The Saltire Society will host a series of free events celebrating Scottish music and poetry during this year’s Edinburgh Festival.
The performances will take place throughout August at The Saltire Society headquarters just off the Royal Mile and will showcase the talents of a variety of musical and literary performers.
On Wednesday 8th August at 7pm, The Heretics will entertain guests with a night of words, music and song. Originally formed in 1970 when a group of disillusioned artists in Scotland decided to create their own platform for modern Scottish art, the group was re-established in 2015. This performance, featuring both current members of The Heretics and a few special guests, will include: poets Anne Pia, Colin Bartie and Lorna J Waite; singers Kerry McDonald and Adam MacNaughton; and musicians Ron Shaw and Alan MacDonald.
Poet Hugh MacDiarmid, who has been called ‘the single most powerful cultural force in 20th-centry Scotland”, will be honoured with two performances of ‘Hugh MacDiarmid – A Celebration’ performed by celebrated Gaelic actor Dolina Maclennan (below) and poet Alan Riach. Taking place on 11th August at 1pm and 15th August at 7pm.
‘Why The Birds Sing’ on 22nd August at 7pm will be an evening celebrating the magical world of the birds. The show will feature a collection of poetry, music, song and stories in Scots and English from the pen of Borders poet Ian McFadyen who will lead the performance with a little help from friends.
Sarah Mason, Programme Director of The Saltire Society said: “We are thrilled to be running this wonderful selection of performances at The Saltire Society this August, celebrating both contemporary and traditional Scottish music and poetry. It is an honour to be working with these talented performers and we invite both locals and visitors to Edinburgh to join us for what are sure to be inspiring and uplifting events.”
All of the shows are free to attend but advance booking is essential. Places can be booked online at the following links:
- The Heretics – 7pm on 8th Augus
- thttp://www.saltiresociety.org.uk/event/saltire-society-heretics-event
- Hugh MacDiarmid – A Celebration – 1pm on 11th August
- http://www.saltiresociety.org.uk/event/hugh-macdiarmid-a-celebration
- Hugh MacDiarmid – A Celebration – 7pm on 15th August
- http://www.saltiresociety.org.uk/event/fringe-events-hugh-macdiarmid-a-celebration.-15-august-7pm
- Why The Birds Sing – 7pm on 22nd August
- http://www.saltiresociety.org.uk/event/fringe-events-why-the-birds-sing
Alternatively, places can also be booked by emailing saltire@saltiresociety.org.uk or calling 0131 556 1836.
All events will take place at The Saltire Society, 9 Fountain Close, 22 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TF.
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