2009: A Sinclair Odyssey - 2009: Bliadhna Clann na Ceàrda

2009: A Sinclair Odyssey is a year-long community arts project presented by Lyth Arts Centre, exploring the history, heritage and archaeology of Caithness and the Clans. Local schools and community groups will have the opportunity to explore history through archaeology, theatre, literature and art to produce material for the 'Gathering', Book, Street Parade and Exhibition.

2009: Bliadhna Clann na Ceàrda is e pròiseact ealain coimhearsnachd a tha seo gu bhith gabhail àite fad bliadhna an Ionad Ealain Liúbha, a' coimhead a steach an eachdraidh, dualchas, agus arc-eòlas Ghallaibh 's na Cinnidhean. Gheibh na sgoiltean ionadail is buidhnean coimhearsnachd cothrom eachdraidh a' rannsachadh troimh arc-eòlas, dràma, litreacha is ealain gu stuth a' chruthachadh airson 'Cruinneachadh', Leabhar, Sràidearachd is Taisbeanadh.

Lyth Arts Centre is privileged to be partnered in this project by the Clan Sinclair, Caithness Ranger Services, Caithness Young Archaeologists, Archaeology Scotland and Eden Court.

LAC is also indebted to Caithness Voluntary Group for its invaluable help, advice and support.

2009: A Sinclair Odyssey - Talks
Caithness Horizons, Thurso, Sunday 21st March, 11.30am

A day devoted to four talks by Malcolm Caithness and Celia MacDougall in the morning and Paul Humphreys and Barbara Hiddleston in the afternoon.

	'Introduction', Malcolm Caithness The Rt. Hon. Earl of Caithness introduces the subject with a talk about Sinclair Girnigoe Castle and the recent archaeological excavation and consolidation work. The passion and dedication that Malcolm has poured into rescuing the Castle is self evident and the new information being uncovered about the Castle should make for fascinating listening.
	'Caithness - Cultural Connections', Celia McDougall Celia will discuss language influences on names and places in Caithness, with particular reference to Gaelic and Norse culture. As a former Geography teacher, Celia has always been interested in this topic which is currently much in the public domain.
	'Historic rural settlement in Caithness - in search of the medieval', Paul Humphreys Paul will be talking on the subject of rural settlement in Caithness, and the archaeological evidence. Historic rural settlement relates to the archaeology of the ordinary people of Scotland; how and where they lived. Medieval examples of their houses are hard to find - where might be a good place to search?
	'Sinclair Portraits Identified', Barbara Hiddleston As Historian for the Castle of Mey, Barabara has long been interested in the Sinclair family which have been a part of Caithness history for many years. Barbara will be talking about portraits of the Sinclairs to be found around the County and showing them.

£7.50 contribution is welcomed to cover the cost of lunch which will be served at 12.30pm

Bookings will be taken at Lyth Arts Centre on 01955 641 270

The Gathering - An Cruinneachadh
Saturday 1st August 2009

The Gathering took place on a cold and windy day on Noss Head in August. Despite the rain, around 1000 people turned out for a taste of life in 1600. With many local people taking part, the day had a little of everything from basket-making to a spit-roast pig. Battlescar Entertainment certainly lived up to the name, fascinating both children and adults alike with their bloody battle scenes and noisy arsenal of weaponry.

The Street Parade

The Street Parade was blessed by glorious weather and was played out against a fantastic sunset. The streets of Wick were crowded with over 2000 people, who turned out to watch Henry Sinclair dicover America. Crowds were wowed by the fantastic puppets, roaring fires and talented youngsters who made up the 200 strong cast. The performance ended with a specatcular fireworks display at Wick Harbour.


Street Parade Devised and Directed by Theatre Modo

With grateful thanks to all our funders: The Highland Council, Highland Culture Fund, Highland LEADER Programme and The Robertson Trust.

Mòran taing gu ar luchd-taic: Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, Maoin Cultair na Gàidhealtachd, Prògram LEADER na Gàidhealtachd agus Urras Clann Donnchaidh.