Black Isle stage set for award-winning Scottish writer
AN award-winning Scottish writer will be headlining a special evening of readings and music at a Black Isle venue tomorrow night.
The Friday event at Resolis Memorial Hall will be led by James Robertson and pay tribute to another previous distinguished visitor to the venue.
Robertson is known for many aspects of his work for both adults and children, including The Boy in the Bunnet, working with Black-Isle-based Bryan Beattie, the founding director of specialist cultural consultancy, Creative Services, and its production and publishing subsidiary, Big Sky.
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LISTEN: In conversation with James Robertson
PICTURES: Memories shared and tales traded at Resolis Hall
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One of his early novels, The Testament of Gideon Mack, includes the Black Rock Gorge near Evanton as a location.
But on Friday, he’ll be focusing in part on the work of the late Michael Marra, the singer-songwriter known for his unique style of lyrics, his tours around the UK and his work as a supporting act for people such as Van Morrison, Deacon Blue, The Proclaimers and Barbara Dickson.
Marra played at Resolis Memorial Hall several times, including for his last-ever solo public performance over 12 years ago. That’s why the hall features in James Robertson’s biography of the singer, published by Big Sky, and why Resolis Community Arts has long been keen to hear his thoughts and stories about Michael’s work and about their friendship in later years.
In the second half, a ceilidh of local writers and musicians who support the literary broadsheet for the north, Northwords Now, will perform before James Robertson rounds off the evening.
These contributors include poet and singer Anne Macleod from the Black Isle, poet Cáit O'Neill McCullagh from near Dingwall, writer Ian Tallach from Drumnadrochit, Bob Dunsmore (former regional Forestry Commission manager who has just released his first album of self-penned songs) and Bryan Beattie and The Disclaimers.
Northwords Now editor, Black-Isle based Kenny Taylor, will act as fear an taighe for this part of the evening.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are £10 at the door or calling 01381 610204 or resoliscommunityarts@gmail.com
