Homecoming at Dunollie

Media Release: 01 July 2009
Oban will come alive with drama and history from 17 to 23 July 2009 when an innovative theatre production, The Hidden Jewel, is performed on the move at and around Dunollie Castle, ancient seat of the Clan MacDougall. The outdoor event, presented by The MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust, is part of the national programme of Homecoming Scotland celebrations.

The Hidden Jewel, by The Walking Theatre Company, follows the fortunes of The Brooch of Lorn after the spectacular Scottish jewel was stolen by the Clan MacDougall from Robert the Bruce in 1306. The drama tells of centuries of sieges and loss, to the iconic jewel’s disappearance in Campbell hands and then dramatic rediscovery, and the admiration of Queen Victoria in more recent times.

A superb replica of the iconic jewel of the MacDougall Clan - fashioned from pure Scottish silver, crystal, and Scottish freshwater pearls - has been created to represent the original now held in a bank vault for security.  

Dunollie Homecoming Project manager, Catherine Gillies said: “We still can’t quite believe that the story of the Brooch is about to played out at Dunollie. It is such a dramatic site and such an extraordinary tale, and it has been a dream for years to combine the two. Homecoming has given us the chance to do so”.

“It is not only MacDougall clansfolk who have recognised this for a ‘once in a lifetime’ event; we are getting bookings from far and wide from people interested in Scottish history as well as the diaspora Scots. It is going to be an amazing experience!”

Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, said:  "This wonderful event will strike a chord with locals and visitors alike and make Dunollie Castle more evocative than ever. The hard work and dedication that has brought this to fruition is to be applauded and I hope now rewarded with appreciative audiences."

Councillor Roderick McCuish, vice-chair of Oban, Lorn and the Isles area committee of Argyll and Bute Council, said: "This is a tremendous project that deserves full support from everyone. In this Scottish Year of Homecoming it ticks all the boxes and fits well within the programme of national celebrations. I'm delighted to see this excellent event giving people from near and far an opportunity to find out more about the history of The Brooch of Lorn and the story of Dunollie and supporting an important cultural and historical centre to service this area."

Marie Christie, Project Director for Homecoming Scotland, said, “2009 is a big year for Scotland when we look forward to welcoming back many of the millions of people around the world with Scots ancestry or affinity. The Hidden Jewel is a fantastic example of a historical homecoming and we are delighted to have played a part in this iconic event for Oban.”

The Brooch of Lorn is the theme for a full week-long Homecoming programme from 17 – 23 July, featuring a wide range of events including children’s events, guided tours, a ceremony to dedicate the new flag to the castle, and a formal dinner at Dunollie.

Joining forces with the Hope MacDougall Collection, the Trust have created a reception point for all Oban-bound Homecomers in the form of a superb new cultural space right in the heart of the town. This hub in George Street, Oban, hosts an acclaimed new exhibition on The Brooch of Lorn, as well as telling the story of the town, and providing a box office for The Hidden Jewel. Tickets for The Hidden Jewel, and full details of all events in the Homecoming programme, are also available online at www.dunollie.org.

Contact Catherine Gillies
07833133928
www.dunollie.org
info@dunollie.org

Attached photograph shows: Sadie Dixon-Spain showing the Brooch of Lorn in The Hidden Jewel. The drama takes place at Dunollie, Oban, from 17-23 July.

Additional photographs are available from Catherine Gillies or directly from Derek Prescott, official Homecoming photographer, info@derekprescott.co.uk / 01301 703222 / 07810087382

Editor’s notes

1. The Hidden Jewel is written and performed by The Walking Theatre Company, director Sadie Dixon Spain, a professional actress who worked in London for many years prior to moving with her family to Glendaruel on the Cowal peninsula.
2. The Walking Theatre Company since its beginnings in 2006, under the direction of Sadie Dixon-Spain, have written, performed and produced a number of original historical plays, (including The Forgotten Lady of Argyll, The Glen Coe Ghosts and Untoward at Castle Toward). Performances have taken place at venues including: a moonlit extravaganza at the Balmaha Estate, Lochalsh, Holyrood, various Highland Clan Gatherings and Drama Na h’Alba 2007. The company has an ever expanding repertoire of walking versions of well known plays available to tour to communities and festivals, and enjoys a collaborative relationship with Cowal Fest and the Forestry Commission Scotland, regularly producing work specifically for these clients to suit their needs. For 2008-2010, the company is delighted to be supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund in creating and orchestrating two ‘living history’ projects for the Lismore Heritage Centre and The Neilston Development Trust.
3. For The Hidden Jewel performances, the audience will be divided into groups and led to various venues – such as the castle – where they will play an active part in the unfolding drama for example as besiegers or clansmen, or torch bearers. Youth drama groups from Oban and Lismore will participate in all The Hidden Jewel performances.
4. A highlight for the worldwide Clan MacDougall will be Wednesday 22 July, when the Clan MacDougall Society of North America will present Madam MacDougall of MacDougall, 31st Chief, with a new flag to fly above the castle. Eleven feet long and two and half feet wide, it is a reproduction of a medieval-style banner. A formal dinner will be held on the same evening at the Argyllshire Gathering Halls followed by a ceilidh dance.
5. The Hidden Jewel has been generously supported by many organisations including Homecoming Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council, MacDougall McCallum Heritage Foundation of America, Cuan Mhor Restaurant.
6. Homecoming Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative managed by EventScotland, the National Events Agency, in partnership with VisitScotland, the National Tourism Agency.  Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to motivate people of Scottish descent, as well as those who simply   love Scotland, to come home in 2009 and take part in an inspirational celebration of our culture,   heritage and the many great contributions Scotland has given to the world. 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, with the  programme’s design guided by Scotland’s unique position as the home of Burns himself, Golf, Whisky, Great Minds and Innovations, rich culture and heritage and as the ancestral home of millions of people of Scots descent worldwide. For more information on Homecoming Scotland please visit homecomingscotland2009.com or contact Gayle Wilson, PR Manager, on 0131 472 2067.