Highland Homecoming - 19th to 31st October 2009

Talks, Theatre & Storytelling

10 Things That Changed The Highlands – Public Discussions

Various

What things have most influenced developments in the Highlands over the last 100 years? Where have the great social and economic changes come from? What would you choose as your top 10?
This series of open public discussions explores some of the changes in transport, the environment, religion and culture that we think have been at the forefront of making the contemporary Highlands what they are today.

Guest speakers give their views and insights into ten key developments of recent times – but you’re welcome to come along and challenge them! From forestry to the press, smelting to the Kirk – this is a chance to consider the significance of these events in shaping the Highlands of today - and to consider what needs to be done tomorrow.

All the discussions are free and will be held at appropriate venues throughout the Highlands.

TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER
Glen Ord Distillery Visitor Centre, Muir of Ord 7.30pm
POWER FROM THE GLENS - NEART NAN GLEANN
Jim Miller, author of the Dam Builders, and John Farquhar Munro MSP
explore the nature and impact of the hydro schemes throughout the
Highlands.
Chaired by Roy Macintyre.

WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER
Glenmoriston Millennium Hall, Invermoriston at 7.30pm
10 Things That Changed The Highlands – Public Discussions: Voices from the forest
The impact of commercial forestry on the Highland landscapes of the 20th century with a focus on the voices of the people who worked on the forestry. With Mairi Stewart and Dr Hugo Manson.  Chaired by Dr Kenny Taylor.

THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER
Pairc School, Gravir, South Lochs, Isle of Lewis at 7.30pm
The Islands Book Trust presents…CROFTING AND A EUROPEAN FUTURE – The Angus Macleod Memorial Lecture by Charles Kennedy MP
(See separate entry for full details)

THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER
Studio Theatre, Corran Halls, Oban at 7.30pm
10 Things That Changed The Highlands – Public Discussions: Lifeline services or MacBrayne Drain? Caledonian MacBrayne and the reshaping of Hebridean society
Professor Donald Meek, from Tiree, is a long-time participant observer of the ships of David MacBrayne and, more recently, Caledonian MacBrayne. He will offer a comprehensive and entertaining overview of the MacBrayne empire, the personalities behind it, and the way it has transformed communication to and from the islands of Scotland, and the islands themselves in the process.

SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER
Marybank Hall at 7.30pm
10 Things That Changed The Highlands – Public Discussions: The Land, what will we pass on to future generations?
John Mackenzie, The Earl of Cromartie on access to the land, and Sir John Lister-Kaye on the conservation and ecology of the land. Chaired by David Mackay.

MONDAY 26 OCTOBER
Broadford village hall 7.30pm
10 Things That Changed The Highlands – Public Discussions: FREE PRESS?
The tradition of radical journalism in the Highlands is explored by West Highland Free Press founder Brian Wilson and by historian and writer Iain Fraser Grigor. Chaired by Maggie Cunningham.

WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER
The Leven Centre, Kinlochleven 7.30pm
ALUMINIUMVILLE
Dr Andrew Perchard explores the impact of the aluminium industry in the Highlands.

THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER
Craigmonie Centre, Drumnadrochit. 7.30pm
10 Things That Changed The Highlands – Public Discussions: Shinty – home and away
An illustrated talk and discussion by Dr Hugh Dan Maclennan, author of Shinty! and an acknowledged expert on the game, in which he explores the traditions surrounding it and its provenance worldwide, including its connections with other sports.

THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER
Ross Institute, Halkirk 7.30pm
10 Things That Changed The Highlands: Languages of the Highlands
Journalist and broadcaster Roddy Maclean on the strong links between Gaelic and the land; and playwright and poet George Gunn on Caithness Scots. Chaired by Roy Pedersen.

FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER
Collegiate Church, Tain 7.30pm
FAITH AND THE KIRK
The role of the church in shaping and influencing the Highlands – from Pictish times through Columba to the schisms within the established church.
Professor Donald Macleod and Rev Susan Brown
Chaired by David Alston