MBE marks Willie’s commitment to arts
A CAITHNESS artist is to receive an MBE for his tireless efforts to promote the arts in the county.
William (Willie) Wilson has established Lyth Arts Centre as a major cultural hub for local and visiting artists. He has been involved in running the centre since it opened in 1977, promoting a programme of workshops, exhibitions, concerts and drama.
He won an award in the 2008 Caithness community awards for outstanding support to the arts scene in the Far North.
Mr Wilson yesterday said he was surprised but delighted to be included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
He said it gives him the opportunity to highlight the important role arts plays in enriching the lives of people.
Mr Wilson is also passionate in promoting the separate identify of his home county.
“I am delighted that this event gives me the chance to flag up Caithness, which needs every bit of a mention it can get,” he said.
“Caithness has practically disappeared from the map as an actual place. It no longer features as a postal address and is hardly more than a few remote wards for Highland Council, the gigantic local authority.”
He envies the distinct municipal identities enjoyed by Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.
“Unfortunately, Caithness does not enjoy the distinction of being a group of islands which would certainly have allowed it to have protected and celebrated its own identity,” he explained.
“Instead everything contrives to reduce it to a mere part of the Highlands. I think those of us who know that we’re not really Highlanders should not miss the chance to say so. Caithness is its own special place and I’m proud of it.”
Mr Wilson in nonetheless encouraged by the progress made by the arts in Caithness.
“When I started the arts centre at Lyth 35 years ago, many people in Caithness didn’t think of the arts as having much to do with them or their lives,” he said.
“People who can make beautiful things, can write interesting books and plays or who can act, dance or play live music are to be cherished. They make life richer for everyone else.”
He added: “I am delighted to look through the pages of our local newspapers today and see page after page devoted to describing all kinds of arts activity.
“There are now many more organisations across the county finding ways to embrace the arts and bring the joy they can create into the lives of many more people.”