www.cottiers.com

Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Friday 17 May 7.30pm £10/£8.50 Box Office 01381 602302 www.onfife.com

Glenrothes Halls Studio Theatre, Saturday 18 May 7.30pm £10/£8.50 Box Office 01592 611101 www.onfife.com

Universal Hall, Findhorn Sunday 19 May 7.30pm £10/£8/£6 Box Office 01309 690110 www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Paisley Arts Centre, Wednesday 22 May 7.30pm £10/£6 Box Office 0141 887 1010 www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/onlinebooking

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Friday 24 & Saturday 25 May 7pm £12/£10 + booking fee Box Office 01224 641122 www.boxofficeaberdeen.com Post Show discussion with Roger Hunt Saturday 25 May

Right Lines Productions

Dave Smith and Euan Martin formed Right Lines Productions in 2003 following the success of their first play The Accidental Death of an Accordionist. The writing partnership is now well-established and Dave and Euan have produced a wide range of work from one man shows to the full length musical Whisky Kisses. Recent work has included Morrrison’s Van, an online radio comedy, From These Parts, an alien abduction comedy and a cross-generational project called Hall Tales which featured social history, reminiscence work, film-making, plus a performance of the play Watching Bluebottles – a one man play on the themes of love, loss and village hall memories.

www.rightlines.net

Source: Right Lines

MARK OF ZORRO

Look out, a mysterious figure has arrived in town. . .

A flurry of a cape, the glint of a sword and a flash of a mask; who is this baffling character? Exciting friend or formidable foe?

Following on from a successful run at The Traverse Theatre in 2009, an extensive tour of the USA and Canada in 2012 and 2013, Visible Fictions’ epic adventure stage adaptation of The Mark of Zorro has been re-imagined and comes to the Universal Hall, Findhorn on Saturday 4th May following its return from Canada and America.

Glasgow-based Visible Fictions have been touring internationally since 1991 with various productions, notably Jason and the Argonauts which is embarking on its 7th tour of Canada and the USA also this autumn.

Artistic Director, Douglas Irvine commented; “I have always been intrigued by the character of Zorro, underneath his swashbuckling antics his identity is complex and mysterious. Combine this intriguing justice-seeking hero with a fast-paced adventure story complete with thrills, spills and romance – and our re-imagining of The Mark of Zorro is the perfect family experience, for families in Scotland and beyond!”

The Mark of Zorro brings a feel good adventure story to the stage, perfect for family audiences across Scotland. Don’t miss your chance to see the Scottish show that took Broadway by storm.

For intrepid adventures for all ages except maybe the under 5’s. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the Phoenix Stores 01309 690110 and online at www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall priced at £7 full price, £6 concessions and £5 for U-16’s

Wed 8th May, 7.30pm

VAMM

An exciting new all-female band is appearing at the Universal Hall, Findhorn on Wed 8th May. Using the musical traditions of the separate players, this brilliant string trio (2 fiddles and mandola) weave together melody and harmony creating a rich sound, bursting with texture and groove. Just formed in 2012, Vamm comprises Shetland born Catriona MacDonald (Blazin’ Fiddles), Perthshire’s Patsy Reid (Founding member of Breabach) and Norwegan, Marit Falt (on mandola), who seamlessly create a dynamic yet intimate trad sound that will take your breath away. To celebrate their vibrant, new band, Vamm release their debut album, titled simply with their name, in late spring 2013.

Tickets are £12/£10 concs/£8 U16s and are available at the Phoenix Stores 01309 690110 and online at www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Source: Universal Hall

Carmel is turning 80. Audiences are invited to share in her stories, secrets and family relationships through this visionary new performance. Inspired by conversations choreographer Natasha Gilmore had with her late Grandmother Carmel, the show reflects on life, love and death. The intergenerational community cast will re-enact some of the defining moments from Carmel’s life, presenting symbolic and expressive movement pieces that convey the shifting emotions of life’s experiences.

Performing in the show are some of the oldest and youngest performers in the country – 85 year old Diane Payne-Myers and one and two year old Inigo and Otis Bazie.

A Conversation with Carmel fuses the talents of choreographer Natasha Gilmore, who recently choreographed Glasgow Girls for NTS, and a cast made up of octogenarian Diana Payne-Myers, Matthew Hawkins, Jade Adamson, Vince Virr, two year old Otis and introducing one year old Inigo. Direction and design from Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison from Edinburgh Fringe First winning Vox Motus, composer Quee MacArthur and film-maker Rachel Davies, plus an ensemble cast drawn from across the local community.

Universal Hall, Findhorn

Wed 15th May, 7.30pm £10 / £8 conc, £6 (U16s)

01309 690110 www.wegottickets/UniversalHall

Source: Andy Lindsay

SCO takes the high road and the low road, far and wide, for a summer of significant touring and recording

18 concerts across Scotland in cathedrals, community halls, castles, barns, leisure centres and schools

Appearances at six international music festivals in Britain and Europe

Robin Ticciati conducts four concerts at Edinburgh International Festival, BBC Proms and San Sebastián Festival

35th anniversary of SCO touring to the Highlands and Islands

Following the final concert of the 2012/13 season on Friday 10 May, the SCO embarks on a busy summer timetable encompassing six tours around Scotland, six festival appearances at home and abroad and three recording sessions, before the beginning of its 40th Anniversary Season in October 2013.

Scottish Tours

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 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 across the country, as well as across the border and overseas.”

Particular highlights of the Scottish tours include a week in July when SCO Strings and SCO Wind & Brass go their separate ways on tour, maximising the SCO’s reach to an even wider audience. The celebrated British violinist Anthony Marwood leads SCO Strings in a programme that includes Mendelssohn’s Concerto in D minor at performances in Inverness, Portree and Dunblane, while SCO Wind & Brass traverse to Oban, Tobermory and Strontian with a programme featuring Dvořák’s Czech Suite and Beethoven’s Octet.

The SCO summer season also showcases the virtuoso talents of a number of the Orchestra’s Principals who perform as soloists in their own right. In August, SCO Associate Artist and violinist Alexander Janiczek directs a three-date tour to Kingussie, Thurso and Findhorn, featuring oboist Robin Williams, clarinettist Maximiliano Martín, bassoonist Alison Green and horn player Alec Frank-Gemmill in a programme featuring Schubert’s Symphony No 3.

Festival performances at home and abroad

The SCO is also busy with prestigious festival appearances over the summer period including the East Neuk, Lammermuir, BBC Proms and Edinburgh festivals – climaxing with its annual tradition of closing the Edinburgh International Festival with the magnificent Virgin Money Fireworks Concert on Sunday 1 September.

The SCO has always been a frequent visitor to the BBC Proms and makes its 2013 appearance with Principal Conductor Robin Ticciati in a concert comprising all the hallmarks of a Ticciati and SCO pairing; music from Berlioz’s King Lear and Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ Symphony. Ticciati recently renewed his contract as Principal Conductor of the SCO for the second time since taking up this position at the beginning of the 2009/10 season, further consolidating his creative partnership with the Orchestra until at least 2018.

Later in August, Ticciati and the SCO travel to San Sebastián Music Festival in Spain to perform Fauré’s Requiem with the esteemed baritone Sir Thomas Allen and Isaac Waddington, winner of the 2012 BBC Young Chorister of the Year.

SCO in the recording studio

Studio sessions slot into the summer schedule with recording partner Linn Records. Following the South of Scotland tour in May the SCO records favourite Mozart overtures and operatic arias with conductor Christian Baldini and mezzo-soprano Katija Dragojevic and is then joined by German conductor Jun Märkl and pianist Ingrid Fliter to record both Chopin Piano Concertos.

Box office details for all concerts are available at www.sco.org.uk

Bath International Music Festival

STRAVINSKY Apollon Musagète

PÄRT Fratres

TCHAIKOVSKY Serenade

Alexander Janiczek

SCO Strings

Wednesday 22 May 8pm BATH Abbey

Bath International Music Festival

MENDELSSOHN A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Intermezzo, Nocturne & Scherzo

MOZART Piano Concerto No 22

MOZART Overture, Don Giovanni

STRAVINSKY Pulcinella Suite

Alexander Janiczek Piano/Director

Christian Ihle Hadland Piano

Thursday 23 May 7.30pm BATH Forum

South of Scotland tour

MOZART Overture, Idomeneo

HAYDN Symphony No 102

WEBER Clarinet Concertino*

MOZART Overture and Aria ‘Se l’augellin sen fugge’ from La finta giardinera**

MOZART Overture and Arias ‘Parto, parto’; ‘Deh, per questo’ from La clemenza di Tito**

BEETHOVEN Symphony No 1

Christian Baldini Conductor

Katija Dragojevic Mezzo Soprano**

Maximiliano Martín Clarinet*

Thursday 30 May 7.30pm LANGHOLM Buccleuch Centre

Friday 31 May 7.30pm DUNS Volunteer Hall

Saturday 1 June 7.30pm KIRKCUDBRIGHT Cochran Hall

* Kirkcudbright only

** Langholm and Duns only

Highlands tour: June

WEINER Divertimento No 1, Op 20

IBERT Flute Concerto

BEETHOVEN Symphony No 3

Gergely Madaras Conductor

Alison Mitchell Flute

Thursday 27 June 8pm STIRLING CASTLE Great Hall

Friday 28 June 8pm STRATHPEFFER Pavilion

Saturday 29 June 8pm DUNDEE Gardyne Theatre

East Neuk Festival

REICHA Horn Trios

LIGETI Bagatelles

DVOŘÁK Serenade

James Lowe Conductor

SCO Ensemble

Friday 5 July 11:30am CELLARDYKE Church

East Neuk Festival

MESSIAEN Appel Interstellaire

HONEGGER Pastorale d’été

RAVEL Mother Goose Suite

BEETHOVEN Symphony No 6 ‘Pastoral’

Christian Zacharias Conductor

Alec Frank-Gemmill Horn

Sunday 7 July 5pm CAMBO Barn

SCO Strings tour

ELGAR Serenade for Strings

MENDELSSOHN Concerto in D minor

SIBELIUS Suite for Violin and Strings

BRITTEN Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge

Anthony Marwood Director/Violin

SCO Strings

Thursday 11 July 8pm INVERNESS Eden Court Theatre

Friday 12 July 8pm PORTREE Fingal Centre

Saturday 13 July 8pm DUNBLANE Cathedral

SCO Winds tour

BEETHOVEN [arr. Reader] Overture, Coriolan

HAYDN London Trio

BEETHOVEN Octet

D’INDY Divertimento Op 50

DVOŘÁK [arr. Sheen] Czech Suite

SCO Wind & Brass

Thursday 11 July 8pm OBAN St John’s Cathedral

Friday 12 July 8pm TOBERMORY Mull Theatre

Saturday 13 July 8pm STRONTIAN Sunart Centre

Highlands tour: August

SCHUBERT Five German Dances with Seven Trios and a Coda

MOZART Sinfonia Concertante for Winds

BEETHOVEN Romance in F

SCHUBERT Symphony No 3

Alexander Janiczek Director/Violin

Maximiliano Martín Clarinet

Alison Green Bassoon

Alec Frank-Gemmill Horn

Wednesday 7 August 8pm KINGUSSIE Badenoch Centre

Thursday 8 August 8pm THURSO High School

Friday 9 August 8pm FINDHORN Universal Hall

Edinburgh International Festival

DEBUSSY [arr. Sachs/Arnold Schoenberg] Prélude a l’après-midi d’un faune

SCHOENBERG Verklaerte Nacht

WEBERN Five Pieces

FAURÉ Requiem

Robin Ticciati Conductor

Isaac Waddington Treble

Sir Thomas Allen Baritone

National Youth Choir of Scotland

Saturday 17 August 7.30pm EDINBURGH Usher Hall

BBC Proms

BERLIOZ Overture, King Lear

MENDELSSOHN Piano Concerto No 1 in G minor

BACH [trans. Benjamin] Canon & Fugue from The Art of Fugue

BEETHOVEN Symphony No 3

Robin Ticciati Conductor

Stephen Hough Piano

Monday 19 August 7pm LONDON Royal Albert Hall

Edinburgh International Festival

HAYDN Symphony No 104 ‘London’

BEETHOVEN Prometheus

René Jacobs Conductor

Sunday 25 August 7.30pm EDINBURGH Usher Hall

Quincena Musical de San Sebastián

BERLIOZ Overture, King Lear

MENDELSSOHN Piano Concerto No 1 in G minor

BEETHOVEN Symphony No 3

Robin Ticciati Conductor

Stephen Hough Piano

Tuesday 27 August 8pm SAN SEBASTIÁN Kursaal

Quincena Musical de San Sebastián

BEETHOVEN Overture, Egmont

SCHOENBERG Verklaerte Nacht

FAURÉ Requiem

Robin Ticciati Conductor

Isaac Waddington Treble

Sir Thomas Allen Baritone

Orféon Donostiarra

Wednesday 28 August 8pm SAN SEBASTIÁN Kursaal

Edinburgh International Festival: Virgin Money Fireworks Concert

SHOSTAKOVICH Festive Overture

MUSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition

Garry Walker Conductor

Sunday 1 September 9pm EDINBURGH Ross Bandstand

Autumn Classics tour

BEETHOVEN Overture, Coriolan

KODÁLY Summer Evening

BEAMISH Flodden world premiere*

STRAUSS Horn Concerto No 1**

BEETHOVEN Symphony No 4

Joseph Swensen Conductor

Shuna Scott Sendall Soprano*

Alec Frank-Gemmill Horn**

Thursday 12 September 7.30pm HAMILTON Town House

Friday 13 September TBCpm DUNBAR Parish Church (Lammermuir Festival)

Saturday 14 September 7.30pm SELKIRK Victoria Hall

Sunday 15 September 7.30pm DUNFERMLINE Carnegie Hall

* Hamilton and Selkirk only

**Dunbar and Dunfermline only

Source: SCO

This Saturday 13th April

Two Unmissable shows

DANCE AND MOVEMENT BASED THEATRE

The Universal Hall, Findhorn

Liz Aggiss 7pm

Survival Tactics is a 55-minute solo live work. From a glamorous, blonde bombshell in high-heels to a pigeon toed, bow legged, oddball in big pants – Survival Tactics upturns the usual perception of the female stage body on its head.

Unashamedly intelligent, yet executed with vaudeville humour, Survival Tactics is abrasive and charming… the political and the aesthetic, bursting into dance and questioning what it means to survive as an artist. ” Gareth K Vile. The Skinny

Wendy Houstoun 9pm

50 ACTS is a spirited retaliation against ageism and other modern rubbish involving Manifestos, Random Acts, Small dances and Big Ideas, Ghostly appearances, Invisibility, Stupidity, and Much, Much More.

“Wendy Houston’s 50 Acts is a careering journey through the irritations and pettifoggery that plague our lives. …, Houston is an unpredictable ball of energy hurtling about the stage, verbally parsing her movements as she does so. Revolving around the central theme of ageism, the piece is a cacophony of references to the bureaucracies and absurdities of modernity.”

More information on our website:

http://www.bodysurfscotland.co.uk/dance-double-bill/

Source: Bodysurf Scotland

Combining dance and animation with a soundtrack from around the world, SDT takes its young audience on a curious night time journey full of surprise encounters with strange flora and fauna. A dynamic and playful adventure What on Earth!? is a wonderful experience for all the family where you can enter a world of dreams about planet earth … where friendships are made … and battles are won and lost.

It is choreographed by Scottish Dance Theatre’s Assistant Director, Sally Owens, and former Artistic Director, Janet Smith. The animation is created by Graeme Hawkins (aka retchy). One parent described the piece as “breathtaking and beautiful…my daughter enjoyed the humour and silliness throughout”.

LISTINGS:

What on Earth!? (recommended for 5 years and upwards)

Sabhal Mor Ostaig

Thursday 25 April

2:00pm and 7:30pm (2:00pm is a schools performance)

£8/£6/£4/under 10s and Seasons Free

01471 844207 / www.seall.co.uk

Mull Theatre

Thursday 2 May

7:30pm

£6/£4

01688 302828 / www.mulltheatre.com

Macphail Theatre (schools performance)

Wednesday 22nd May

2:00pm

Universal Hall

Saturday 25 May

2:00pm

£7/£6/£5

01309 690110 / www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall (10% booking fee per ticket)

Source: Scottish Dance Theatre

ALEJANDRO ZIEGLER

£12/£10 concs/£8 U16s

A welcome return on Wednesday 24th April for a brilliant contemporary tango trio who lit up the Universal Hall, Findhorn last time they played there in 2011. Formed in Buenos Aires, the Alejandro Ziegler Trio developed their own contemporary tango style based in the music of Julian Plaza, Alfredo Gobbi, Astor Piazzolla and Ziegler’s own compositions. Traditional and modern tango can be heard in their playing, and their focused performances create an exhilarating acoustic, dynamic, and musical style. This concert is part of an extensive European tour. If you like tango, you will love this show and dancing is encouraged but you will need to know how to tango. Tickets are £12 full, £10 for concessions and £8 for under 16’s – available from the Phoenix Stores in the Park, Findhorn tel. 01309 690110 and online at www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall. The show starts at 7.30pm

Moray based theatre company Right Lines Productions, in association with Eden Court, are touring a powerful new play throughout Scotland in May. Be Silent or Be Killed, written by Euan Martin and Dave Smith, and is based on the true story of Roger Hunt as told in his book by Roger Hunt and Kenny Kemp.

A production of intense, dramatic theatre, Be Silent or Be Killed concerns the impact of international terrorism on the individual and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The production is a multi-media project, with the audio/visual aspects being an integral part of the process from the outset.

In November 2008, Roger, a North East businessman, set off from his home in Macduff destined for Mumbai, to set up a new project for the Royal Bank of Scotland in the country’s financial capital. However, little did Roger know that this routine business trip would turn into an extraordinary, life-changing experience. Shortly after his arrival in Mumbai, Roger became caught up in a deadly terrorist attack which claimed the lives of many innocent people. For 40 hours, Roger lay hidden and alone in his hotel bedroom as terrorists moved from floor to floor seeking Western targets. Amazingly, he was able to communicate via his BlackBerry with colleagues at RBS headquarters in Edinburgh, and it was this support, along with Roger’s calculated decision-making, personal resilience and determination to survive that led to his eventual rescue. The fourth anniversary of his ordeal was in November 2012.

The tour will commence in Inverness and other venues include Musselburgh, Perth, Cumbernauld, Falkirk, Greenock, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Findhorn and Paisley, before finishing in Aberdeen.

The highly talented Scottish cast includes Fraser Sivewright, from Macduff, who plays Roger. The other cast members are Helen Mackay (Irene) and Ewan Donald (Chris) and the play is directed by Ian Grieve, all of whom have worked with Right Lines previously. Set and Video Design is by John McGeoch, Sound Design by Dave Martin and costumier is Kay Smith.

The production is sponsored by The Fire Training Group, Aberdeen. Part of Aberdeen International Airport Limited

This production has been made possible thanks to a Quality Arts investment award from Creative Scotland, support from Eden Court and HI-Arts Ltd.

We are also delighted that this sponsorship has been matched by Arts & Business Scotland through the New Arts Sponsorship grants scheme.

For further information and images: Liz Smith Tel: 0141 423 4373 Mobile: 07971 417210 Email: daisy.ben@live.co.uk

Press Night: Friday 3 May Eden Court, Inverness at 8.30pm. For press tickets please contact Liz Smith. If this performance is not convenient please let us know if you would like tickets for another venue.

Notes to Editors: The Fire Training Group. Based in Aberdeen, the Fire Training Group offers specialist fire training to the Oil & Gas, Maritime and Aviation industries. With more than 13 years’ experience and 12,000 delegates per annum, the Fire Training Group is one of the leading providers of fire training in the UK. For further information on FTG, please contact Fire Training Centre, Forties Road, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 0NT. t: +44 (0)1224 348526  m: +44 (0)7771 947040w: thefiretraininggroup.com. Part of Aberdeen International Airport Limited.

New Arts Sponsorship grants scheme

This is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Arts & Business Scotland with the aim to build private sector sponsorship of the arts. The grants provide match funding for new arts sponsors, doubling their sponsorship benefits.

The New Arts Sponsorship grants scheme was launched in 2006, funded by the Scottish Government, run by A&BS and administered in partnership with Creative Scotland.

Since 2006 over £1.8 million has been invested into the arts by A&BS through the New Arts Sponsorship Grants scheme. This figure has been more than doubled by the participating business sponsors making available over £4.5 million for arts activity throughout Scotland.

Altogether 321 new or returning business sponsors have been attracted to the cultural sector under the scheme.

Tour schedule

Eden Court, Inverness Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 May at 8.30pm Preview Thursday 2 May at 8.30pm £8 £12/£10 Box Office 01463 234234 www.eden-court.co.uk Post Show discussion with Roger Hunt Saturday 4 May

The Brunton, Musselburgh Wednesday 8 May 7.30pm £11.50/£9.50/£6.50 Box Office 0131 665 22409 www.thebrunton.co.uk

Perth Theatre, Thursday 9 May 7.30pm £12.50/£10 inc bf) Box Office 01738 621031 www.horsecross.co.uk

Cumbernauld Theatre, Friday 10 May 7.45pm £9/£7 Box Office 01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk

FTH, Falkirk Saturday 11 May 7.30pm £12/£10.5001324 506850 Box Office www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/arts

Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, Tuesday 14 May 7.30pm £10/£8 Box Office 01475 723723 www.beaconartscentre.co.uk

Summerhall, Edinburgh Wednesday 15 8pm & 10pm £14/£10 Box Office 0845 874 3001 www.summerhall.co.uk

Cottiers Theatre, Kelvinbridge, Glasgow Thursday 16 May 7.30pm £12/£10 + booking fee Box Office 0141 387 4000 www.cottiers.com

Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Friday 17 May 7.30pm £10/£8.50 Box Office 01381 602302 www.onfife.com

Glenrothes Halls Studio Theatre, Saturday 18 May 7.30pm £10/£8.50 Box Office 01592 611101 www.onfife.com

Universal Hall, Findhorn Sunday 19 May 7.30pm £10/£8/£6 Box Office 01309 690110 www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Paisley Arts Centre, Wednesday 22 May 7.30pm £10/£6 Box Office 0141 887 1010 www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/onlinebooking

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Friday 24 & Saturday 25 May 7pm £12/£10 + booking fee Box Office 01224 641122 www.boxofficeaberdeen.com Post Show discussion with Roger Hunt Saturday 25 May

Right Lines Productions

Dave Smith and Euan Martin formed Right Lines Productions in 2003 following the success of their first play The Accidental Death of an Accordionist. The writing partnership is now well-established and Dave and Euan have produced a wide range of work from one man shows to the full length musical Whisky Kisses. Recent work has included Morrrison’s Van, an online radio comedy, From These Parts, an alien abduction comedy and a cross-generational project called Hall Tales which featured social history, reminiscence work, film-making, plus a performance of the play Watching Bluebottles – a one man play on the themes of love, loss and village hall memories.

www.rightlines.net

Source: Right Lines

The event will showcase local craft makers working together to showcase their skills, talents and creativity and their will be a wide variety of hand-made crafts for sale – all created in the Forres area. The work will include various textile arts, paper, glass, jewellery, weaving, polymer clay, local wool, candles and others.

There will also be craft demonstrations and storytelling at 12noon.

Tea & coffee served by Forres Friends of Guiding.

Source: Forres Area Community Trust (http://forresarea.org/)

THE AGONY AND ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS

Apple products – their computers iPhones, IPads and the like – command a very loyal following amongst their customers. But are they as popular with the Chinese workers labouring all hours in poor conditions to produce them? This controversy is addressed by a new theatre show coming to the Universal Hall on 19th April at 8pm. THE AGONY AND ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS is a one-man monologue – a harrowing yet funny tale where we meet Steve Jobs, the late head of the Apple Corporation, and the Chinese workers toiling to make our beloved iPhones. Written by Mike Daisey, performed by Grant O’Rourke, and presented by the Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh, this is a passionate diatribe that will make you question what you thought you knew about one of the world’s most worshipped brands. It explores the legality and morality of electronic sweatshops in China and shows how one man’s story might not be enough to topple an empire, but it can certainly give it a righteous shove. Admission is £12 full, £10 concessions and £8 U16s. Tickets are available at the Phoenix Stores tel 01309 690110 and online at www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Sat 20th April, 2pm

EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM

A wonderful and colourful show for little ones and their adults comes to the Universal Hall on 20th April at 2pm. Presented by the Puppet Lab, EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM is adapted from the book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg and is a game of ‘I Spy’ for little ones and their families. The setting is a delightful green meadow with a river running through it. With songs and music the production brings to life a variety of nursery rhyme characters played by a wide range of puppets, all on their way to Mother Hubbard’s for some Plum Pie. Suitable for ages 3+ Admission is £7 full, £6 concessions and £4 U16s. Tickets are available at the Phoenix Stores tel 01309 690110 and online at www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Sat 20th April, 7:30pm

Amour (film)

A film that came top of many critic’s polls as the best film of 2012, and also won a Best Foreign Film category at the Academy Awards is shown at the Universal Hall on 20th April at 7.30pm. Amour is the story of Georges and Anne who are in their eighties, both cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack and the couple’s bond of love is severely tested. This difficult and rewarding film is directed by Michael Haneke and is in French with English subtitles. Rated 12A Admission is £5 full, £4 concessions and £3 U16s – pay on the door

Fri 26th April, 7:30pm (film)

Rust and Bone

An unconventional love story is the basis of the film at the Universal Hall on 26th April at 7.30pm. Rust and Bone follows a struggling single father who helps a beautiful killer whale trainer recover her will to live after losing both her legs in a terrible accident. In French with English subtitles. Lonely and destitute, Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts) leaves the north of France for his sister’s house in Antibes after becoming the sole guardian of his estranged five-year-old son Sam. When Ali lands a job as a bouncer in a nearby nightclub, things quickly start to look up for the itinerant father and son. Then one night, after breaking up a fight in the club, Ali meets the radiant Stephanie (Marion Cotillard), and slips her his number after dropping her off safely at home. Though Stephanie’s position on the high end of the social spectrum makes romance an unlikely prospect for the pair, a tragic accident at Marineland robs her of her legs, and finds her reaching out in desperation to Ali. Her spirit broken by the same tragedy that took her legs, Stephanie gradually finds the courage to go on living trough transcendent moments spent with Ali — a man with precious little pity, but an enormous love of life. The film is rated: 15, and is directed by Jacques Audiard in French with English subtitles. Admission is £5 full, £4 concessions and £3 U16s – pay on the door.

Source: Universal Hall

DONNIE MUNRO

£15/£12 concs

A member of the legendary band, Runrig, arrives at the Universal Hall in Findhorn on 11th April. Former frontman, Donnie Munro, who has enjoyed considerable further success as a solo artist and writer, has recently embarked on a series of acoustic shows in which he has taken the opportunity of revisiting a wide range of material spanning his career with Runrig and with his own band. His new acoustic project has already resulted in major sell out shows in Denmark, and this concert is part of his Spring 2013 UK tour. Besides his incredible success with Runrig, Donnie’s Heart of America, won Album of the Year in the Scottish TradMusic Awards. You’ll find tickets at the Phoenix shop on the Park site at Findhorn (tel 01309 690110) or online at www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Fri 12th April, 7:30pm

The Master

£5/£4 concs/£3 U16s

Pay on the door

This recent movie follows the journey of an American naval veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) who arrives home at the end of World War II unsettled and uncertain of his future – until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader (Philip Seymour Hoffman), whose character is loosely based on L. Ron Hubbard of Scientology fame. The film is directed by the always interesting, Paul Thomas Anderson, and poses interesting questions about the psychological state of the military and indeed the whole population at the end of World War 2 – a time of enormous change across the globe. It is rated: 15, with a running time of two hours and 24 mins.

Source: Universal Hall

WHEN ŠHLEMIEL WENT TO WARSAW

A rare visit to the Universal Hall, Findhorn by the fantastic Puppet Theatre Maribor Slovenia, this show for children and adults is Part of the Puppet Animation Festival 2013. Presented in English, this is the Isaac Bashevis Singer story of the lazybones Šhlemiel, who has daydreams of the big outside world. Whilst his wife sells vegetables in the market, Šhlemiel keeps an eye on the children and dreams of the big outside world. All he can ever think about is leaving his dreary old town of Chelm to visit the bright lights of Warsaw. One day when he can wait no longer Shlemiel decides to make his dream come true and he sets out for the city of his dreams. The adventure he starts out on makes him – and us – realise that whether you travel East or West, sometimes home is best! This is a delightful, fast moving, funny show with a clever combination of traditional puppetry skills and theatre.  At 50 minutes long it is suitable for all children from ages: 4+ years. Tickets are £7/£6 concs/£4 U16’s and available from www.wegottickets.com/Universal Hall or at the Phoenix stores in the Park, Findhorn tel 01309 690110

Source: Universal Hall

Art graduates have been chosen by exhibition convenor Francis Convery RSA, with assistance from members of the Royal Scottish Academy and representatives from the five main colleges of art. This year the six schools of architecture in Scotland have put forward candidates to work with architecture convenor Neil Gillespie RSA (Elect). The graduates are given the opportunity to launch their career at the prestigious RSA galleries by exhibiting a substantial body of new work; including painting, sculpture, film making, photography, printmaking, architecture and installation.

“The artists we selected this year were all chosen because their degree shows were outstanding in their respective degree shows. From almost 400 graduating artists, we selected 55, who are joined by 5 graduating architects, nominated by their respective schools.

The selecting panel were choosing work that would represent the best of current practice and we responded mostly unanimously, where we could identify a combination of the visually compelling, the use of intelligent skills and materials, where there was a tangible contemporary relevance in the work (or its complete absence in some cases), where there was ambition, energy, courage, humour and subtext, all essential elements of the best contemporary art.

The selection was not about ‘the most hip’, the ‘latest thing’, the ‘most shocking’, it was not about fitting any specific theme or agenda , it was primarily what visually interested us, what skillfully held our attention, made us curious. In some cases the work seemed fully formed but others we thought showed greater potential given the extra time this show would provide. So we did take some risks when selecting those, alongside the more unanimously nominated presentations. However, in spite of our open agenda, a loose theme did emerge from the selection and a ‘unity of diversity’ would appear to accurately reflect the zeitgeist.”

Francis Convery RSA, Exhibition Convenor

Works will be for sale and the exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to invest in Scotland’s up and coming talent. The RSA is part of the Own Art scheme, allowing buyers to spread the cost of an artwork over ten interest free monthly payments!

RSA NEW CONTEMPORARIES represents the RSA’s commitment to supporting and presenting the best contemporary work in Scotland. The RSA team works closely with the artists and architects towards developing a lasting relationship in the lead up to the exhibition and beyond. With over £11,000 worth of monetary prizes in addition to residency, studio and purchase prizes, the development of this exhibition is an important initiative for emerging artists in Scotland, enabling a ‘first exhibition’ opportunity for some 50+ emergent artists annually. The RSA are delighted to announce that Walter Scott will be Exhibition Patron and, for the fifth consecutive year, The Skinny will be our Media Partner.

“The RSA is to be commended for providing recent graduates with the opportunity to show their work in such a high-profile venue at the start of their careers.” Jim Birrell, Head of Painting & Printmaking, Glasgow School of Art.

Artists:

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art (Dundee University)

Ruth Aitken, Khalid Alsayed, Heather Anderson, Rachel Badger, Hayley Fisher, Sylvia Law*, Eilidh McKay, Madeline Mackay, Liam McLaughlin, Miriam Mallalieu, Tim Sandys, Kevin Smith, Harriet Yarrington (13)

Glasgow School of Art

Rhuaridh Allen, Andrew Black, Stephanie Burt, Ming Chen, Flora Debechi, Rebecca Edgar, Steven Grainger, Alice Jacobs, Philip Longstaff, Alexander Miller, Theresa Moerman, Andrew North, Emma Reid, David Sampethai, Lisa Schmalstich, Nick Thomas, Sally Webber, Petter Yzell (18)

Edinburgh College of Art

Sarah Louise Alexander, Katy Anderson, Georgina Bolton**, Nicola Brennan, Lucinda Cook, William Darrell, Justine King, Kathryn Lloyd, Fiona McGurk, Polly Mills, Owen Ramsay, Claire Simpson, Liam Walker, Lendita Xhenaji (14)

Gray’s School of Art (Robert Gordon University)

Ibraheem Adeyemi Adesina, Katarina Chomova, Laura Duncan, Amy Gear, Rachel Grant, Mike Hughes, Sophie Radcliffe, Katie Shambles (8)

Moray School of Art (University of the Highlands & Islands)

Caroline Inckle, Naomi Ojima (2)

*Sylvia Law’s presentation will be supported by the Dewar Arts Award.

**Georgina Bolton’s presentation will be supported by Marlyn Metal Craft Ltd and Duchy Interiors.

Source: RSA

28th and 29th of March at 7:30pm, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH 11E.

‘Macbeth, Biography of a Killer’

Abridged from Shakespeare and directed by Laura Pasetti

Set in a modern day war bunker, the final hours of General Macbeth are shared with us through an interview with a reporter. A cast of four, working with a condensed script, create a pace and tension which holds the viewer throughout.

At times disturbing, and at others poignant and passionate, this rendering of Shakespeare’s classic allows the audience insights into the minds of the central key players. The simple but versatile staging allows for some stunning images.

Tickets: £11/9 at the door or online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/333752

Source: Charioteer

“WE sacked Seamus (Fogarty),” quipped Pictish Trail Johnny Lynch when he and James Yorkston emerged together following the interval, “he didn’t sell enough merchandise over the break.”

IT WAS a comment which set the tone for an evening of bantering camaraderie and do-it-themselves minimalism in the typical Fence style, with our three hosts having lugged their own assortment of guitars, samplers and (in Yorkston’s case) an elaborate-looking nyckelharpa onstage and assembled them around their feet.

James Yorkston

Yorkston, Lynch and Fogarty’s styles are all different, but with enough overlap to allow this three-way package tour to work by taking it in turns to be each other’s backing group. Between Yorkston’s rich, pastoral alt.folk style and Fogarty’s similarly earthy balladeering there was most crossover, and the pair employed a trad combination of guitar and voice on songs like the former’s Steady As She Goes (“a song about taking acid with your girlfriend’s sister,” apparently) and Surf Song, it’s lyrics jokily messed around with, or the latter’s John Martyn tribute Song For John.

Lynch’s new album Secret Soundz Vol.2, on the other hand, is a treasure chest of electro-acoustic delights, and his wonderful contributions were more leftfield, including a subdued version of his other band Silver Columns’ song Columns or the dense electronica of Michael Rocket. These were only two of many stand-out moments, including Yorkston’s wistful cover of Erasure’s A Little Respect, the trio’s a cappella harmony on Fogarty’s God Damn You Mountain and Yorkston’s striking closer Queen of Spain, although by the end it might have felt to many as if our appetites for each singer’s music hadn’t been entirely satisfied.

James Yorkston, Pictish Trail and Seamus Fogarty play the Eden Court, Inverness, on Tuesday 19th March and the Universal Hall, Findhorn, on Wednesday 20th March.

© David Pollock, 2013

Links

• Fence Records

THE LOCAL community centre, in popular imagery, is a traditional space which is under threat, a hub for people to congregate around and form a social group in the face of funding cuts and the decrease in activity which runs alongside those cuts.

YET that doesn’t tell the whole story of people’s determination to keep their communities alive across the country, and the network of village halls in the Highlands and Islands is representative of that.

Ron Emslie in rehearsal for Watching Bluebottles

Based in Alves in Moray, theatre production company Right Lines have created a new, cross-generational performance event which celebrates both this fact and the role the village hall continues to play in people’s lives. Across six local halls, Hall Tales has been an ongoing community engagement project which saw filmmaker Tim Flood run basic film production courses for young people in each village, with the students then going out to film the village hall recollections of elder members of their communities for one Hall Tales film to be shown at each final performance.

This month’s tour of six shows spread over a fortnight will also feature exhibitions of artefacts related to the village halls they’re staged in and a central performance of a past Right Lines production, the one-man, site-specific play Watching Bluebottles, in which actor Ron Emslie plays a hallkeeper preparing for his own retirement.

“The local hall has a very special place in our hearts,” says Euan Martin, who runs Right Lines alongside Dave Smith. “Both Dave and I were brought up in church and village halls and see them as fantastic, adaptable venues. Since we set up Right Lines ten years ago we’ve principally toured our shows there, and it’s only recently we’ve started creating them for more traditional theatre spaces.”

When he points out that these places are adaptable and versatile, he’s suggesting that the imagination really is the limit for those who want to use them for new and interesting purposes. “One of our first shows was called Accidental Death of An Accordionist,” Martin points out by way of illustration, “and it was set at a ceilidh in a village hall. So we took the show out to these small venues and the people arrived at the hall as if they were coming to a ceilidh, getting involved in dancing and listening to music before the actual show broke out around them.”

Ron Emslie - the allure of the draughty old hall

A lot of the allure of such places, he suggests, is the individual character they’ve built up over time, the fact that each one is different. “Although over the last few years, a remarkable number of halls have managed to get grants to do them up,” he points out. “One of the funny things about Watching Bluebottles is that we very much wrote the story about the old hall and the old hallkeeper, and in the show he talks about the new hall being built down the road and how he’s not going to transfer. So what we wanted was the old, crumbly, draughty halls to perform it in, because they had the greatest character. But when we booked it the committees were so excited they decided to stage it as the first show in their brand new, centrally-heated and wonderfully decorated hall instead.”

For their next project Martin and Smith are debuting a version of Roger Hunt’s book Be Silent Or Be Killed, a true account of the Scots banker’s days caught amidst the Mumbai massacre. Opening at the beginning of May and touring throughout the month, the piece was made possible by a little seed funding from the National Theatre of Scotland and full funding for the tour from Creative Scotland. Yet Smith believes that the future climate for such projects will become more difficult given the controversial news about Moray slashing its entire arts budget.

“It’s a very short-sighted move,” says Smith. “I think it’s much less likely that larger organisations will want to bring shows into Moray, and it also hits your personal enthusiasm for doing this. Everyone knows you just have to go out there and make things happen, but that’ll be even harder now in terms of the level of administration involved.” The loss of a dedicated arts officer, the feeling is, will be the biggest blow, with nobody on hand to discuss arts projects with the council on a daily basis.

“Yet there are two wonderful organisations in the Highlands and the north-east,” points out Martin. “There’s NEAT (North East Arts Touring) and the Touring Network (formerly PAN, the Promoters’ Arts Network), with both of their specific aims being to support touring theatre companies in the area, so they’re helping keep village halls and village hall theatre alive. And if this is under threat, that’s why people should put all the more effort into making things happen.”

Hall Tales opens tonight (15 March) at Kinloss Church Hall, and runs until 30 March at Dyke Village Hall. Full details at Right Lines website below. 

© David Pollock, 2013

Links

• Right Lines

One The Road (Film)

Based on the classic Jack Kerouac novel, On The Road is the story of Sal Paradise, an aspiring New York writer, and Dean Moriarty, a charming ex-con, married to the very liberated and seductive Marylou (Kristen Stewart). Sal and Dean bond instantly upon meeting. Determined not to get locked in to a constricted life, the two friends cut their ties and take to the road with Marylou. Thirsting for freedom, the three young people head off in search of the world, of other encounters, and of themselves.

Rated: 15, Running Time 124 min. Directed by Walter Salles

£5/£4 concs/£3 U16s

Pay on the door

Wed 20th Mar, 7.30pm

THE FENCE COLLECTIVE

Based in Fife, The Fence Collective is a loose-knit amalgam of singer-songwriters, bands and electronic artists who collaborate with one another on record, as well as on stage. Although their music isn’t always strictly ‘folk’ in the traditional sense, the Collective’s tendency to hand-down and share songs with one another is very much in the folk spirit. Three members of the Collective; James Yorkston, The Pictish Trail (the nom de plume of singer-songwriter Johnny Lynch, who – alongside Kenny Anderson, aka King Creosote – runs Fence Records) and Seamus Fogarty will be on stage, sharing songs, a laugh and some blether.

£15/£12 concs

Fri 22nd March, 7:30pm

To Rome with Love (Film)

A comedy set in one of the world’s most enchanting cities. The film brings us into contact with a well-known American architect reliving his youth; an average middle-class Roman who suddenly finds himself Rome’s biggest celebrity; a young provincial couple drawn into separate romantic encounters; and an American opera director endeavoring to put a singing mortician on stage.

Rated: 12A, Running Time 112 min. Directed By: Woody Allen

£5/£4 concs/£3 U16s

Pay on the door

Wed 3rd April, 7.30pm

KARINE POLWART

Rising star Karine Polwart draws from folk music’s long tradition and her talent for crafting unique, enduring melodies produces songs of powerful, contemporary relevance. Currently Karine has three nominations for the Radio 2 Folk awards, including one for her new album Traces. (The Scotsman recently reported that Traces has topped numerous year-end critics’ polls). She will perform as a trio with her brother Steven Polwart (acoustic and electric guitars, ukulele and vocals) and singer, songwriter Inge Thomson (accordion, percussion, loops and vocals).This concert is part of the EarthSings festival of workshops and performances at the Universal Hall. See www.universalhall.co.uk for further details. Tickets are selling fast, so book quickly to avoid disappointment.

£14 /£12 concs/£10 U16s

Source: Universal Hall

Fri 22nd Feb, 7:30pm

Ginger and Rosa

A look at the lives of two teenage girls – inseparable friends Ginger and Rosa — growing up in 1960s London, and the pivotal event the comes to redefine their relationship as the Cuban Missile Crisis looms.

Rated: 12A, Running Time 90 min. Directed by Sally Potter

£5/£4 concs/£3 U16s Pay on the door

Sun 24th Feb, 12:30pm

The World On Your Plate (2 films)

Can we eat our way to a better world? Kicking off Fair Trade fortnight, this double bill of inspirational films explores our global relationship to food.

The Dancing Forest (Reykjavik International Film Festival Award) celebrates the extraordinary women of rural Togo who are taking back their food system from overseas control, while Best Before offers a snapshot of similar projects in the UK.

As the UK steps up to lead the G8 in 2013, and with a billion people now living in hunger, there has never been a more important time to learn from and champion such positive alternatives. Part of Take One Action! Film Festival. Screening followed by discussion with special guests including Kathy Galloway, director of Christian Aid Scotland. £4/£3 U16s Pay on the door

Sun 24th Feb, 4pm

The Blue Tiger

Johanka and Matyas’s playground is the lush botanical garden in the old quarter of a Czech city. When the new mayor reveals his intention to scrap the garden and modernize, Johanka’s terrific imagination takes hold and the pair plan to stop him. Suddenly rumours of a mysterious Blue Tiger in the city circulate. Can they protect him from the Mayor and save the garden? This heart-warming Czech film, a hit on the indie festival circuit, explores play, environmen and social responsibility themes with bags of charm. Part of Take One Action! Film Festival. In Czech with English subtitles ages 8+, Running Time 90 min. Directed by Petr Oukropec, Bohdan Sláma

£4/£3 U16s Pay on the door

Fri 1st March, 7:30pm

Beasts of the Southern Wild

In a forgotten but defiant bayou community cut off from the rest of the world by a sprawling levee, a six-year-old girl exists on the brink of orphanhood. Buoyed by her childish optimism and extraordinary imagination, she believes that the natural world is in balance with the universe until a fierce storm changes her reality. Desperate to repair the structure of her world in order to save her ailing father and sinking home, this tiny hero must learn to survive unstoppable catastrophes of epic proportions.

Rated: 12A, Running Time 93 min. Directed by Behn Zeitlin

£5/£4 concs/£3 U16s Pay on the door

Source: Universal Hall

IT’S rare in a gig that the banter from the band can cover topics as diverse as Edwardian facial hair, the tagging of Shetland Islanders, kennels for men and political uncertainty as symbolised by a poorly organised Burns supper, but then Session A9 are no ordinary band.

THE boys (Marc Clement on guitar and vocals, Gordon Gunn on fiddle and mandolin, Brian MacAlpine on piano, David Robertson on percussion with Kevin Henderson, Charlie McKerron and Adam Sutherland on fiddle) are frequently regarded as one of Scotland’s ‘super groups’ of fiddlers and, hard as it may seem to believe, have been casting their infectious brand of hearty Scots tunes and superbly tight musicianship over the Scottish music scene for over 10 years now.

Session A9

Much of the material for their gig at Findhorn’s Universal Hall came from their new and exciting self-titled album, but old favourites from What Road?, Bottlenecks and Armbreakers and One for the Road (delivered with some fresh twists) were warmly welcomed.

The boys kicked the night off with a rousing series of ‘Wedding Polkas’ with the gentle ‘The Surfing Bride’ before climaxing with ‘One for Oliver’. A taut set of strathspeys – ‘The Real Mackay Wedding’, ‘Struy Lodge’, ‘Trip to the Market’ – followed before the boys settled into a series of tunes and reels including ‘Lady Montgomery’s Reel’, Jerry Holland’s ‘Mutt’s Favourite’ and Shetland’s very own ‘Up da Strouds the Sailor Goes’.

After ‘Paella Grande’ and new tune ‘Ridree’, the boys took a quick breather before returning with a set of tunes from their back catalogue including ‘Trip to Austin’, ‘The Arm Breaker’, ‘Duncan The Gauger’ and ‘Jig O’ Beer’ whilst the bluesy ‘Kirstie’s’ and ‘Garry Porch’ set the scene for new track, the racy ‘The Bellydancer’ (although Brian and Charlie’s promise to do their own belly dancing sadly failed to materialise), before calming things down with Gordon’s beautifully tender ‘The Birds Have Gone’ and a well pitched version of Karine Polwart’s ‘Dig a Little Well for Zoë’.

Old favourite Tim Edey’s ‘Celtic Thunder’ and ‘Pressed for Time’ saw Brian’s piano take a fair battering as the boys cranked up the pace and there was little respite before the speedy finale of fiddle tunes ‘Sporting Paddy/Hamish the Carpenter/Hull’s reel/Road to Errogie’ saw the Findorn audience on their feet for some last minute dancing. The boys returned for an encore with a raw and gutsy cover of the John Martyn track ‘One for the Road’ (so much better live) and a final set of jigs and reels.

Always best as a live band, their sheer enjoyment in playing together is hard to resist. If you want to see some of Scotland’s finest musicians at the top of their game then you’d be hard pressed to beat them. Their short tour has just finished but for more footage of the boys on their travels, and updates on future gigs, have a look at their page on “that facebook thingy”.

© Billy Rough, 2013

Links

• Universal Hall Events
• Session A9

Fambul Tok (FILM “Family Talk”)

Filled with lessons for the West, Fambul Tok explores a culture that believes true justice lies in redemption and healing for individuals – and that forgiveness is the surest path to restoring dignity and building strong communities. Victims and perpetrators of Sierra Leon’s brutal civil war come together for the first time in tradition-based true-telling and forgiveness ceremonies. By reviving their ancient practice of fambul tok (family talk), Sierra Leoneans are building sustainable peace at the grass-roots level.

In English and Krio with English subtitles. ages 16+, Running Time 82 min. Directed by Sara Terry

£5/£4 concs/£3 U16s

Pay on the door

Source: Universal Hall

SESSION A9 (MUSIC)

Winners of 2012 Best Live Act at Trad Music Awards, Session A9 have established themselves among today’s most accomplished and exciting traditional music acts. Featuring fiddlers Charlie McKerron (Capercaillie), Gordon Gunn, Adam Sutherland (Treacherous Orchestra), Kevin Henderson (Fiddlers’ Bid, Boys of the Lough) with vocalist/guitarist Marc Clement (formerly of Blazing Fiddles), keyboards, Brian McAlpine and David Robertson (Capercaillie) on percussion. This welcome return visit to the Universal Hall is accompanied by their newly released, highly appraised, CD titled simply “Session A9″.

‘A richness of sound that can verge on the symphonic… from reflective to mesmerising to downright barnstorming.’ The Herald

£14/£12 concs/£10 U16s

Fri 1st Feb, 7:30pm

Peas at 5:30 (FILM)

A man and a woman, two blind people on an extraordinary journey through Russia – a road movie where love is found through blindness. Fate hits Jakob when, through a car accident, he loses his sight. Helpless and distressed, not wanting to live any more, he meets Lily who is blind from birth who offers help, which he rejects. The only wish he has is to visit his terminally ill mother who lives far away in Russia. Through Lily’s insistence to offer help, both find themselves on a long journey into the wild East. This is a film with dry humor that’s not afraid to address taboos.

In German with English subtitles (The title refers to the description you would give to a blind person to describe the whereabouts of food on their plate). Rated: PG-13, Running Time 107 min. Directed by Lars Büchel

£5/£4 concs/£3 U16s

Pay on the door

Fri 8th Feb, 7:30pm

Untouchable (FILM)

An irreverent, uplifting comedy about friendship, trust and human possibility, Untouchable has broken box office records in its native France and across Europe. Based on a true story of friendship between a handicapped millionaire (Francois Cluzet) and his street-smart ex-con caretaker (Omar Sy), Untouchable depicts an unlikely camaraderie between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.

In French with English subtitles. Rated: 15, Running Time 112 min. Directed by Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano

£5/£4 concs/£3 U16s

Pay on the door

Source: Universal Hall

21 to 24 Feb – WOW! Wedding Open Week

Come and see the spectacular main hall of the Pavilion set up for a wedding, with contributions by some of our favourite wedding-related companies. On Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th February, it will be “open house” at the Pavilion from 11 am to 4 pm. Those who would prefer to visit on Thursday 21st or Friday 22nd should please ring Andrew on 01997 420124 to make an appointment

2 Mar 7.30 pm Esther’s Ceilidh for the Highland Hospice, organised by Feis Rois as a tribute to both Esther and Selwyn Roberts. Performers to include Ceilidh Mor, Reel Din and Highland Ceilidh Band. Tickets £15 (£5 for school pupils) on sale soon.

http://highlandhospice.org

www.feisrois.org

10 Mar 11 am to 4 pm Spring Wedding Fair – a chance for those planning their special day to be inspired by the Pavilion and to meet top local suppliers of wedding-related products and services. Free entry for the public on the day – anyone wishing to book a stall should ring Andrew on 01997 420124

www.strathpefferpavilion.org/weddings.asp

20 Mar 8 pm Derek Acorah. Arguably the world’s most renowned spirit medium, Derek Acorah was the first medium ever to demonstrate his powers live on air. Familiar to many from television appearances, he was voted TV Personality of the Year in 2004 and is recognised as a thoroughly modern medium whose appeal crosses the generations. Tickets (selling fast now!) £17.50 / £16.50 online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

http://derekacorah.com

14 Apr 8 pm Opera Bohemia – following critically acclaimed productions of La Bohème and Lucia di Lammermoor, Opera Bohemia makes a most welcome return to the Pavilion with Puccini’s very popular opera Madame Butterfly, set in modern day Japan. Rising Scottish star Catriona Clark sings the role of Cio-Cio San, leading a cast of up and coming professional opera singers. “One of the most exciting new opera companies in the country” (The Herald). Tickets £12 (£5 for school pupils, other concessions £10) online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

www.operabohemia.com

www.catrionaclark.com

17 Apr 8 pm Edwyn Collins – Ivor Novello Award winning musician Edwyn Collins is to perform at the Pavilion as part of his Spring 2013 “Understated” tour. First coming to fame as the frontman of Scottish group Orange Juice (“Rip it Up”, “I Can’t Help Myself” etc.), Edwyn Collins went on to a solo career, including the international hit, “A Girl Like You”. He recently returned to the music scene after a serious illness and particularly asked his agent to include the Pavilion in this tour. Tickets £17.50 online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, including TicketWeb’s 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, also from June’s Card Shop Dingwall and the Pavilion 01997 420124

Support by singer/songwriter Linden, whose debut album was recently released on Edwyn Collins’ own record label, to critical acclaim

www.edwyncollins.com

www.joemcalinden.com

20 Apr 8 pm Rose-Marie. Irish-born Rose-Marie is an international singing star, well known to British audiences and justifiably one of our most popular singers, with awards for ‘Best International Concert Star’, ‘National Singer of the Year’ and ‘Most Popular Country Singer’. Her flame red hair has become one of the enduring icons of popular music. Tickets £18 online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

www.rose-marie.tv

21 Apr 2 pm National Youth Choir of Scotland – more info soon

www.nycos.co.uk

25 Apr 8 pm MsFits Theatre Company in I Spy Mrs Peery – Edinburgh Fringe award-winning show, by playwright Rona Munro and presented by comedy actress Fiona Knowles, also both award winners. A story of mystery, intrigue and suspense, “more violent than a crash diet, more spine-chilling than ice cubes down the back of yer nightie”! Mrs Peery sees it all from behind her net curtains. A thought-provoking slice of life focusing on three female neighbours, hilarious yet at times extremely moving. Tickets £10 (£6 for school pupils) are now available from the Pavilion office – on sale elsewhere soon.

www.msfits.co.uk

9 May 8 pm Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, Scotland’s favourite traditional musicians, who require no introduction! Tickets £17 / £16 / £6 on sale soon

www.philandaly.com

10 May 8 pm Jai McDowall, winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2011. This charming Ayshire singer has wowed audiences from all over the UK. After BGT, Jai went on to duet with Hayley Westenra and Josh Groban. Standard tickets £15 now online with WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, including 24-hr hotline 08444 771000 – also available from Ticketmaster, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124. A limited number of VIP tickets, to include a front-row seat and a meeting with Jai from 7 to 7.30 pm, are £25 and available only from the Pavilion.

www.jaimcdowallofficial.com

17 May Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland International Convention 2013

www.rias.org.uk

28 June 8 pm Scottish Chamber Orchestra – the SCO makes its popular annual visit to the Pavilion. The SCO has not yet revealed the concert programme but tickets are already available from the Pavilion – £14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s.

www.sco.org.uk

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

ASKED to produce a touring family show – but not a panto –  on a limited budget,  Wildbird’s Chris Lee has come up with an interesting production which is part film, part theatre and part storytelling session.

THE eponymous Dreich House is an ominous baronial pile in a remote, bleak glen where children who are unloved are sent by parents who don’t wish to see them again. Ever. The small print on Dreich House’s brochure promises a money-back guarantee if disappointed.

Rod Morrison in Dreich House (picture by Gary Anthony, courtesy Wildbird and Inverness Courier)

The show features one adult and seven child actors. Never act with children or animals, goes the actors’ adage, and indeed they steal the show effortlessly, especially the enchanting Sophia Woolnough as baby Ollie. This despite the fact that their appearances are all on back-projected film – shot against a green screen at Arts in Motion’s Evanton studio on an unfeasibly tight schedule. The backgrounds were then added in post-production.

Particular commendation for Merle Harbron (Ruby Love) on whose young shoulders the show partly rests. As Ruby Love,  she is entirely believable as the resourceful heroine, long abandoned by self-absorbed filmstar parents, who rescues the others from the clutches of the evil, scheming Lord Boltfast and his henchmen.

Meanwhile the adult inhabits his roles mostly on stage. Rod Morison has an unusually demanding task in theatrical terms; Dreich House is essentially a one-man show with the necessity of generating all the energy entirely alone. However, Morison also has to switch between a host of wildly different personas, from a Hollywood starlet to a slavering bloodthirsty hound, with the added pressure of timing his performance to the back-projected visuals. Morison’s performance has settled down since I saw it earlier in the run and the audience (sadly sparse on a snowy Strathpeffer Monday evening) enjoys the experience. It’s all good, clean, cartoon-ish fun, the only notable drawback being the soundtrack level which occasionally muffles the children’s recorded dialogue.

© Jennie Macfie, 2013

Links

• Wildbird

The Angel’s Share

A film by the brilliant Ken Loach (Kes, My Name Is Joe, Looking for Eric, The Wind that Shakes the Barley) the Angels’ Share is set in Scotland and tells the charming story of Robbie, an ex-offender and new father who embarks on an adventure with three criminal friends to a whisky distillery and discovers that turning to drink might just change his life. Will it be ‘slopping out’ for the next twenty years, or a new future with ‘Uisge Beatha’ the ‘Water of Life?’ Only the angels know……..

Running Time 106 min. Directed By: Ken Loach Rated:15

£5/£4 concs / £3 U16s

Pay on the door

Fri 26th Jan, 7.30pm [Note change of date]

Samsara (Film)

Samsara reunites the team, whose award-winning films Baraka and Chronos were acclaimed for combining visual and musical artistry. Samsara is a Sanskrit word that means “the ever turning wheel of life.” Filmed over a period of almost five years and in twenty-five countries, Samsara transports us to sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial sites, and natural wonders. By dispensing with dialogue and descriptive text, Samsara encourages our own inner interpretations inspired by images and music that infuses the ancient with the modern. Having no dialogue, this film is also suitable for the heard of hearing.

PG-13, Running Time 99 min. Directed By: Ron Fricke

£5/£4 concs/£3 U16s

Pay on the door

Source: Universal Hall

OUTSIDE the temperature was biting at minus 3 but inside Findhorn’s Universal Hall it was a warm and convivial crowd to welcome respected duo Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas.

THE packed hall reflected the appeal of the duo and with a recently released new album, Highlander’s Farewell, and a promise to be back in Scotland for Celtic Connections in January, including a strings workshop, Scots born fiddler Alasdair and American cellist Natalie weren’t ones to disappoint.

Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas

The new album provided a number of traditional tunes for the Universal Hall gig, including the poignant and passionate title track which melds old with new through a medley of ‘Highlander’s Farewell to Ireland’, ‘O’er the water to Charlie’ and ‘Highlander’s Farewell’ mixing strathspey, reel and jig with some spicy Appalachian seasoning.

Duncan Chisholm’s ‘The Farley Bridge’, a sweeping and sweet melody, perfectly symbolised the vigorous relationship between past and present and highlighted the rich vitality of contemporary tunes. This fluidity marks the best of Fraser and Haas’s talents. As Alasdair stated, if Neil Gow had stayed with the old tunes he’d have little to play, and it is in this spirit of exploration and respect for the past which the duo celebrate.

Similarly the joyous and lively ‘The Referendum’, a new tune in honour of Alec Salmond’s attendance at Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the Isle of Skye, flawlessly captured the sense of questioning surrounding that significant issue. Fraser’s opinion on the matter was evidently on show when he suggested the piece should be played “optimistically”.

A few personal tunes mixed with some traditional favourites, inspired by friends and family, followed including ‘Glenfinnan Nights’ written on a drive through Glencoe which swiftly swayed into ‘Tibbie Fowler O’ The Glen’. New tune (only around 3 week’s old!) the ‘Connie Muir Suite’ blended reel, jog, waltz and strathspey in an atmospheric and charming tribute to a close friend. Howie Muir, Connie’s husband, also provided the inspiration for the rhythmic ‘Ouagadougou Boogie’ a feisty and funky invitation to dance.

A series of old tunes, reels and strathspeys concluded the gig including ‘The Pitnacree Ferryman’, ‘The Smiths a Gallant Fireman’ and ‘Crossing the Minch’ before the audience, all on their feet and a good number dancing away on the floor, accompanied the duo on ‘Kelburn Brewer’ as Alasdair and his fiddle bopped through the energetic crowd.

The always eloquent Alasdair proved an entertaining host and the joy between both musicians was palpable and infectious; Natalie’s smiles and Alasdair’s nifty footwork were testament to the delight and talent of two musicians simply enjoying playing music together. It was clear the duo were happy to be back in Findhorn; as Alasdair noted, as they drove through Spey country to the gig, every signpost suggested a fiddle tune.

The duet between instruments, combined with an abundant synthesis of funk, jazz, classical and trad rhythms was a heady but delightful mix. Articulate, skilled and engaging Fraser and Haas superbly demonstrated the beguiling connection between fiddle and cello and an enchanting evening was had by all. Once again Universal Hall should be praised for its fine acoustics and relaxed atmosphere, as Alasdair noted it’s a “grand place for a gathering” and I couldn’t agree more.

© Billy Rough, 2012

Links

• Universal Hall
• Celtic Connections
• Alasdair Fraser
• Natalie Haas

FINDHORN’S Universal Hall was the settingfor Gaelic ‘supergroup’ Dàimh’s to launch their Ho ho ho-ro Gheallaidh’s tour.

DESCRIBED as bringing “seasonal cheer with Hymns, Carols, songs and tunes connected with Christmas, New year and Midwinter” it was certainly a night to warm the oncoming cold winter months.

Dàimh

The band – Ross Martin (guitar), Damian Helliwell (banjo and mandolin), Gabe McVarrish (fiddle) and Angus MacKenzie (pipes and whistle) – were welcomed onstage with a couple of special guests for the evening; renowned Gaelic singer Margaret Stewart and Malinky’s very own Steve Byrne. Future gigs promise guests from an equally impressive list; Kathleen MacInnes, Arthur Cormack & Griogair Ladhruibh, Calum Alex and Seonaidh MacMillan and Griogair Ladhruibh.

One of the problems of focusing on Christmas and the winter holidays, as Dàimh noted, is that there is very little traditional Scottish Christmas songs. As Christmas was generally treated as a working day the songs tended to focus more on the New Year celebrations. Equally, Scottish tunes are known to focus on the darker side of life, so stories of dead wrens and cheating lovers seemed to feature heavily throughout the set but that didn’t stop the boys finding some beautifully festive jigs and reels.

The gig started off with a spirited version of the English Carol ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ before settling into a number of Irish reels, including ‘Christmas Eve’ and ‘New Year’s Day’ before Steve joined them with some East Coast tracks, including an atmospheric rendition of the 16th century song ‘Balulalow’ as collected by Dundee’s Wedderburn brothers.

A few feisty polkas followed before Margaret joined the group for the evocative ‘Tha Sneachd’ Air Druim Uachdair’ (‘Snow on Drumochter’). The first half concluded with a fine set of Shetland tunes; the gentle ‘Christmas Day Ida Morning’ was followed by a pacey ‘Da Cold Nights of Winter’ before setting on an almost rocky tune inspired by the island’s tradition of the Skekklers.

Maybe it was because it was still relatively early in the festive season, but the Findhorn audience were a little subdued during the first half, and Dàimh as a band a little reserved (only Steve was game to wear the Christmas paper hat) but after a short break Margaret took the stage for a solo spot delivering a moving Gaelic version of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ which firmly established a festive spirit and the boys relaxed with some humorous banter.

The set list returned to Ireland for ‘The Mummers Jig’ which incorporated a number of tunes including ‘Robin’s Nest’, ‘Drops of Brandy’ and ‘The Humours of Whiskey’ before heading of to Northumberland for the reflective ‘The Midwinter Waltz’. Steve delivered a beautiful bothy ballad solo of Kirriemuir poet Violet Jacob’s ‘Hogmanay’ before joining the boys on a lively version of ‘Queen Mary’s Men’ and a set of warming strathspeys. The night wouldn’t be complete without it and the group came back on stage for an encore of the ‘Auld Lang Syne and a pipe-led version of ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’.

‘Ho ho ho-ro Gheallaidh’ is still to tour Banchory, Skye, Stornoway, Peebles and Castle Douglas so if you are looking for a night of festive tunes and good craic then there is still time to catch the boys and their guests in the run up to Christmas.

© Billy Rough, 2012

Links

• Dàimh

In November 2008, Roger set off from his home in Macduff destined for India to set up a new project for the Royal Bank of Scotland in the country’s financial capital Mumbai. However, little did Roger know that this routine business trip would turn into an extraordinary, life-changing experience. Be Silent or Be Killed concerns the impact of international terrorism on the individual and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Shortly after his arrival in Mumbai, Roger became caught up in a deadly terrorist attack which claimed the lives of many innocent people. For 40 hours, Roger lay hidden and alone in his hotel bedroom as terrorists moved from floor to floor seeking Western targets. Amazingly, he was able to communicate via his BlackBerry with colleagues in RBS headquarters in Edinburgh and it was this support, along with Roger’s calculated decision-making, personal resilience and determination to survive that led to his eventual rescue.

As the fourth anniversary of his ordeal approaches, Right Lines is delighted to announce a major, Scotland-wide tour of Be Silent or Be Killed, commencing in Inverness and visiting Perth, Glasgow, Musselburgh, Dunfermline, St. Andrews, Falkirk, Cumbernauld and Paisley, before transferring to Aberdeen.

Right Lines can also reveal that well-respected Scottish actor Fraser Sivewright has been cast as Roger in the play. We were very pleased to confirm that he was available to take part in the project – even more so when we discovered Fraser is also a native of Macduff.

The tour schedule is almost complete and Be Silent or Be Killed will open at Eden Court, Inverness on 3rd May 2013. The tour continues around Scotland for 3 weeks, finishing with two dates at The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen on Friday 24th & Saturday 25th May 2013.

This production has been made possible thanks to a Quality Arts investment award from Creative Scotland.

Right Lines can also announce a Main Sponsor for the tour: The Fire Training Group. Based in Aberdeen, the Fire Training Group offers specialist fire training to the Oil & Gas, Maritime and Aviation industries. With more than 13 years’ experience and 12,000 delegates per annum, the Fire Training Group is one of the leading providers of fire training in the UK.

Source: Right Lines

The musical partnership between Alasdair Fraser, one of Scotland’s premier fiddle ambassadors, and the sizzlingly-talented young California cellist Natalie Haas has produced a debut CD, Fire and Grace. Fraser has a concert and recording career spanning 30 years. The 25-year-old Haas, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, wasn’t even born when Alasdair was winning national fiddle competitions on the other side of the Atlantic. The pairing is the fulfillment of a long-standing musical dream for Fraser, who found in Haas a musician who could help him return the cello to its historical role at the rhythmic heart of Scottish dance music.

“A positive joy.” The Scotsman

Wed 5th Dec, 7.30pm, £12/£10concs/£8 U16’s

Tickets at the Phoenix Stores 01309 690110 and online www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Source: Universal Hall

Presented by Wildbird, Dreich House tells the story of fifteen year old Ruby Love whose despicable mother has sent her to Dreich House for the Christmas holidays. To all appearances Dreich House is just another forbidding gothic mansion in a remote Scottish Glen that promises adventure activity holidays for children that nobody loves. But to its clients; (gamblers, hit-men and all sorts of scurrilous and careless characters) – it’s a holiday destination with a single dark purpose; to ‘disappear’ children that nobody loves without a trace – satisfaction guaranteed. This is a great Christmas production blending theatre, film, storytelling and photography.

In February and March Wildbird auditioned for six youth cast members to play Ruby and the Dreich House kids in venues across the North East, Highlands and Argyll. The selected cast then came to Evanton in the Easter Holidays to make a green screen film which will be combined with animation and live theatre to create the finished multi media one man theatre production.

Venu Dhupa, Director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland said;

“Dreich House is sure to be an entertaining Christmas production blending theatre, film, storytelling and photography. The production has offered up a host of opportunities for young people get involved and develop their skills in theatre, film and now photography.”

Sat 8th Dec, 4pm, £7/£6concs/£4 U16’s

Tickets at the Phoenix Stores 01309 690110 and online www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Source: Universal Hall

Daimh’s (pronounced Dive) festive Ho ho horo Gheallaidh brings together songs and tunes connected with Christmas, New Year and Midwinter from all over Scotland. Songs, Carols and Hymns in Gaelic, English and Scots researched and performed by special guests Steve Byrne (Malinky) and Margaret Stewart from Lewis (who stays just down the road in Nairn), thrilling original tunes alongside carefully selected seasonal pieces from Daimh’s powerhouse pipe and fiddle led instrumental section – this seasonal show promises to be a cracker.

“One of the most exhilarating acoustic bands on the Celtic map,” Irish Music Magazine

Sat 24th Nov, 8pm, £12/£10concs/£8 U16’s.

Tickets at the Phoenix Stores 01309 690110 and online www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Source: Universal Hall

FRANCIS BOAG, the Dundee born artist, was previously Head of Art at Aberdeen Grammar School before embarking on a highly successful career as a full-time artist in the 1990s.

REGARDED as one of Scotland’s New Colourists, his work is both decorative and thought provoking; concerned with the physical construction of paint yet equally emotionally involving. I was able to catch up with the artist at the preview of his new exhibition at Fochaber’s Just Art Gallery.

Francis Boag at Just Art (photo Billy Rough)

Over the last seven years Boag has exhibited in New York, Paris, Munich, Michigan, Dublin, Belfast and Seattle, and his work has attracted considerable notice and appreciation, frequently featuring as cards for UNICEF and proving popular with a number of significant private and corporate collectors. This new exhibition marks a long-standing relationship with between gallery and artist; Boag said: “… we’ve become pretty good friends and Stewart [Harris, owner of Just Art] does a lot, informally, for me so I always try and make sure I can give him as much work as possible, and there is a connection between my work and this area … Just Art is always interesting and very good on the craft.”

During his early career in Dundee Boag favoured portraits and figurative work which, while successful, didn’t answer the structural and compositional questions the artist sought to solve. Equally, while the flat fertile landscape of the Tay coast, and the Carse of Gowrie especially, was a favoured subject for artists Boag found the subject somewhat lacking.

“In Dundee there is a different sort of landscape so well rendered by McIntosh Patrick, even Jimmy Morrison to a certain extent, and though I liked their work there was nothing I felt I wanted to do, although just before I left I did do some drawings of Lochee Park, the Stannergate and I enjoyed them but they were just for drawing.”

Francis Boag - Summer Pond Ury 3

In fact it was only after relocating to the North East in the late 1980’s to take up the post in Aberdeen that Boag’s love for the landscape fully manifested itself. During the commute from his home in Newtonhill he’d often take the scenic country roads rather than follow the A90 and it was during these drives that his eyes were opened to the colour and possibilities of the Aberdeenshire coast.

“I began to take notice of the lie of the land and topography, a lot of the farm houses would sit with a few trees, some fences and it must have seeped into the subconscious. At weekends, on a Saturday, I’d go out, drive around and stop and do some drawings; not to paint but just as an end in themselves but I started to use the drawings as little paintings and I quite enjoyed them; the freedom that landscape gives you – portraits can be more precise and less free – and they were received really well.”

The rhythm of built structures, contrasted with the organic forms of nature proved particularly appealing: “What I noticed, while I was driving, was that you could get up quite close to the landscape – you’d get quite a strong shape to the landscape – for instance when you go out to draw you don’t necessarily notice, until you actually start drawing, how many poles there are, of all sorts, and when you’ve got them going across your picture with the horizontals you get a strong composition”.

Joan Eardley and Alberto Morrocco, an early tutor of Boag’s, provided significant inspiration and his work shares a fascination with the light, colour and vibrancy of both artists. Kandinsky too is a strong influence, and Boag’s work is intensely rich in the sensory musicality of colour and form: “I’m a big fan of Kandinsky and his theory of colour, Concerning the Spiritual in Art; how colours have sounds and temperatures, and whether you know it or not, you cannot be influenced by his thinking; you can do it consciously or you can do it unconsciously.”

Francis Boag - Blair Castle Horse Show

Cobalt, gold and scarlet ping off Boag’s canvas and his confident handling is apparent in Blair Castle Horse Show, in which an organic and vibrant arrangement of navy, emerald and violet is complimented by the underlying grid of newsprint collage and music sheets suggesting both the freedom of nature and the geometric constraints of the man-made landscape. While the use of collage, principally music sheets, helps to provide a structural framework of the canvas it would be a mistake to assume any symbolist narrative in Boag’s choice and selection.

“I noticed that if you put a bit of text on people would stop, go up close and read it, the fact that it didn’t make any sense was irrelevant but it made people stop and look closely and then they’d see the colour and texture. The text isn’t usually about the place; it’s there for a technical and painterly reason. My wife’s a musician and there were always manuscripts lying about so I’d use them and I liked the ‘grid’ of the paper – the strong lines, etc. and there is a process of elimination but it’s more for the shape rather than the text’s original meaning.”

Francis Boag - Summer Pond Ury 4

Colour and texture stimulate an individual response between artwork and viewer, and Boag’s scenes of the grounds of Ury House, close to Stonehaven, are especially evocative. Summer Pond Ury 3 and Summer Pond Ury 4 provides a sweet meditation on the late summer afternoon. Flat planes merge and collide with the pulsating dashes of colour. Above the cool watery cerulean hovers a multitude of forms and colours – some fixed, some in flux. The heat of sun on water and the ambiguity of light are captured well through the dabs of ephemeral yellow and ghostly orbs of blue.

Francis Boag - Ury Copse

In Ury Copse, Boag provides a strong contrast between the fiery crimson of the foreground with the cool, luxurious jade and gold of the farmland. In the centre looms the small, darkly atmospheric copse – an ancient and uninhibited figure in this constructed and controlled landscape. Indeed it is this contrast that fascinates Boag: “What first attracted me was the man-made imprint on the landscape, the cottages and structures – they provide the context of the picture and the scale.”

Wistful nostalgia is equally palpable in Skateraw Memories. Taking the old name for Newtonhill, Boag utilises music script to construct a linear and structural gathering of houses nestling in the North Sea coast. The flat green and orange pastures of the foreground highlight the problem facing a landscape artist – whether to focus on detail or suggestion.

“The problem is always what do you do with the foreground, there are things there; rocks and fence posts and grasses – do you try and capture them in detail or can you render them in a simpler manner or in another way and that became the patchwork of colours and I drew everything from that. It’s a way of trying to interpret what you’re seeing; but not just representing, in a way that allows the viewer a chance to add their own impressions to it.”

What’s important for Boag is not the suggested narrative of the work but the emotive and visual response to the forms and colours used in his canvases: “People will put a huge amount of interpretation into the work but, for me, the paint itself is the mastery; what it is is more important than what it represents.”

Francis Boag - Skateraw Memories

The exhibition at Just Art is a testimony to the strength not only of the artist’s work but the landscape which inspired it. Already much of the work on show has sold, which reflects the artist’s appeal and reputation of the gallery. On the encouragingly resilient Scottish art market (perhaps mainly due to the talent and training of its practitioners as well as the public’s appreciation for good work) Boag is positive, and his opinion on its strengths and repute reveals an optimism and vivacity which characterises his own art.

“Scotland has a great record of supporting artists through galleries like Just Art in Fochabers and Scottish people are really, really supportive of their artists and the quality is recognised. If you go to the London galleries and they have a show of Scottish artists they always call it the “Scottish Show” because that term is a statement of quality. There is a really vibrant art scene here. If you looked at Scotland through the eyes of its artists then you’d think the whole world would want to come here.”

© Billy Rough, 2012

Links

•  Just Art Fochabers
• Francis Boag

Calum Stewart started on the pennywhistle at a young age, then moved onto the Wooden Flute. Coming from a new generation of guitarists, Heikki Bourgault embraces the strong tradition of Breton musicians, whilst pushing the boundaries of the open-tuned guitar. The urge to look beyond musical borders, pushing the limits, whilst respecting traditions is what brings Calum and Heikki together, and with old instruments, a new sound is forged. These guys are seriously good! Calum has previously played at the Universal Hall to great acclaim with his excellent band “One Fine Day”

“Is it possible to play a wooden flute with youthful exuberance and virtuosity at the same time?

It seems it is!” Folker! Magazine

Fri 9th Nov, 8pm, £10/£8concs/£6 U16’s, tickets available from the Phoenix Stores 01309 690110 and online at www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Source: Universal Hall

Just Art, Fochabers 4th November to 1st December

Francis Boag is firmly established as a leading member of the Scottish New Colourists and these days his work is highly collectable.

Francis was born in Dundee in 1948 and studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in the late sixties where his tutors included Alberto Morrocco and David McClure.

He continued to develop his painting throughout a successful teaching career, leading to being appointed Head of Art at Aberdeen Grammar School in 1 989. It was his subsequent move to the North East which signaled a major change of direction in his work.

Initially drawing his inspiration from the colour and texture found within the surrounding landscape, Francis started to exhibit commercially in 1995 and quickly built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most exciting, contemporary landscape painters.

Francis now exhibits widely throughout the UK and attracts attention from an international market, and his subject matter has developed to embrace the colour and splendour of Mediterranean subjects and wherever his travels may take him.

Since 2003 his images have featured regularly as cards for the international children’s charity, UNICEF. He is the only Scottish artist to be included in their fine art collection.

In 2009, in collaboration with leading Scottish photographer Andy Hall, Francis produced a book The Mearns Distilled as a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the landscape which is so central within his paintings.

In June 2001, after nearly 30 years teaching Art in schools around Scotland, Francis Boag decided to challenge the maxim that ‘Those who can, do and those who can’t, teach’ when he left behind the security of his post as Head of Art at Aberdeen Grammar School, to achieve a lifelong ambition to make a career as an Artist.

More than 10 years on, his life-changing decision has been vindicated and Francis is now one of Scotland’s most popular and best-selling painters, exhibiting widely at home and abroad.

In that time he has exhibited throughout the UK and also New York, Dublin, Belfast, Paris, Munich, Michigan and Seattle.

Recent polls published in the press in Scotland and Ireland have both placed him in their lists of top 50 best selling artists, and he is one of only a few artists who has work in the National Collections of both countries.

You will soon be able to see these paintings on the BBC’s new website cataloguing the Nations paintings, ‘Your Paintings’ at http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings

His widely admired limited edition prints have found their way into a host of public buildings such as airports and hospitals and his original work is increasingly sought after by large corporate collectors including John Lewis plc and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Contact Just Art on 01343 820500

Just Art is open Tuesday to Saturday 10-1 & 2-5 or by appointment

The website is open all year at http://www/justart.co.uk

Source: Just Art

With a wink to Charles Bukowski’s cult character Henry Chinaski, Australian choreographer Kylie Walters coaxes seven testosterone-crazed men to live through an evening of debauchery and revelation. Trapped in a rock-band’s home studio as they try to finish their new album, this live concert collides the virtuoso Belgian rock duo I Love Sarah’s scorching math rock with five superb Scottish based performers amongst copious amounts of bravaderie and chaos.

In a halfway house for low lifes, where a band, their mates and their fans hang out, play, dance and dream, the live sessions become a playing field for old grievances, one-upmanship and reconciliations. Vicious drumming, cutting wit, frenzied theatre and a myriad of visceral choreographic skirmishes form a microcosm of manhood stretching from juvenile misbehaviour to sublime creative insight.

For The Chinaski Sessions David Hughes Dance Scotland has brought together a diversely talented group of Scottish based performers. Matthew Foster, Martin Lindinger, Michael Sherin, Jack Webb and Rob Heaslip seamlessly merge their individual dance styles (contemporary, breakdance, ballet, Irish) with dynamic physical theatre, surreal humour and live music on stage from Belgian musicians Jeroen Stevens and Rutger De Brabander.

Unplugging the force of the body and coaxing the movements from their most recognizable anthropologic beginnings to the most accomplished technique, the dancers wildly romp over the stale ground of contemporary dance as they emulate the frank expression and shameless inventiveness of rock.

Choreographer, Kylie Walters, said: ‘My challenge for The Chinaski Sessions was to create a true hang-out on stage which would allow for all sorts of possibilities – be they humorous or sinister. From there, I wanted the energy to be free to surge into both moments of formal beauty and of high chaos – to discover personalities without the ball and chain of ‘character’. I hope that The Chinaski Sessions brings the federating energy of live rock music, the rapture and fierce elation that it inspires in people, through into the realm of dance.’

The creative team behind The Chinaksi Sessions includes Kylie Walters, a European-based performer, director and choreographer working across theatre, dance and music, creative producer David M Hughes and lighting designer and production manager Simon Gane.

The Chinaski Sessions is supported by Creative Scotland and the Traverse Theatre, in addition to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Listings Information:

25th October: Lemon Tree, Dance Live 2012, Aberdeen AB24 5AT 7pm

£7.50+booking fee Box Office: 01224 641122 www.boxofficeaberdeen.com

26th October: Universal Hall, Findhorn IV36 3TZ 8pm

£10/8/£6 under 16 Box Office: 01309 691170 www.universalhall.co.uk

27th October: Pulteney Centre, Wick KW1 5BA 8pm

£12/£10/£6 Box Office: 01955 641434 www.lytharts.org.uk

LANDWARD, BBC2’s outdoor and countryside programme, will feature a unique and melodious voyage following self proclaimed “adventure folk band”, starting tonight (19 October) .

EARLIER this month I was lucky enough to catch the Whisky River Boat Band on the final gig of their Spey River adventure at the Tugnet Ice House, snugly seated beside the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay. For any other band, it was, by all accounts, a pretty unique way to arrive at what was already an unusual location for a gig. Four guys and a girl, laden with guitars, fiddles, banjos and a double bass arriving damp but ecstatic just in time for an afternoon performance at the Ice House.

Whisky River Boat Band at Spey Bay (photo Rob Ward)

The band – Marty Camino on bass, Jo Jeffries on fiddle, Jed Milroy on guitar and banjo, Toby Shippey on guitar and Gavin Taylor on dobro – had already taken their whisky powered bluegrass and country across the Spey valley, and the Ice House was the last gig in a pretty hectic week.

After setting off from the Old Bridge Inn at Aviemore, and stopping off to play at Craggan Outdoors, Cragganmore Distillery and Craigellachie’s Whisky Bar, the band finally arrived on a cold but sunny afternoon at the Scottish Dolphin Centre at the mouth of Moray’s Spey Bay. The Ice House itself was a rare location for a gig. Built in the 1830s to store salmon and reputedly the largest in Scotland, its cavernous space meant it was remarkably well suited acoustically to an intimate gig.

John Hartford’s ‘Bring Your Clothes Back Home’ was a lively kick-start before the band launched into a number of their own compositions including the suitably titled ‘River Spey Song’, the feisty ‘Roughhead Mountain Song’ and the joyful ‘Old Black Crow’. There were some tasty covers too, including spirited versions of Loudon Wainwright III’s ‘Swimming Song’ and Lyle Lovett’s ‘If I Had A Boat’. Their last tune, the breezy ‘Going Down This River’, saw the band lead the audience out into the late afternoon sun for a gloriously cheery finale. It was a fitting end to an inimitable and thoroughly enjoyable gig.

Landward's Euan McIlwraith has a go with the band (photo Rob Ward)

Rumour has it that the band are already planning their next adventure. So if whilst sailing down the Tay or the Dee you hear the faint whisper of bluegrass and whisky fuelled harmonies then don’t be feart, it’ll only be the guys in the midst of another folk adventure and perhaps you should follow Marty’s advice; “paddle faster, I hear banjos”.

This article is adapted from a review originally posted on Folk Radio UK, and is used with kind permission. Thanks to Rob Ward of Scottish Dolphin Centre for the photographs.

© Billy Rough, 2012

Links

• Landward
• Whisky River Boat Band
• Folk Radio UK review

Great to have The Shee back to showcase their third album, Murmurations which uses their three exceptionally strong singers alongside astonishing instrumental prowess. The album shows a different side to a band unafraid to explore new territory and mix their ever changing individual influences together, all the while managing to maintain a unique, recognisable sound. The Shee have been performing some of the material from Murmurations live, but this new show is the first chance to hear all of their new music in a concert setting. Expect slow airs, Gaelic ballads, original songs, high-energy tunes, hypnotic riffs and of course…clog dancing!

Fri. 19th Oct, 8pm, £10/£8concs/£6 U16’s

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY.

I don’t know why she swallowed a fly…But The People’s Theatre Company do! And now you can too as they bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life for the very first time. Presented by the team behind How The Koala Learnt To Hug, this magical new show has been written especially for parents to enjoy with their children – a charming blend of puppetry, live action, audience interaction and animation. Come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales with a feast of first class games, colourful animal characters and heart warming family fun. It’s the perfect treat for anyone aged 4 to 104! Runs 75 mins.

“Perfect interactive fare for a young crowd while having enough to keep grown-ups entertained.” Nottingham Post

Sun 21st Oct, 4pm, £7/£6concs/£5 U16’s

Tickets available from the Phoenix Stores 01309 690110 and online at www.wegottickets.com/UniversalHall

Source: Universal Hall

Having spent time as a midshipman and ring-net fisherman in the 1960s, Professor Maclean’s art, which includes painting, sculpture and pieces made from found objects, is particularly influenced by people who have lived and worked by the sea. It is based on themes of navigation, emigration, whaling and fishing and exploration. Professor Maclean was awarded a Scottish Natural Heritage Supreme Award for three memorial sculptures on Lewis and has a piece of art permanently displayed in the Scottish Parliament. His services to education and art have also been recognised with an MBE and he is a member of the Royal Scottish Academy.

With a strong interest in Scottish culture, Professor Maclean, who is an honorary fellow of the university, will be delivering his talk on artists of the Highlands and Islands from 1745 to the present day. He will give some historical background to Highlands and Islands painting and sculpture, before highlighting some of the region’s most prominent past and contemporary artists.

Speaking about the lecture, Dr Neil Simco, dean of the faculty of arts, humanities and business at the university said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome Professor Maclean to the university for this public event, particularly at a time when we are planning significant growth within our curriculum offer across the creative industries. Professor Maclean’s deep routes within the culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands chime with the mission and vision of the university and, across a wide variety of our programmes, we too seek to reflect the richness of our region’s cultural landscape.”

Robert Livingston, director of Hi-Arts, added: “As both artist and teacher Will Maclean has been an inspiration to countless artists, in Scotland and abroad, in demonstrating how it’s possible for art to engage with and illuminate the textures of human history and experience, whether that be an industry like ring-net fishing or momentous events such as the Lewis Crofters’ War.”

Professor Maclean said: “I am honoured to have been invited as a speaker and I hope that, as a visual artist, I might contribute to the theme of the region’s culture.”

Professor Will Maclean’s talk, “My mind is with the drawing”: some notes on artists of the Gàidhealtachd, 1745 to the present day, takes place from 5:15pm to 7pm at the Universal Hall in Findhorn on Thursday 1 November.

To book a place at this free lecture, call the university on 01463 279344 or email events@uhi.ac.uk

Source: UHI