21st August 2009
The countdown to Highland Homecoming began this week with the launch of the full programme at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
Over 100 guests gathered at the launch to learn about the programme of more than 100 cultural and heritage events, all taking place around the Highlands between 19 and 31 October 2009. The events range from performances by some of Scotland's leading artists to ceilidhs, heritage events, exhibitions and walks, all aimed at giving people a flavour of the unique culture of the Highlands.
The programme includes performances from well known figures and artists including Mary Ann Kennedy, Julie Fowlis, Mike Russell MSP, Dr Margaret Bennett, Charles Kennedy and comedian Des Clarke, as well as the not to missed outdoor performance of Macbeth by Polish Theatre Company, Teatr Biuoro Podrozy. Other Highland Homecoming highlights include one-off performances by Big Man Walking, a giant puppet show on the streets of Invergordon and Blair Douglas's Gaelic Mass in Oban.
During the festival over 30 historians from around the world, including Dr Tony Pollard and Professor Eric Richards, will debate and discuss the impact Scots have made across the world at 'Scotland's Global Impact' which runs from 22 to 24 October. Event goers can expect to hear controversial arguments about subjects ranging from the Highland Clearances to the influence of Highlanders on Canada's Seven Year War. This event will be opened by First Minister Alex Salmond MSP and chaired by Lesley Riddoch and is not to be missed by anyone with an interest in Scottish history.
Speaking at the launch Marie Christie, Project Director of Homecoming Scotland, said: "Homecoming Scotland is delighted to be celebrating Scotland's rich Highland culture and heritage with this extraordinary programme of events combining the very best of traditional and contemporary entertainment with some unexpected surprises. At the same time, the gathering of some of the world's leading authorities on Scotland's history at the Scotland's Global Impact conference will breathe new life into how we Scots see ourselves and how others see us around the globe."
As part of the launch celebrations guests heard a special recital of the Homecoming poem, composed for Highland Homecoming by George Gunn of Caithness. They also enjoyed musical performances by F�is Rois.
Cllr Sandy Park, Convenor of Highland Council said: "Highland Homecoming will include a feast of everything that makes this region unique, from its music to its history and, as well as attracting visitors, it will give our communities many reasons and opportunities to join in the national Homecoming celebrations."
"On behalf of Highland Council and our partners it is my pleasure to launch this programme and begin the countdown to the festival."
To find out more about Highland Homecoming and the programme of events log on to www.highlandeventsandfestivals.com
For more information on Homecoming Scotland please visit:
www.homecomingscotland2009.com
Photo
Jack, 8, and his sister Niamh Kerr, 7, from the Bun-Sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis school, Inverness, reading the Highland Homecoming programme at the launch event Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. They are sitting on Neptune's Chair.