Latest news with #AilsaCraigGranite
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Quotes from iconic Scottish poets unveiled on walls of Scottish Parliament
The works have been carved into stones from across the country by Perthshire-based stone carver Gillian Forbes, assisted by apprentice Cameron Wallace. Scotland's esteemed poets have graced the Scottish Parliament walls with their verses - thanks to a Perthshire stone carver. The words of former Scots Makars Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie now permanently adorn the parliamentary estate, thanks to the craftsmanship of Glenfarg stone carver Gillian Forbes and her apprentice Cameron Wallace. Etched into stones hailing from across Scotland, they have been placed on the Canongate Wall of Holyrood, which sits on the Royal Mile. With these additions, there are now 29 engraved quotations on the wall, celebrating the rich tapestry of Scottish literature, from revered writers to timeworn proverbs and cherished poetry. Achnaba Schist sourced near Lochgilphead served as the canvas for Lochhead's poignant contribution: "this". "our one small country.. "our one, wondrous, spinning, dear green place. "What shall we build of it, together". "in this our one small time and space?". Kay's heartfelt words carved into Ailsa Craig Granite from Ayrshire, says : "Where do you come from?". "'Here,' I said, 'Here. These parts.'". Meanwhile, Jamie's Dalbeattie Granite inscription from Dumfriesshire, says: "Be brave:". "by the weird-song in the dark you'll find your way." Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer, lauded the installation as an homage to the artistry and dedication of women excelling in their fields within Scotland. She remarked: "The inspirational words of our three poets – Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie – combine with the skill of stone carver Gillian Forbes, making these quotes something of real beauty using stone from across Scotland. "This is only possible thanks to the original vision of Enric Miralles and artist Soraya Smithson, who designed the wall as a permanent reminder of our rich cultural heritage. "I'm proud to unveil these new quotes, which ensure that this piece of living public sculpture reflects the writing talent we have in Scotland today." Lochhead, Makar between 2011 and 2016, said: "It's a big part of my life, being a Scot, being somebody who has a Parliament, and getting some of my words on the walls here, it's fantastic." Kay, who succeeded as Makar in 2016 until 2021, shared: "It's a huge honour and so extraordinary to be carved into stone. "It's so strange to think of your words surviving you – but in a sense, that's every writer's dream." Jamie, who held the title of Makar from 2021 until last year, added: "Poetry is very democratic. It's available to anybody – through libraries, through memory. It's free, and it's absolutely of our culture."
The National
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Three Scottish poets immortalised in carvings on Holyrood wall
Works from previous Scots Makars Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie have been selected following 5000 public votes. The words have been carved into stones from across the country by Perthshire-based stone carver Gillian Forbes, assisted by apprentice Cameron Wallace. They have been placed on the Canongate Wall of Holyrood, which sits on the Royal Mile. The three works bring the total number of quotations to 29, which include a variety of Scottish writers and thinkers, along with popular proverbs and poems. READ MORE: Scottish Government responds as bus firm set to move all manufacturing to England Lochhead's quote, carved into Achnaba Schist from Lochgilphead, reads: 'this 'our one small country… 'our one, wondrous, spinning, dear green place. 'What shall we build of it, together 'in this our one small time and space? Kay's quote, carved into Ailsa Craig Granite from Ayrshire, says: 'Where do you come from? ''Here,' I said, 'Here. These parts.' Jamie's quote, carved into Dalbeattie Granite from Dumfriesshire, says: 'Be brave: 'by the weird-song in the dark you'll find your way.' Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said the new additions to the wall are a 'celebration of the talent and skill of women who are performing at the very top of their professions' in Scotland. (Image: Russell Cheyne/PA Wire) She added: 'The inspirational words of our three poets – Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie – combine with the skill of stone carver Gillian Forbes, making these quotes something of real beauty using stone from across Scotland. 'This is only possible thanks to the original vision of Enric Miralles and artist Soraya Smithson, who designed the wall as a permanent reminder of our rich cultural heritage. 'I'm proud to unveil these new quotes, which ensure that this piece of living public sculpture reflects the writing talent we have in Scotland today.' Lochhead, Makar from 2011 to 2016, said: 'It's a big part of my life, being a Scot, being somebody who has a Parliament, and getting some of my words on the walls here, it's fantastic.' Kay, who took over as Makar in 2016 until 2021 said: 'It's a huge honour and so extraordinary to be carved into stone. 'It's so strange to think of your words surviving you – but in a sense, that's every writer's dream.' Jamie, who was Makar from 2021 until last year, said: 'Poetry is very democratic. It's available to anybody – through libraries, through memory. It's free, and it's absolutely of our culture.'
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Girvan Arts Festival returns for 2025
Organisers have announced the much-anticipated line up for the fourth Girvan Arts Festival which kicks off on Friday, June 6. A weekend packed full of authors, artists, musicians, craftsmen, poets and even farmers will take place over three days. Highlights include Denise Mina, talking about her stellar career as a crime-writer, and Preston Reed, world renowned guitarist, who will be talking about his life in music and playing some of his amazing back catalogue. Opera is also coming to Girvan, with a selection of famous opera hits, a few songs from the musicals and some of Scots Opera's own work - Seal Woman. Some of Ayrshire's finest poets will be joined by others from further afield in the spoken word event Words by the Sea and Jim English will be telling audiences all about his passion – making Olympic curling stones from Ailsa Craig Granite. The Bookshop Band will bring the entertainment on the Saturday evening. Their last album was produced by Pete Townshend of The Who – who also played on it. There are two events for children in the library, and a 'Festival Fringe' has been introduced for 2025 with CRAG and Girvan Youth Trust holding workshops and events. There are Zentangle drawing sessions at the New Café Royale and the Tattie Fest is having a showcase of children's art leading up to their big weekend. Rod McCance, the great nephew of a seminal Scottish artist who spent the latter part of his life in Girvan, will speak about his own colourful career as an artist. He'll also be exhibiting his work in the McKechnie Institute, along with eight other talented artists.
