Highland 2007: A Year of Scottish Highland Culture
Highland 2007 was a comprehensive, year-long celebration dedicated to the rich and diverse culture of the Scottish Highlands. Spanning the entirety of 2007, the initiative engaged local communities across the Highlands and Islands, while attracting participants and visitors from across Scotland, the United Kingdom, and the international community.
Key Facts
- Initiator: Suggested by Jack McConnell, then First Minister of the Scottish Parliament.
- Scope: A year-long celebration covering arts, environment, heritage, language, science, and sport.
- Major Infrastructure: A £1.3 million makeover of the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
- Key Locations: Inverness, Aviemore, Drumnadrochit, and the wider Highlands and Islands.
Origins and Background
The vision for "Scotland's Year of Highland Culture" emerged from the 2003 Convention of the Highlands and Islands. Jack McConnell proposed the celebration after observing the significant momentum generated by the Inverness/Highlands bid for the 2008 European Capital of Culture. Although that specific bid was unsuccessful, McConnell sought to capitalize on the enthusiasm by backing a dedicated celebration in 2007.
Proponents of the event anticipated that Highland 2007 would deliver lasting social and economic benefits to the region. However, subsequent evaluation reports presented a mixed review. Some promoters criticized the funding process, while members of the Gaelic community—those who speak or preserve the traditional Celtic language of the region—felt the event failed to fully utilize the opportunities available to them.
Infrastructure Improvements
One of the tangible legacies of the celebration was the redesign of the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. The institution underwent a £1.3 million makeover, which required a six-month closure to ensure the facility was ready for the influx of visitors during the 2007 festivities.
Program of Events
The Highland 2007 calendar was designed to be multidisciplinary, blending traditional heritage with modern interests. The programming focused on six core pillars: Arts, Environment, Heritage, Language, Science, and Sport.
Cultural and Sporting Highlights
The year featured a diverse array of activities, including:
- A rededication of the historic Culloden Battlefield.
- A homecoming event specifically for expatriate Orcadians (people from the Orkney Islands).
- A showcase of Gaelic Song featuring artist Anne Lorne Gilles.
- A performance by the renowned rock band Runrig in Drumnadrochit.
- An Inverness marathon.
Professional and Community Gatherings
Beyond public festivities, the year hosted The Vital Spark Interpretation Conference in Aviemore. This three-day event brought together heritage interpreters—professionals who translate complex historical or natural data into engaging narratives for the public—from around the world.
The celebrations officially launched on January 12, 2007, with a street party in Inverness. However, the festivities faced early challenges; severe weather curtailed the street party, and a planned reenactment of a historic shinty match (a traditional Scottish stick-and-ball game) between Strathglass Shinty Club and Glenurquhart Shinty Club was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Bught Park. The match was rescheduled for 2008, but was ultimately cancelled.
Highland 2007 Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full calendar year of 2007 |
| Primary Goal | Celebrate Highland culture and drive economic/social benefit |
| Key Investment | £1.3m for Inverness Museum and Art Gallery |
| Core Themes | Arts, Environment, Heritage, Language, Science, Sport |
| Notable Performers | Runrig, Anne Lorne Gilles |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was responsible for the idea of Highland 2007?
The concept was suggested by Jack McConnell, who was the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament at the time.
What was the purpose of the Vital Spark Interpretation Conference?
It was a three-day event held in Aviemore where heritage interpreters from across the globe met to share knowledge and practices.
Did the event achieve all its goals?
While it brought significant attention to the region, an evaluation report noted criticisms regarding the funding process and a perceived failure to fully capitalize on opportunities for the Gaelic community.
What happened to the historic shinty match at Bught Park?
The match between Strathglass and Glenurquhart was postponed from 2007 to 2008 due to a waterlogged pitch, but it was eventually cancelled.
How did the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery benefit?
The gallery received a £1.3 million makeover and redesign, which was completed just in time for the start of the Highland 2007 celebrations.