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Join us for one or both of these fantastic lectures by the wonderful Gary West!
Painting Scotland in Words - An Introduction to Modern Scottish Literature
12pm-1pm
Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson each succeeded in putting Scotland on the international literary map, each presenting their own versions of their native land, for good and for bad. But who is ‘writing Scotland’ today? Whose poems and books should you explore for a contemporary take on what makes this nation tick? Who are the writers in Scotland who can make you laugh, cry, question and challenge in the 21st century? Join Gary West who will share his personal answers to some of these questions, and suggest some places where you can find joy in words, Scottish style.
Perthshire, the Heartland of Piping Through the Ages?
3pm-4pm
Situated in the geographical center of the nation, the county of Perthshire labels itself the ‘heartland’ of Scotland. Dissected by the faultline that separates the highlands and lowlands, it is the place where these cultures have always met to form a unique blend of heritage and tradition that can still be seen and heard today. That is certainly true of its piping, and in this musical presentation, Gary West, himself a ‘Perthshire laddie’, makes the case for his home county to be regarded as one of the key heartlands of piping, past and present. From the MacGregors of Fortingall in the 18th century, to the MacDougall pipe makers in the 19th, and the innovations of Gordon Duncan in the 20th, there is much to celebrate. Join Gary to help him do just that!
Doors open half-an-hour before each lecture, refreshments will be available for purchase.
Members receive a discount on tickets with your member code. To become a Celtic Arts Foundation member, please visit our Membership Page or call 360-416-4934.
Take advantage of 15% off of the best available rate at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Burlington–just mention the Celtic Arts Foundation when booking or click here.
Gary is a musician, academic and broadcaster who specializes in researching, teaching and performing the cultural traditions of Scotland. He spent 27 years as the Professor of Scottish Ethnology at the University of Edinburgh, and is in high demand as a lecturer, piper and singer. Originally from Pitlochry in Perthshire, Gary played with the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, winning the Scottish and European Championships, and played for two seasons with the Grade 1 Glasgow Police Pipe Band. In addition to his work in music and media, Gary is a former Director of the European Ethnological Research Centre, a board member of Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland, and a board member of the Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust. For many years, Gary has hosted Pipeline, a weekly program on BBC Radio Scotland. He has recently begun his own piping podcast called ‘Enjoy Your Piping.’