Young musicians fly the flag for Scotland

north Pupil performers in Liverpool for cultural event

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YOUNGSTERS from the Highlands are in Liverpool to take part in the final events of a project celebrating UK heritage.

The finale of Portrait of a Nation will be held today at St George’s Hall with a showcase of the past year’s work on their area’s culture.

Children from throughout the UK are meeting in the European Capital of Culture to discuss their cultural identities and why their home area is so special.

The two-year campaign is the biggest youth project of its kind in the UK, and has involved more than 3,000 young people in 17 cities.

The Highlands and Islands’ contribution, Dealbh Dùthcha, is led by Fèisean nan Gàidheal, with support from Highland 2007.

The piece of music was commissioned from renowned Highland composer and artist Blair Douglas and 29 of the Highlands’ best young musicians, singers and dancers perform the piece, which incorporates Gaelic song, step dance and the landscape.

Highland Council convener Sandy Park, who is chairman of Highland 2007, said: “It is very exciting to see this talented group of young people travelling to represent the Highlands and islands at the Portrait of a Nation Festival, one of the finale events for Liverpool’s year of culture celebrations.

“The whole project has been an incredible journey for them as they worked with composer Blair Douglas on this performance representing their own heritage and the culture of the area.”

Fèisean nan Gàidheal chief executive Arthur Cormack said: “Dealbh Dùthcha was created specifically for the Portrait of a Nation event in Liverpool, although it premiered at the end- of-Highland 2007 celebrations.

“This was entirely appropriate as it is a lasting legacy of that year which encapsulates so much what is unique about Highland culture.

“The young participants will continue to sing the songs and play the tunes, and remember their participation in this event for years to come.”