Council support for conference featuring island life
The Highland Council, through it’s involvement in the Scotland’s Island initiative, has contributed £3,000 to an international conference focusing on island life which will take place in Fort William at the end of July.
Every 6 years The Celtic Congress (Scotland) hosts an international conference. To coincide with the year of celebrating Scottish Islands, the event which runs from the 25th – 30th July, will be based on the theme of islands. The focus will be on how geography influences people in their linguistic and cultural landscape regions where Celtic languages are spoken.
The International Conference of Celtic Congress (Scotland) is been organised locally by the volunteer group A’Chomhdhail Cheilteach and delegates from throughout Scotland and other Celtic regions across the globe will be attending. Last held in the Highlands in 1993 when Inverness played host, the additional funding will allow the organisers to offer delegates, particularly young people, an enhanced programme of activities.
Activities include workshops in Gaelic, song, dance and aerobics, lectures by guest speakers on themes that include poetry, history and culture as well as excursions to places of cultural and historical interest. Artistes from each represented region will also have the opportunity to entertain during showcase evenings.
As part of the event young people will take part in “Our Island”, promoting the cultural uniqueness of their own islands. Before attending they will research their own areas and use their imagination to create a short performance in their native language.
The £3,000 contribution has come from the Ward Discretionary Budgets of Ward 12, Caol and Mallaig and Ward 22, Fort William and Ardnamurchan.
Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Michael Foxley is looking forward to the Conference. He said: “I am particularly pleased that the additional funding will allow the Conference to offer enhanced activities for young people I have no doubt that the event will stimulate their interest not only in their own language and culture but also that of other Celtic nations. Promoting the culture of their own islands will give them experience in discussing, performing and socialising with other people from other islands and cultures. This year’s theme of islands is very apt during Scotland’s Islands. Islanders across the world share common ground in many ways, but can also celebrate their unique history and culture. Having this opportunity to experience other cultures will help to expand our awareness and understanding. I am sure many new friendships will be made and I wish everyone attending a very enjoyable and fruitful conference.”