Rural Community Gateway

World Ceilidh Music Festival
By Katriona Holmes

Knockengorroch’s hills beamed with sunshine at the World Ceilidh Music Festival which took place over four days in May.  Festival goers basked in warm weather, friendly atmosphere and great music at this celebration of the 20th Knockengorroch festival.

Thursday evening headliners Luisito Quintero had come all the way from New York and their percussion madness set the tone for the weekend to come with the crowd bopping up and down to this Cuban first in the Galloway hills.

After some capoeira on Friday afternoon I chose to make my way up to the rustic Longhouse – a dwelling somewhat like how people would have lived in the valley in times past.  The venue is full of people in front of an atmospheric fire listening to some of the festivals folk grass-roots talent.  Night time brings more talent on the main stage, in the form of established fusion dub artists Dreadzone and the night is spent smiling inanely and dancing under a pink and green veil of lights.

‘Hiya’ the festival office board proclaims in between the’ keep dogs on leads’ signs.  Dogs are permitted at this festival, one of the last to allow them in the UK. After bumping into a pixie stilt walker and her tiny whistle playing accomplice on Saturday I arrive at the Shieling venue to enjoy the amazing sensation that is the beatboxer Shlomo, who produces entire songs using his mouth only.  Later that night Capercaillie take the crowd with their sublime Gaelic and English vocals and barn-storming upland instrumentals.

Sunday is my chance to get round all the stalls and buy those last bargains, enjoy the Joe Acheson quartet play dark and soulful electronic jazz and later that night dance the remaining hours away to Glasgow based Mungo’s Hi Fi Sound System’s bass lines, dreaming of many more Knockengorrochs to come . . .

Photos copyright Jethro Collins.

Local bands rock Dingwall

On 10th June 2008 at the National Hotel in Dingwall, the Highland Alternative Music (HAM) project was proud to present a line up of local young bands who had been involved in a series of workshops over the past six months. The gig was organised by the young people taking part in the HAM workshops, with guidance from Project Leaders Robbie Dunsmore and Gareth Ince.

First up were Defcon One. They played a very energetic set, with front man Shaun Cowan giving it his all and really getting the crowd going.

Second was an acoustic set from The Check. Using instruments such as a glockenspiel and ukulele, they played a very original, interesting and highly enjoyable set.

Third was guest band Manor Park Elite from Stornoway, who were able to travel to the mainland thanks to funding support from MIDAS. They played a very tight set creating a huge sound for a three piece. Their stage presence and confidence was impressive and they certainly gained many fans on the night.

Eminate were fourth to take the stage. The combination of Eminate’s dynamic instrumental tracks and Calum Martin’s clever lighting worked perfectly to create an audio/visual treat for the audience. From minimal delayed melodies to heavy distortion chords, each band member plays an equally important roll in creating their sound.

Last up were The Xylophone Race. With their old school funk sound, these guys are all about fun. Dropping a few surprise covers in there such as Hot Chocolate’s ‘You Sexy Thing’ added to the enjoyment of their set. With big vocals and solid beats these guys are definitely a band to catch live.

Calum Martin did an amazing job with the lights. The bands also sold CDs at the gig that had been produced during their time at HAM.

HAM is based in Dingwall. It is a non-profit making project set up to provide a venue for rehearsal, recording, tuition and master classes for young people within the community who want to participate in alternative music genres. The project is funded by the Scottish Art Council’s Youth Music Initiative with contributions from Careers Scotland, Highland Council and Ross & Cromarty Youth Forum. You can find out more on the HAM MySpace page or in their Your Project article for the Rural Gateway or email highlandalternativemusic@hotmail.co.uk.

Editor’s note: You can catch The Xylophone Race at the Highlands R Us event in Falcon Square, Inverness on 8th July. Find out more here.

Photos copyright Matt Sillars.

What’s coming up soon?

Ardkinglas House tours, policy walks and landrover trips

During 2008 there will be a guided house tour every Friday at 2:30pm from March through to October. On some Saturdays there will be house tours which will concentrate on the films that have been shot here (see dates below). The cost of the tour is £6 per person. Alistair MacCallum will also be resuming his walks round the policies and Land Rover trips up the glen.  Booking is essential for both house tours and walks.   If you would like further information or to make a booking, please contact the Estate Office on 01499 600261 or at info@ardkinglas.com

Dates for 2008 for Saturday film tours: 26th July, 16th August and 20th September. These tours are at 11.00 am.

All tours must be pre-booked. For groups of 10 or more we are happy to put on tours at times to suit you.

Strathcarron Country Day - 8th August - Kelso Farm, Strathcarron

Demos and Activities celebrating The Working Countryside including:

• Sheepdog Trials
• Hurdle Making,
• Pole Lathe Workshop
• Wild Bird Ringing
• Making Bird/Bat Boxes
• Angling Tuition
• Spinning and Wool Dying
• Planting Wild Flower Gardens
• Birds of Prey
• Producer Stalls - Walking Sticks, woodturning, local food and crafts
• Information Tent promoting the biodiversity of the countryside
• Food tent

Tel 01520 722 882 for further details

Highland Games in July

It's summer time, and that means the return of caber tossing, tug-o-war competitions and sword dancing at Highland Games all around the country! Here's a list of just a few of the events taking place in July.

• 5th July, Forres Highland Games, Grant Park
• 12th July, Alva Highland Games, The Johnston Park, Alloa
• 19th July, Lewis Highland Games, Tong Recreation Centre, Tong
• 19th July, Lochcarron Highland Games, Attadale Estate
• 19th July, Loch Lomond Highland Games, Balloch Castle Country Park
• 19th July, Taynuilt Highland Games and Clan MacIntyre Gathering, Sports Field
• 22nd July, Inveraray Highland Games, Castle Grounds
• 23rd July, South Uist Games, Askenish Machair, Lochboisdale
• 24th July, Mull Highland Games, Erray Park, Tobermory
• 25th July, Durness Highland Gathering, Shore Park
• 25th July, North Uist Highland Games, Balone Field
• 26th July, Lochaber Highland Games, An Aird, Fort William

These are just some of the Games taking place in July, for a full list go to the VisitScotland's Highland Games information. You can share details of your local Highland Games by adding a comment to this article. Don't forget Highland Games offer the perfect opportunity to get some great snaps for our 2008 photo competition. You can still enter under the themes Action and Adventure, Gatherings and Happenings and Characters and the Craic! Find out more about the photo competition.

Agricultural shows also coming up

• Border Union Agricultural Show, 26th -27th July
• Perth Show, 1st – 2nd August
• Dumfries Agricultural Show, 2nd August
• Turriff Show, 3rd – 4th August
• Black Isle Show, 6th – 7th August 
• Kinross Agricultural Show, 9th August
• Keith Country Show, 10th – 11th August

If we've missed your local or favourite agricultural show from this list, let us know. You can add a comment to the bottom of this article to share information.

Get involved

There are two ways to get involved with 'What's Going On?'

• Send us up to 100 words on a forthcoming rural event. Don't forget to include where to go for more information.
• Send us a review up to 250 words of a recent rural event. Send us a photo to illustrate your review, if you have one.

This is a monthly feature. Submissions must be sent to editor@ruralgateway.org.uk by 21st of each month to be considered for inclusion.

Useful websites

Hi-Arts
VisitScotland events
Voluntary Arts Scotland
Check out your local community website

Thanks to . . .

Katriona Holmes, Highland Alternative Music, Matt Sillars, Jethro Collins, Moira Sinclair and Strathcarron Centre for contributions.

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