The story behind an iconic photograph taken in Inverness the day after WWI was declared is to be told at a free Armistice Day talk in the city.
The Inverness Townscape Heritage Project (ITHP) has organised the event discussing the photo taken on Academy Street in August 1914.
The talk will take place at Inverness Town House Monday, November 11, between 2pm and 3pm. It will be delivered by local writer Jennifer Morag Henderson.
The photograph was taken during the so-called ‘August Madness’ and depicts the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders.
In the talk, Jennifer will honour these soldiers who bravely left Inverness to fight for their country.
It will also explore the link between one of the soldiers in the photo, who is fictionalised in Josephine Tey’s novel, Kif, and Tey’s links with Academy Street.
Jennifer is the first biographer of Josephine Tey and has meticulously researched, as well as lectured on and written about Tey’s life, crime fiction and theatre work.
Speaking ahead of the talk, Jennifer said: “I’m delighted to deliver the Marching for Victory talk this Armistice Day and tell the story of Josephine Tey and the events that inspired her debut novel, Kif.
“In the talk, we’ll also delve into the fascinating life stories of some of the people from the time. From officers in the army and some tragic stories of people who were killed, to stories of what the people who survived did next, and how the war affected the rest of their lives.
“I look forward to seeing people there and looking back at life in Inverness during the war.”
Although the event is free, booking is essential and can be made via:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marching-for-victory-tickets-75128442193
The Inverness Townscape Heritage Project is a grant-giving scheme that helps communities to regenerate conservation areas displaying particular social or economic need.
Focusing on Academy Street, the project involves funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland via the Inverness City Heritage Trust and The Highland Council, contributing to a project fund, from which grants are given to local property owners, businesses and organisations to allow them to carry out high-quality repairs and historic reinstatement to properties and spaces within the defined Townscape Heritage area.
