10am-1pm
Poetry Workshop
Writing Helmsdale’s potential histories:
Making poetry that imagines past lives and those yet to come
Poet Cáit O’Neill McCullagh will explore the People’s Mobile Archive collection to write in fresh and creative ways that imagine the pasts lived in Helmsdale and its wider district. We will explore how writing poetry about historical subjects can help us to connect to important local wisdoms and traditions, helping us to imagine the ‘potential histories’ of our people and places; assembling together ideas about our possible futures.

2pm-4.30pm
Poetry Workshop
The Road from Gartymore to Geopolitics:
The far north and the narratives around class struggle
Caithness ‘makar’ Geroge Gunn will lead a unique writing workshop and discussion, where we’ll explore the class struggles of the Highlands and the far North through the lens of history, politics, and society. Delving into themes like land, democracy, and the Great Disruption we’ll discuss the road to Gartymore and the re-population of the strath. The workshop will culminate in the creation of a collective cultural declaration or manifesto, providing an opportunity to contribute with ideas and perspectives.

5.00pm-6.00pm
Finger Buffet
Light finger buffet provided by the Friends of Timespan for £5pp

6.00pm-10pm
Open Mic ‘Ceilidh’ Concert
An evening of poetry, music, and singing with George Gunn and Cait O’Neill McCullagh reading selections from their work and a group of local writers will be showcasing their new poetry, reflecting on people and places of the north. The Helmsdale Choir led by Ruth Whittaker will be performing local songs including the ‘Kildonan Placename Song’ and the ‘Cheese Valley Song’, and Robert Aitken will be playing a set of tunes on the electric pipes.

Please book a place as spaces are limited
Tel: 01431 821327 or email: enquiries@timespan.org.uk

People’s Mobile Archive Library open from 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm (also open on Tuesdays 2pm-4pm)
Timespan Winter Hours, Tuesday 12-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm
For further information contact enquiries@timespan.org.uk

The event is supported by Museums Gallery Scotland