There are so many great events coming up in the north and north-east. We have picked seven that definitely should not be missed.
- CHRIS BUSHE
Aberdeen’s Gallery Heinzel is hosting a solo show by Aberdeenshire born painter Chris Bushe.
A graduate of Gray’s School of Art in the early 80s, Chris is a master painter, whose dedication to contemporary landscape painting has few rivals.
The exhibition runs until April 16 at Gallery Heinzel, 24 Thistle Street, Aberdeen.
2. STEVENSON CENTRE
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve in Shetland has opened its doors to welcome in visitors once more, with a number of new additions and changes made, including a cafe, to make the visitor experience even better.
The building, previously known as the Education Centre, is now called the Stevenson Centre, named after the designer of Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Robert Stevenson, who also designed 15 other lighthouses around the country. New attractions in the engine room include a screen which links to the Global Positioning System, showing the position and speed of ships in the area. Visitors can monitor shipping traffic and learn more about modern satellite technology as a navigations aid – a kind of lighthouse for the digital generation.
The Marine Life Centre will have live streams from webcams on the cliffs, and tours inside the lighthouse tower will be available for an additional charge. Visitor Centre facilities will be open daily from 11am-5.30pm, with later evening openings to be advised on the website during summer months and for events.
Contact: www.sumburghhead.com
3. UNLEASHED
Tonight’s a very special one for Highland jazz fans as a host of top international jazz musicians will be swinging by The Stables in Cromarty to present a special show starring Liane Carrol, Fionna Duncan, Sara Colman, Sophie Bancroft and Brian Kellock.
Award-winning vocalist Liane Carrol, together with Sophie and Sara, will perform their special show entitled, Unleashed, which draws on their friendship and decade-long history of collaboration to perform a repertoire consisting of familiar songs, original tunes laced with spontaneity and humour. Pianist Brian Kellock, previously named one of the top 10 young jazz pianists in the world, is one of Scotland’s world-class performers, who is recognised as a stellar piano talent across the world by musicians such as James Morrison and Michael Moore and equally at home playing mainstream and contemporary styles.
Last but by no means least is Fiona Duncan, who has been described as a “national treasure”. She began singing with jazz bands in the 1950s and since then has been a popular, award-winning performer who knows how to interpret a jazz standard. The concert starts at 8pm tonight, Thursday, March 31.
For tickets contact 01381 600354.
4. TURRIFF AIR TRAINING COURSE
1296 Turriff Air Training Corps will be holding an open evening tonight, March 31, at St Congans Hall, Rectory Road, Turriff, where those interested can find out what activities are on offer.
Prospective cadets will be able to find out about all aspects of training and live firing as well as clay target shooting. There will also be information available about an extensive programme which will allow cadets to accurately simulate flying to a level that will enable them to take control during real flights in a “Grob Tutor” at Leuchars Station.
Sgt Tracey Gibson said: “We have so much to offer, we hope teenagers in Banff, Turriff and the surrounding areas will be able to make it. Rooms will be set up so they can sample the many activities we have to offer and staff will be at hand for any questions that they may have.”
The event runs from 7.30pm to 9pm. Light refreshment will be provided and a full information booklet will be available for anyone wishing for further information.
1296 (Turriff) Squadron is open to anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 who have an interest in aviation and adventure. If you are interested in joining, contact 01888 568598 on parade nights Monday and Thursday or by e-mailing 1296@aircadets.org
5. WHERE YOU’RE MEANT TO BE
Following its sell-out world premiere at Glasgow Film Festival, Where You’re Meant To be, Paul Fegan’s feature documentary film starring Sheila Stewart and Aidan Moffat, is touring Scotland, visiting many of the locations which featured in the film.
The film is being screened in Skye, Drumnadrochit and Oban in the next few days and each screening is accompanied by a live music set by Aidan and friends.
It can be seen at the Aros Centre, Skye, on March 31; Drumnadrochit Village Hall on April 1, and the Phoenix Cinema, Oban, on Saturday, April 2. Contact: www.whereyouremeanttobe.com
6. BETHANY ARTS PROJECT
Drawing in Response is the result of the Bethany Arts Project, led by Bethany Christian Trust, in partnership with Gray’s School of Art and Peacock Visual Arts.
Bethany Arts Project is an ambitious new art project working with local homeless and vulnerable people to help build confidence and learn new skills by participating in a series of printmaking and photography workshops.
Facilitated by Bethany Arts’ coordinator, Caitlyn Main, and with the help of Gray’s School of Art students Aiden Milligan and David Brown, participants worked with Peacock’s printmakers to create exciting new work of their own.
The aim of the Bethany Arts Project is to enable homeless and vulnerable people to work with artists in a way that harnesses their experience, enthusiasm and creativity, as well as increase their own self-esteem.
Bethany Arts Project seeks to challenge perceptions of homelessness and social exclusion and encourage more mutual respect and understanding across the city.
The work can be viewed as part of the exhibition – Drawing in Response – at Peacock Visual Arts in the city’s Castle Street. It runs from tomorrow until April 16.
7. NETTING
A play which tells the story of fishing widows trying to live their lives after tragedy is touring the Highlands and islands.
Netting was first presented as part of A Play, A Pie and A Pint in Glasgow and Aberdeen last year. If you missed it, this tour gives you another chance to experience it.
The show, which has a stellar cast including Carol Ann Crawford as Kitty and Sarah McCardie as Sylvia, is set in the north-east of Scotland and is about finding closure after unimaginable loss.
Written in Doric, playwright Morna Young – who also stars in the production as Alison – took inspiration from the many strong women in her family.
Netting will be performed on April 1 at the Atlantic Islands Centre on Luing; Easdale Island Community Hall on Saturday, April 2; Carnegie Hall, Clashmore, on April 6; Lyth Arts Centre, Caithness, on April 7; and The Warehouse Theatre, Lossiemouth, on April 9.
