> SCALES, SAILS & SURF
An educational project to devise and deliver a series of creative new music workshops and performance for young people from communities in and around Thurso, Caithness.
Brooding off Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the Scottish mainland, sits the Pentland Firth. The dangers of the Firth have impressed artists and writers for centuries and it was remarked in 1380 that ‘Scotland was bounded on the north by a fearfully dangerous whirlpool’. The Norse left a lasting mark with many of the tidal features of the Firth having Norse names - notably the Swelkie and Bores of Duncansby. From early built yawls (fishing boats with Norse origins) to the expanded Naval fleet in the Napoleonic Wars – the Royal Navy establishing its base in two World Wars to the great numbers of lost vessels in its turbulent waters - the list of wrecks in the Firth is very long. The ferocity of wind and surging tides now sees the Firth explored with a new focus. Tidal energy companies are keen to take advantage of a constant supply of wave power. Thurso has also seen major tourist and economic impacts by establishing itself as an international hub for surfing - the O'Neill Championships is now an annual held event. This sea as ever remains a tricky prospect and the saga of the Firth goes on.
All participants will compose, rehearse, perform and record their own music in response to their thoughts on arguably the most dangerous stretch of UK water - the Pentland Firth. They will explore the impact the Firth has played, and continues to play, in local life and its effect on people and families over the years. This is especially interesting geographically given the fall of traditional industries such as fishing and trading and the rise of renewable energy and the emergence and growth of tourism and leisure activities such as surfing. All of this will be explored in ‘Scales, Sails and Surf’.
How to sign-up
You can register by one of the following:
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1.Complete this online form (click here).
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2.Complete and post/hand in a printed application to Caithness Horizons (download here)
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3.Email: northeast@pipingprogramme.co.uk with all your registration details.
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4.You can also turn up on the first day - but please do let us know in advance to get an arrival time and in case of cancellation
For more information please tel: 07801 973096 or email: northeast@pipingprogramme.co.uk
