Highland Constellation Project - new constellation found in the Highlands!

7th June 2007

For the past month the Highland Constellation team, consisting of a writer, artist/astronomer and a bookbinder, have been on the road running workshops to identify a constellation to celebrate Highland 2007, Scotland's Year of Highland culture.

From Inverness to Ullapool they have been seeking out stars for the new constellation with pupils from Highland schools. The pupils have written stories and poems, created stars and painted the night sky all in their quest to find a star which relates to the heritage of their area, based on its light years from the earth.

On June 10th the final star will be put in place at Cawdor Castle and the new constellation will be launched! A competition to name it will be open to participating schools.

As part of Cawdor Castle's Open Garden weekend there will be ~taster~ workshops from artist, Gill Russell, writer Linda Cracknell and bookbinder Rachel Hazell. The Royal Observatory Edinburgh will be holding astronomy activities and Cawdor Primary school will exhibit the work they have done as part of the project and will also be assisting the ~Star Girls~.

To find out more log on to the website: www.darkskyscotland.org.uk

The Highland Constellation project is funded by the Scottish Arts Council Partners Fund, The Highland Council and Highland 2007 as part of the Highland Promise - An Gealladh Mor.

Applied Art at Cawdor Castle
Highland Council Exhibitions Unit is holding an outdoor exhibition as part of Cawdor Castle's Open Garden weekend. With the castle and gardens as a stunning backdrop, this exhibition will show that applied arts have a home in the outdoors as well as the gallery. A variety of work will be on display from baskets to animals made from recycled materials to chairs made from moss and wood.