Forthcoming Events
THE
ISLANDS BOOK TRUST
PROGRAMME
OF EVENTS FOR 2008
PROGRAMME IN LEWIS AND HARRIS
Saturday 24 May, 10.30am, Community Hall, Tarbert – BILL LAWSON: ‘Taransay’, followed (weather permitting) by boat trip to Taransay
Saturday 21 June, 10.30am, Marine Harvest shed, Lemreway – ADAM and TOM NICOLSON: ‘The Shiants’, followed (weather permitting) by boat trip to the Shiants
Saturday 19 July, 10.30am, Great Bernera Community Centre – JIM CRAWFORD: ‘Islands of Loch Roag’, followed (weather permitting) by boat trip to Little Bernera and circumnavigation of Bearasay, and Old Hill
Monday 11 –Wednesday 13 August, Old School, Shawbost: 3-DAY CONFERENCE ‘The Hebridean Contribution to UK Military History’ (detailed programme and sign-up form available here)
Monday 25 -Saturday 30 August, An Lanntair, Stornoway and other venues – FACLAN – THE 3rd HEBRIDEAN BOOK FESTIVAL (detailed programme available later)
Saturday 20 September, 10.30am, Ness Heritage Centre – 1-DAY SYMPOSIUM ‘Perceptions of Early Christianity in Lewis – Different Approaches to Interpreting the Evidence.’ Talks by IAN STEWART-HARGREAVES and RACHEL BARROWMAN, followed by visit to Teampull Mholuag at Eoropie and other local sites
Thursday 23 October, 7.30pm, Pairc school, Gravir – 5TH ANGUS MACLEOD MEMORIAL LECTURE (speaker to be announced later)
Tuesday 11 November, 7.30pm, An Lanntair, Stornoway – FRED SILVER: ‘Making Oil from Peat – When Lewis Led the World’
PROGRAMME IN UIST AND BARRA
Saturday 14 June, 9.30am, Griminish, North Uist – Boat trip (weather permitting) to the Monach Islands
Friday 8 August, 8.00pm, Castlebay Hall, Barra – MIKE HUGHES: ‘The Merchant Navy’s Role in the Hebrides at War’
Saturday 9 August, 10.30am, Berneray Hall, North Uist – BILL LAWSON: ‘Pabbay’, followed (weather permitting) by boat trip to Pabbay
Saturday 9 August, 8.00pm, Daliburgh Hall, South Uist – MIKE HUGHES: ‘The Merchant Navy’s Role in the Hebrides at War’
Sunday 10 August, 8.00pm, Nunton Steadings, Benbecula – MIKE HUGHES: ‘The Merchant Navy’s Role in the Hebrides at War’
Friday 12 September, 8.00pm, Nunton Steadings, Benbecula – JOHN LOVE: ‘More Highland Naturalists’
Saturday 22 November, 8.30pm, St Mary’s Hall, Benbecula – ALASDAIR MACEACHEN: Writings and Recordings of Benbecula History – an introduction to a programme of Book Trust events in 2009’
PROGRAMME IN OTHER AREAS
Friday 9-Saturday 10 May, Columba 1400 Centre, Staffin, Skye – 2-DAY CONFERENCE: ‘Industry in Skye and the Outer Hebrides’ (detailed programme and sign-up form available here)
NOTE: ADDITIONAL EVENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE.
FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK CONTACT Alayne Barton (01851 820946) for Lewis and Harris, Skye and Faroes events, or Alasdair MacEachen (01870 602124) for Uist and Barra events
See
below for list of the programme of events which have already taken place .
Past
Events - most recent first :-
2008 Events
Tuesday 22 April, 7.30pm, An Lanntair, Stornoway .
Ali Davey - Historic Scotland 'Scotland’s Hidden Gem - Architectural Ironwork in Stornoway .'
Ali’s talk will illustrate how the cast ironwork in Stornoway is among the largest and best maintained collections in the country. The ironwork is remarkably intact and allows you to see what streets across Scotland would have looked like before so much of the ironwork was taken away for the war effort.
Thursday 17- Saturday 19 April, Nunton Steadings, Benbecula – 2-DAY CONFERENCE to mark 50th anniversary of completion of setting up of military base on St Kilda, and opening of 2008 St Kilda exhibition: ‘Operation Hardrock, St Kilda’, followed (weather permitting) by visit to St Kilda (detailed programme available later)
Tuesday 25 March, 7.30pm, Council Chamber, Stornoway - ALASDAIR MACEACHEN: ‘The Faroes’
Saturday 8 March, 8.00pm, Nunton Steadings, Benbecula – JOHN LOVE: ‘Some Highland Naturalists’
Saturday 23 February, 8.00pm, Nunton Steadings, Benbecula – ALASDAIR MACEACHEN: ‘Among Irish Islands’
Friday 22nd February. 8pm Sgoil Lionacleit Library
Launch of our latest publication The Life and Legacy of Alexander Carmichael
An invitation is open to everyone to attend the launch of a new book presenting the fruits of a four day conference held at Sgoil Lionacleit in July 2006 under the auspices of the Islands Book Trust.
The publication brings together contributions from academics and local scholars alike, on the life and history of Alexander Carmichael, perhaps one of the greatest folklore collectors of his age, who dedicated his life to upholding and promoting the culture, traditions and interests of his own people.
All are welcome to the launch event which will open at 8pm and conclude by 9pm on the above evening.
Wednesday 20 February, 7.30pm, Harris Hotel, Tarbert - JOHN LOVE: ‘Some Highland Naturalists’
Monday 11 February, 8.00pm, Uig Community Centre - MARGARET BENNETT: ‘Quebec since the Lewis Settlers
Tuesday 22 January, 7.30pm, An Lanntair,
Stornoway: PETER CUNNINGHAM - 'Memories of
the Outer Hebrides - the slides of Dr
Macdonald of Gisla'. This is an outstanding opportunity
to see the unique collection of old slides of
the islands taken by the late 'Dolly Doctor' and
presented by Peter Cunningham.
2007
Events
Thursday
25 October, 7.30pm, Gravir, Lewis: 4 THE ANGUS
MACLEOD MEMORIAL LECTURE - "THE
FUTURE OF CROFTING - THE CASE FOR CROFTING TENURE"
This
year’s prestigious Angus Macleod memorial
lecture will be given by Brian Wilson, the former
Government Minister and friend of Angus Macleod,
on the subject ‘The Future of Crofting:
The Case for Crofting Tenure.’
The
subject is both highly appropriate given Angus
Macleod’s championing of crofting –
he set up the revamped Scottish Crofters Union
in 1985; and topical in view of the current Committee
of Inquiry into Crofting led by Professor Mark
Shucksmith. Brian Wilson’s lecture will
be an important contribution to the debate. The
lecture will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday
25 October at Pairc School, Gravir, South Lochs,
Lewis – close to the birthplace of the late
Angus ‘Ease’ Macleod MBE at Calbost,
South Lochs in 1916. Previous lecturers have been
Professors Donald Macleod, James Hunter, and Bill
Lawson, and the lecture has become established
as one of the highlights of the historical calendar
in the islands. In addition to the main
lecture, there will be an introduction about the
latest stage in the Angus Macleod Archive project,
a contribution in Gaelic by Donald Mackay, former
Convener of the Western Isles Council, and the
meeting will close with a prayer and Gaelic psalm.
An
illustrated booklet based on Brian Wilson’s
lecture will be available on the evening.
Tuesday
2 October, 7.30pm, Sgoil
nan Loch, Leurbost, Lewis: THE CHANGING
LEWIS AND HARRIS LANDSCAPE – EVIDENCE FROM
GAME-BOOKS OF WILDLIFE CHANGES 1850-1960. Talk
by David Jones, who has assembled a collection
of historical material on island estates.
Wednesday
29 August - Saturday 1 September (4-day event),
An Lanntair,
Stornoway,
Lewis: FACLAN - THE HEBRIDEAN BOOK FESTIVAL. Sponsored
by Book Trust
Thursday
16 - Saturday 18 August (3-day event), Tarbert,
Harris: WHALING AND THE HEBRIDES.
Contributions from people from the Western Isles
who were whalers, speakers about the Harris whaling
station, and other whaling activity around the
Hebrides , including Faroes and other areas..
Saturday
14 July, 2.00pm, The Old School, Shawbost , Lewis:
THE NORSE MILLS AND KILNS OF LEWIS. Talk by Finlay
Macleod and visit to Shawbost Norse Mill
Saturday
28 July, 10.30am, Community Hall, Berneray, North
Uist: PABBAY. Talk by Bill Lawson,
followed by boat trip to Pabbay.
Saturday
30 June, 10.30am, Lemreway, Lewis: THE SHIANTS.
Talk by Dr Mary Macleod Archaelogist, followed
by boat trip to the Shiants.
Friday
8 and Saturday 9 June (2-day event), Castlebay,
Barra: VATERSAY, PABBAY AND MINGULAY. Talks by
Ben Buxton and Calum Macneil to mark centenary
of Vatersay raids, followed by visit to Vatersay
and boat trips to Pabbay and Mingulay.
Saturday
19 May,10.30am, Tarbert, Harris: TARANSAY. Talk
by Bill Lawson, followed by boat trip to Taransay.
Friday
4 May (evening) and Saturday 5 May (2-day event),
Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Skye: LINKS BETWEEN SKYE AND
OUTER HEBRIDES. Speakers include Donald William
Stewart, Bill Lawson, Roger Hutchinson, Aonghas
MacCoinnich, Iain Mac an Taillear
Tuesday
17 April, 8.00pm, An Lanntair, Stornoway, Lewis:
THE ROLE OF STORNOWAY IN THE HISTORY OF LEWIS
by Sandy Matheson, whose wide experience puts
him in an unrivalled position to give this talk.
Thursday
29March, 7.30pm, An Lanntair: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS.
Reflections on the history and future of the Western
Isles by Lesley Riddoch, the well-known broadcaster,
who never takes an uncritical view!
Tuesday
13 February, 7.30pm,10 Callicvol, Ness, Lewis:
TRISTAN DA CUNHA . Illustrated talk by Paul Tyler,
who has recently lived on this remote island.
UIST
EVENTS 2007
Saturday Dec 1st Nunton Steadings at 8pm The classic comedy Rockets Galore with a few slides to follow on the history of the RA Range Hebrides (incl St Kilda)
Friday Nov 9th Nunton Steadings at 8pm Michael Powell's classic film The Edge of the World with supplementery film footage of St Kilda and reference to Michael Powell's book 200,000 Feet on Foula which is based on the story of the film
Broadly
the programme of events throughout the year have been held to mark the 50th anniversary of the setting
up of the military Range in Uist with the associated
developments on St Kilda.
If
you have not attended so far, please feel free
to join in at any stage in the programme.
Again,
please contact Alasdair MacEachen if you are interested
and would like further information.
Thurs
12 - Sat 14 April
A
visit and series of talks by Mike Hughes, author
of the book entitled The Hebrides at War. Mike
is a well known authority on the WWII history
associated with the Hebridean islands and previous
visits and talks given by him have proved to be
very popular. Mike continues to accumulate interesting
facts and artefacts and there is sure to be something
new for everyone to hear, even if you have been
present before at Mike's presentations. It is
possible that a small exhibition of wartime artefacts
and memorabilia can be arranged to coincide with
the talks.
Again
events will take place at Nunton Steadings and
more information on dates and timings will be
advertised nearer the time.
Further
details can be obtained from
Alasdair MacEachen on Benbecula (01870) 602124.
Tues
23 - Sat 27 January
A
visit and series of talks by Dr James A Mackay.
Tuesday
23 January at Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy at
8.00pm
Wednesday
24 January at Berneray Community Hall, Berneray
at 8.00pm
Thursday
25 January at Nunton Steadings, Benbecula at 8.00pm
Jim Mackay
is author of a number of publications on the history
of St Kilda including the military presence which
is well documented in his book entitled Soldiering
on St Kilda, recalling his own days serving in
the Army in the Uists and St Kilda in the period
1959-61.
Jim
is also a leading authority on the life and history
of Robert Burns and it is planned to work a Burns
supper or two around his visit. Some events will
be arranged in association with the current military
establishment in Uist and there will be a community
event taking place in Nunton Steadings,Benbecula
in the evening of Saturday 27th January.
Booking
for this event is essential and further information
can be obtained from Alasdair MacEachen on Benbecula
(01870) 602124.
Tuesday
23 January, 7.30pm, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
, Lewis: INTRODUCTION TO THE ISLANDS BOOK TRUST
AND ANGUS MACLEOD ARCHIVE. Talk by John
Randall by invitation of Gearrannan Blackhouse
Village Ltd.
2006
Events
Friday
10 November, 7.30pm: THE GUGA-HUNT - A LIVING
TRADITION, Taigh Chearsabhaigh, Lochmaddy, North
Uist - another privileged opportunity
to hear Dods Macfarlane, the leader of the Ness
guga-hunters, present his authentic and illustrated
account of the annual excursion from Ness to Sulasgeir.
Tuesday
24th October, 7.30pm: THE THIRD ANGUS MACLEOD
MEMORIAL LECTURE, Pairc School, Gravir, Lewis
- 'THE CLEARANCES IN LEWIS - TRUTH OR MYTH?'
This
year's Angus Macleod memorial lecture in Pairc
School, Gravir, Lewis, by Bill Lawson, the internationally
renowned genealogist and historian, will take
as its controversial title 'The Clearances in
Lewis - Truth or Myth?' The lecture (followed
by refreshments) is free and open to all, and
we hope as many people as possible will come along
to what promises to be a very thought-provoking
evening.
Bill
Lawson comments: 'Much importance is attached
today to the period of the Clearances in Lewis,
but the pendulum has swung away from the earlier
ignoring of that period of history to the other
extreme of ascribing every removal or emigration
to clearance by a landlord. If we take Clearance
as meaning the dispossession of a whole township
in order to convert it into a farm, then the Clearances
in Lewis in fact affected a surprisingly small
number of people, and such Clearances as there
were usually involved the transfer of tenants
from one township to another, within the Isle
of Lewis - very few resulted in emigration. Most
of such Clearance as did occur took place in the
time of the MacKenzies of Seaforth, mainly in
Uig and the Pairc area of Lochs, with very few
in the succeeding period of Sir James Matheson,
though it is to him that most blame is attached
today. He was certainly responsible for large-scale
emigration - but was it Clearance? Compared with
Harris and the Uists, Lewis suffered relatively
little from the Clearances, yet they seem to occupy
a disproportionately great place in today's view
of history.
Tuesday
19 September, 7.30pm: SINGERS AND TRADITION BEARERS
I HAVE KNOWN IN LEWIS AND HARRIS, An Lanntair,
Stornoway - a personal selection by Morag
Macleod from Scalpay and formerly of the School
of Scottish Studies, who has kindly agreed to
share her rich knowledge and experience of Gaelic
song and story collecting in the islands.
Wednesday
30 August - Saturday 2 September: THE HEBRIDEAN
BOOK FESTIVAL, An Lanntair,Stornoway
-
The
Book Trust is delighted to be associated with
this new 4 day festival showcasing island-based
writers and writing about or relevant to the islands
and in particular the session at 5pm on Thursday
31 August in An Lanntair on 'St Kilda
- myth and reality' with Bill Lawson,
John Love, and John Randall. Covering outstanding
fiction and non-fiction, English and Gaelic writing
the programme includes many well-known authors
and sessions on the history of the islands. For
more details of all the events and to make bookings
- see www.faclan.org
Saturday
22 July, 7.30pm - Tuesday 25 July: THE LIFE AND
LEGACY OF ALEXANDER CARMICHAEL, Dark
Island Hotel, Nunton Steading, and Lionacleit
school, Benbecula - major 4 day conference highlighting
the work of the great collector of Gaelic song
and folklore in the second half of the 19 th century,
much of it from sources in the Uists and other
parts of the Western Isles. The conference will
include a service, visits to places associated
with Carmichael, a ceilidh, and presentations
on recent research at the University of Edinburgh
and elsewhere alongside the views of local people.
Download
Programme
Saturday
1 July, 10.00am: THE ISLAND OF PABBAY, Berneray
Hall, Berneray, off North Uist
- talks by Bill Lawson and Donald McKillop, followed
(weather permitting) by an opportunity to visit
the once well-populated island of Pabbay in the
Sound of Harris - one of the most fertile of the
western isles, well-known for crops (and illegal
whisky distilling!) and still with many remains
of human settlement.
Saturday
24 June, 10.30am, THE SHIANTS, Marine Harvest
premises, Lemreway, Lewis
- Adam Nicolson returns to talk by popular demand,
followed (weather permitting) by a visit to these
ever-popular islands in the Minch, based on the
successful formula of previous years.
Friday
9 June, 7.30pm and Saturday 10 June, 9.30am: MINGULAY
AND THE BISHOP'S ISLES, Heritage Centre, Castlebay,
Barra - talks by Lisa Storey, Calum Macneil
and Ben Buxton about the turbulent history of
the islands south of Barra, followed (weather
permitting) by a visit to Mingulay and Pabbay,
both of which are of extraordinary human and natural
historical interest.
Saturday
20 May, 10.30am: SCARP, Community Centre, Tarbert,
Harris - another rare chance to experience
the poignancy of this now-deserted island with
talks by Calum John Mackay and Donald John Macinnes,
both natives of the island, followed (weather
permitting) by a visit to the island from Husinish.
Monday
17 April, 7.30pm: TORY ISLAND - A STRUGGLE FOR
SURVIVAL, An Lanntair, Stornoway - Alasdair
MacEachen gives a lavishly illustrated account
of the dramatic history of this small Irish island
off the coast of Donegal , with insights into
how it compares with Scottish islands. A follow-up
to Alasdair's highly acclaimed talk last year,
to be run in conjunction with an exhibition of
paintings by Tory islanders in An Lanntair.
Island
Notes are summaries of talks given at events arranged
by the Book Trust (already made available to Gold
members). The series is produced in an attractive
standard format and is available at a modest price.
Full summaries of other Trust
talks are made available to Gold Members of the
Trust.
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