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Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pupils shine spotlight on climate and heritage through dance at Bothwell Castle
Scotland's past came to life in powerful new ways this week as S1 pupils from Holy Cross High performed an original dance piece at Bothwell Castle. They were launching Sounds of Scotland – the 2025 theme for Making Sense of Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland's (HES) new learning and outreach programme. The immersive project the pupils — If Not You, Then Who? — was delivered in partnership with Scotland's national youth dance organisation, YDance, through a series of creative workshops run throughout May. All pupils from the school's S1 year group were given the opportunity to be involved in the project, and from these taster workshops, those keen to progress further signed up. Stephen Duncan, director of marketing and engagement at HES, said: 'We believe heritage is a living, breathing resource — not just to be observed, but experienced. Making Sense of Scotland is about unlocking the power of our historic places to inspire creativity, participation and connection. 'This project with Holy Cross High School pupils and YDance brings together climate education, local history and the expressive power of dance to help young people make sense of their world — past, present and future. It was incredible to see how the students interpreted their learning and showcased the Sounds of Scotland theme with their creative performance under the backdrop of the historic Bothwell Castle.' Over the past week, 20 S1 pupils took part in a creative deep dive. They explored Bothwell Castle, learned about the impact of climate change on Scotland's historic environment, worked with heritage specialists, artists and choreographers, co-created a powerful response and, with support from Media Education, captured and edited their experiences on film. The result is a dance film, blending movement, behind-the-scenes moments and creative reflections from the pupils' experience. The film will also be screened at Holy Cross High and be shared with Scottish educators as a digital resource and teaching pack to inspire creative projects. Anna Kenrick, artistic director and CEO of YDance, added: 'This was a truly inspiring project that gave young people the chance to engage creatively with their heritage. Through dance, they explored and communicated complex ideas around climate change in a way that was personal, bold and authentic. It was a privilege to witness their confidence grow and their creativity come to life in such a unique setting.' Making Sense of Scotland launched in October 2024 as HES's bold new programme to bring heritage learning and engagement together under one inclusive vision. It aims to make Scotland's historic environment a valued national resource for lifelong learning, reaching out to a wide and diverse audience, encouraging creative exploration and meaningful participation. Different themes will curate content from across the programme and inspire participants to develop their activities. The Sounds of Scotland theme runs throughout 2025 and features a varied programme of projects — from youth dance workshops and sensory storytelling to the golden age when 'talkies' replaced silent movies in a new publication celebrating Scotland's Art Deco heritage. By working closely with partners such as YDance, HES is broadening access to heritage, championing diversity and inclusion, and supporting fresh voices to keep Scotland's history vibrant and relevant for everyone. Support for this project was provided through HES's Free Learning Visits and School Visits Travel Subsidy scheme, which offers schools across Scotland free entry and transport to historic sites.
Glasgow Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
S1 students dance at Bothwell Castle for heritage project
The performance, by Holy Cross High School's S1 pupils, was a part of the launch of Sounds of Scotland—Historic Environment Scotland's (HES) 2025 theme for the Making Sense of Scotland programme. The innovative project was delivered in partnership with YDance, Scotland's national youth dance organisation, and involved multiple creative workshops throughout May. (Image: Supplied) All S1 pupils were offered a chance to participate, and those eager to delve deeper signed up for the project. Twenty S1 pupils took part in a week-long creative exploration. They learned about the impact of climate change on Scotland's historic environment, worked with experts in the field, and co-created their response. Read more: Glasgow students have 'best day ever' at state-of-the-art Scottish Ambulance base Glasgow businesses named and shamed for 'deliberate' unpaid tax 'Fabulous' Glasgow flat that is unexpectedly back on the market selling for £95k The project culminated in a dance film, showcasing movement, behind-the-scenes moments, and the students' reflections on their experiences. It will now be screened at Holy Cross High School and used as a digital resource to inspire creative projects. (Image: Supplied) Stephen Duncan, director of marketing and engagement at HES, said: "We believe heritage is a living, breathing resource—not just to be observed, but experienced. "Making Sense of Scotland is about unlocking the power of our historic places to inspire creativity, participation and connection. "This project with Holy Cross High School pupils and YDance brings together climate education, local history, and the expressive power of dance to help young people make sense of their world—past, present and future. "It was incredible to see how the students interpreted their learning and showcased the Sounds of Scotland theme with their creative performance under the backdrop of the historic Bothwell Castle." Anna Kenrick, artistic director and chief executive officer of YDance, said: "This was a truly inspiring project that gave young people the chance to engage creatively with their heritage. "Through dance, they explored and communicated complex ideas around climate change in a way that was personal, bold and authentic."
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Historic Environment Scotland campaign to boost wellbeing
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) launched 'Historic Places, Breathing Spaces' after a survey suggested that 60 per cent of people reported improved wellbeing from visiting a HES site. The survey also found that 74% of people felt a sense of connection to the sites after visiting. (Image: Supplied) Now, HES is collaborating with wellbeing organisations, influencers, and communities to motivate people to visit heritage sites and experience the mental, physical, and emotional benefits. As part of the campaign, people are invited to submit photos and videos expressing how heritage makes them feel to Read more: Thousands expected for march and rally to support refugees in Glasgow Update provided on busy route closure after lorry crash 'No evidence of third-party involvement' in death of teen, say police HES will use these submissions to create an online exhibition to further inform and develop the role of heritage sites in supporting wellbeing. HES staff have also suggested their favourite walks around lesser-known areas at local landmarks. Stephen Duncan, director of marketing and engagement at HES, said: "We are proud to launch Historic Places, Breathing Spaces to encourage people to boost their wellbeing by visiting heritage sites across Scotland. (Image: Supplied) "We want people across the country to share their stories about what heritage means to them, and how their wellbeing is boosted by connecting with it. "This summer, we want to encourage everyone to engage with heritage and discover for themselves the wellbeing boost it can bring, and to be part of a national exhibition that celebrates Scotland's historic environment in a new way." HES plans to use the information gathered through this initiative to explore the social value of heritage sites and their potential role in supporting the country's wider wellbeing agenda.
