Caithness Pride marches on; and ’art is good for the economy’
YOUR VIEWS: Readers have their say on the latest issues affecting Caithness and the far north.
Pride marches on
The organisers of Stepping Out would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that made Caithness Pride, the amazing day that it was.
We were overwhelmed by the support showed by the community, whether it was through sponsorship, putting on events, donations in kind, attending the parade or coming along and being present and visible.
We never expected the volume of people who attended, and the numbers are evident of the need for such events.
Because of this we are already planning ahead for Caithness Pride 2026. To do this, we are holding Caithness' first ever Comic Con on 28th September at the Pentland Hotel, Thurso, to raise funds for pride. We hope Pride 2026 will be Bigger, Better, Brighter and Prouder.
So many thanks to all, who supported and continue to support our LGBTQIA community in Caithness.
Charlotte Garscadden (she/her)
Stepping Out Co-Founder/Chair
Art is good for the economy
“Economy” and “business” are not words normally associated with the arts but a close look at how the Society of Caithness Artists puts on its annual exhibition illustrate the bonus of art for everyone.
The Society of Caithness Artists hire ETEC at this time when the building is empty thus providing extra income for the University.
The Society insure its screens and plinths plus hold public liability through an insurance company which increases the company’s turnover.
Artists buy raw materials such as paint and canvases locally and internationally keeping shops and delivery companies in business.
The Society uses a local company to move its equipment for exhibitions from storage to ETEC and back thus again injecting money into local business.
Artists use local services such as picture framers to enhance their creativity.
The Society advertises its exhibitions using local press and uses a local printer to publish its catalogue. Refreshments for the opening are purchased through local retailers.
Buyers spend money on purchasing art from artists who are happy to reinvest in more art to sell again.
So it has been so for ninety years which is as long as the Society of Caithness Artists have been organising annual exhibition. The next one opens on Monday 21st July at 6.30pm and thereafter every day 3pm until 8pm except Sunday until 1st August.
In conclusion there really is no better way to support the local economy then by visiting this exhibition. Who knows you may even like something enough to invest!
Ian Pearson
SCA Chair
Thurso
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