Having survived the rigours of World War I and being played in locations as diverse as the beaches of Brazil and the Grand Canyon, a historic set of bagpipes will take centre stage as shinty comes to the fore during the 10th Blas Festival.
Ahead of the Camanachd Cup final, which takes place in Inverness this Saturday, September 13, a special show, Home and Away, will highlight the importance of shinty to Highland communities and Gaels worldwide, as well as the impact of World War I on Highland communities.
It can be seen at Eden Court, Inverness, tonight, September 12.
The shows will be presented by Hugh Dan MacLennan, while the cast includes the piping MacGillivrays of Calrossie, Gary Innes, Linda Macleod and Calum Alex MacMillan.
Home and Away will also feature the story of the MacGillivray Cup, one of shinty’s most prized trophies, originally donated for play in the 1920s by one of Duncan MacGillivray’s relations.
Mr MacLennan said: “It’s a remarkable story that a set of pipes can survive the rigours of the war and then end up being played on the beaches of Brazil during a Pope’s visit. All will be revealed in due course.”
Contact: www.blas-festival.com or Eden Court on 01463 234234.