Charles Kennedy (MP) joins the line-up for Highland Homecoming
Charles Kennedy will take centre stage as part of Ten Things That Changed the Highlands a series of free discussions on Thursday 22nd October in Lewis.
As guest speaker Mr Kennedy will be sharing his views and insights on Crofting and its European Future before opening the forum to the public for their participation.
These discussions will offer audiences the opportunity to discuss and debate important events that have shaped our region.
Crofting is just one of the topics up for debate. Discussions taking place range from access to land, to the Gaelic language, to the Kirk, to the beautiful game, Shinty and the tradition of free press in the Highlands. When you think of the ten most important things that have changed the highlands what would you choose?
Ten Things That Changed the Highland is part of Highland Homecoming and with over 100 events to choose from there really is something for everyone.
Charles Kennedy MP, said:
"The difficulty of explaining crofting to someone who does not know the Highlands & Islands has often been remarked upon. The 30,000 people who live and work in crofting households account for the great majority of population across great swathes of our landscape.
"Without living crofting communities, much of the Highlands & Islands could be empty and bleak. It certainly would be unrecognisably different, and its culture - including its language - would be all but extinct."
The whole of the Highlands and Western Isles will be bustling in the forthcoming weeks. Scotland’s year of the Homecoming has finally landed in the Highlands with over 100 events between 19 to 31 October.
Marie Christie Project Director at Homecoming Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have Charles Kennedy MP participating in Ten Things That Changed the Highlands. This series of events will give local communities the opportunity to discuss the great changes to the Highlands, whilst looking to the future of the Highlands.”
Charles Kennedy’s Crofting and the European Future is at Paire School, Gravir, South Lochs, Isle of Lewis at 7.30 pm on Thursday 22nd October.
To find out more about Highland Homecoming and the programme of events log on to
www.highlandeventsandfestivals.com
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NOTES TO EDITORS
Images available
Principal Partners: Homecoming Scotland, The Highland Council Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Bòrd na Gàidhlig
Major Partners: Scottish Arts Council, LEADER, EventScotland
In Kind Partner: Ashers’ Bakeries
Event Partners: UHI, University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh, Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, University of Glasgow
Homecoming Scotland 2009
1. Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to engage Scots at home as well as motivate people of Scottish descent and those who simply love Scotland, to take part in an inspirational celebration of our culture, heritage and some of the many great contributions Scotland has given to the world.
2. 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, and Scotland’s culture and heritage which lives on at home and through Scotland’s global family.
3. The budget for Homecoming is £5.5million and the target is for an 8 to 1 return on investment i.e. £44 million revenue additionality.
4. Homecoming Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by EventScotland the national events agency in partnership with VisitScotland, the country’s national tourism agency. Homecoming is part financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.
5. For more information on Homecoming Scotland please visit:
www.homecomingscotland2009.com
Contact:
Roisin-Alana Di Giacomo on 01463 716739
Rdigiacomo@webershandwick.com