The story of a community

During the summer months music staff from the University of the Highlands and Islands will be working with members of the community in Forres and Elgin on a creative project which tells the story of local people, their environment and heritage. Reflecting on memories and using poetry, stories, images and music the project will help local people to ‘tell your story’.  The project which has been part-funded by a philanthropic gift by Gordon & MacPhail, the owner of Benromach Distillery, will culminate in performances of the created work in early September in Elgin, Forres and Inverness.

The essence of the project will be the celebration of the local environment - of this quintessential Scottish and Speyside region – and seeking to 'unlock the secret’ and define the nature of the area and how local people perceive it through their thoughts and reflections. This approach inspires imaginative responses: a sense of exploration and discovery – a story to be told – with distinct qualities and unique perspectives.

The project is led by Mark Sheridan, Reader in Music and Creativity at the University of the Highlands and islands and Alan Geddes, researcher at University of Highlands and Islands. There will be a meeting at Benromach Distillery visitor centre to discuss the project at 7pm on 9 July. For further info contact mark.sheridan@uhi.co.uk or to find out more about supporting the university, please visit http://www.development.uhi.ac.uk/.

Mark Sheridan, Reader in Music and Creativity at University of Highlands and Islands, said: “We are delighted to be working with Gordon and MacPhail, owners of the Benromach distillery in the heart of Moray. The university has a very vibrant and innovative music team working on new projects related to the local environment.  We value local people and their stories, their heritage and their vision - and this project sets out to capture these stories and to create a new production which will involve words, poetry, music and images. It will be performed in the community and further afield in September.”