Talks by Trust experts in Fort William
Our charity is set to deliver talks covering a variety of themes that reflect our work to care for Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, with a focus on our properties on the West Coast and in the Highlands, to engage with the local community and appeal to those with a passion for these areas of the country.
The talks will cover archaeology of Scotland’s landscapes, coasts and islands; illicit whisky production that took place across the Highlands in the early 1800s; and the history of the special places in the Trust’s care including Canna, Glencoe, Glenfinnan and St Kilda. Garden and nature enthusiasts will also be pleased to see talks on Inverewe in Wester Ross and Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, alongside insight into how we look after our gardens on the West Coast.
Those interested in hearing from our experts are encouraged to book their tickets early. Tickets are available to book on the Highland Cinema website with 50% of the ticket sale revenue helping to support our work to care for and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone.
Ali MacLeod, Head of Fundraising, said: ‘We’re excited to present a series of interesting and informative talks in partnership with the Highland Cinema covering a variety of different areas of our work to care for Scotland’s special places now and for future generations to enjoy. Join us to hear about our work to nurture the heritage gardens on the West Coast or the fascinating history of our country’s iconic landscapes, historic battles, and the culture and way of life of our coastal and island communities.
‘These events help to raise awareness and support of our vital work to protect our natural and cultural heritage. It’s thanks to Angus MacDonald, Highland Cinema owner and long-standing supporter and member of the National Trust for Scotland Patrons’ Club. that we’re able to deliver this series of talks to share the work we do to preserve Scotland’s history and nature. We’re incredibly grateful for Angus’s support and the generous donations of our members and supporters, which is crucial in helping us to continue to care for, protect and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone to enjoy.’
The Highland Cinema talks will take place on Sunday afternoons from 2.30pm on various dates throughout the winter period until spring, starting on 5 November and running until 24 March.
Inverewe and Corrieshalloch: A Garden and Nature Reserve, Sunday 5 Nov
Martin Hughes, Operations Manager for Inverewe, will share details of how our conservation charity cares for Corrieshalloch Gorge, Scotland’s smallest National Nature Reserve, and the unique heritage garden, Inverewe, protecting their vulnerable habitats and adapting to climate change.
Glencoe: Past and Present, Sunday 19 November
Explore the historical significance of Glencoe and its transformation into a contemporary destination with Emily Bryce, our Glencoe Operations Manager, and hear from Michael Given from the University of Glasgow on recent archaeological partnership and finds related to period of the Glencoe massacre.
Pioneering Spirit: Mythology of Illicit Whisky, Sunday 3 December
Join Derek Alexander, Head of Archaeology, to learn more about illicit whisky production dating back centuries, and its impact on our social and cultural heritage, and ‘Pioneering Spirit’, in partnership with The Glenlivet, a nationwide archaeology and research programme to explore and unearth stories old and new, and the knowledge and mythology of illicit whisky making.
The People of St Kilda on Sunday 14 January 2024
Hear from Susan Bain, Property Manager for St Kilda, to learn about the community that lived on the remote island archipelago for over 4,000 years before they were evacuated in 1930. Find out about the lives of residents on the isolated island that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and how the conservation charity preserves their culture and legacy.
Caring for Archaeology on Scottish Coasts & Islands, Sunday 28 Jan
Join Dr Daniel Rhodes to learn our work to document and protect coastal sites to preserve the cultural heritage of coastal communities and learn about the need for them to adapt in the face of climate change.
Culloden: Archaeology and Battle, Sunday 11 February
Explore the archaeology and history of Culloden with Derek Alexander to hear about one of the most harrowing battles in British history, recent archaeological excavations and evolving knowledge of this historical event of on-going fascination.
The History of Canna, Sunday 25 Feb
Listen to Hugh Cheape, Vice President of the National Trust for Scotland and Senior Lecturer of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, discuss Canna’s history and heritage, stunning landscapes and well-preserved historical sites.
West Coast Gardens and their quirks, Sunday 10 March
Explore the our west coast gardens Inverewe, Arduaine and Crarae, with Simon Jones, Gardens and Designed Landscapes Manager for the South and West of Scotland, to hear more about these glorious gardens and the issues faced to balance the needs of history, heritage and modernity, and their opportunities, challenges and quirks.
Glenfinnan 1745, Sunday 24 March
Hugh Cheape returns to share the compelling narrative of Glenfinnan, a place of breathtaking natural beauty along the shores of Loch Shiel, as a symbol of courage, hope and determination and its place in the history of the nation’s rebellious spirit and dreams of independence.
Further details about the individual talks and tickets are available on the Highland Cinema website here.
Events like the Highland Cinema talks support our vision to care for, share and protect Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone to enjoy, as outlined in our 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.
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