Category: Poetry

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is supporting a series of summer exhibitions showcasing the Island Voices project, with visitors invited to share their own memories, reflections and ideas as part of the initiative.

The exhibitions will be staged in island and mainland locations ahead of the launch of a fully catalogued digital archive this autumn, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Originating from communities in the Outer Hebrides, the project has collected more than 500 video recordings celebrating spoken language, local heritage and personal stories. A new exhibition featuring highlights from the collection will be available from late June to mid-August at venues across North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist.

Visitors will be able to watch a short compilation film and learn more about the project through accompanying displays and QR codes linking to the full online collection.

A second exhibition, developed in partnership with Friends of Queen’s Park in Glasgow, will focus on recent collaborations with five writers working in a range of contemporary heritage languages. The exhibition will open in July in the Scottish Poetry Rose Garden and will be preceded by an evening of poetry readings and film screenings featuring participating writers and special guests.

A key feature of both exhibitions is an invitation for visitors to contribute their own responses. Feedback can be shared in writing or by voice message, reflecting the project’s focus on spoken language and community participation.

Gordon Wells, Island Voices project co-ordinator, said:

We would really welcome contributions from visitors and participants in Gaelic or English. We’d love to hear what people think of the project, any memories it may have stirred, or ideas for how it could develop in the future.

Voicemails are just as welcome as emails – perhaps even more so, given the project’s focus on spoken language and the voices of communities!

You can give your feedback, make suggestions, and register your own opinions by calling 01463 279110 or by emailing: islandvoices@uhicloud.ac.uk.

Exhibition dates and venues

• Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy (with Uist Arts Association)
  26 June to 14 August
• Museum nan Eilean, Liniclate
  30 June to 14 August
• Cnoc Soilleir, Daliburgh
  30 June to 14 August
• Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church Hall, Glasgow
  Poetry and Films Night
  7pm to 9pm, Saturday 11 July
• Scottish Poetry Rose Garden, Queen’s Park, Glasgow
  Five Writers Exhibition
  From 2.30pm, Sunday 12 July

The Island Voices project will also be on display for delegates attending the Rannsachadh na Gàidhlig international Gaelic research conference at the University of Glasgow on Wednesday 15 July.