Musicians and writers from Caithness to feature at three-day independence festival in Golspie
CAITHNESS will be represented at a three-day independence festival which has attracted a number of prominent poets, musicians and speakers.
The event is being held in the shadow of the statue of the Duke of Sutherland, who played a key role in the Highland Clearances and is know locally as The Mannie. The Clearances resulted in the brutal eviction of Highland and Island tenants from their homes in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The organisers – Yes Caithness and Yes Ross Sutherland – decided to stage the event, called Manniefest, in Golspie which nestles below the duke's statue on Ben Bhraggie. There have been many calls for it to be removed over the years but they have been unsuccessful.
Ian Sinclair, a member of Yes Caithness, said a festival like Manniefest had not taken place before in the Highlands.
"We want to raise awareness really and to get something going again after lockdown. The independence movement seemed on its knees and the marches were dying off so we thought something different may work.
"The Duke of Sutherland was responsible for much of the Highland Clearances which has left the Highlands in the state it is today: partially populated with low employment and all the problems associated with the Clearances. He’s been there for years looking over the place.
"He’s basically a symbol of oppression of working people by the aristocracy."
The event will be held from June 3 to 5 and will feature such well-known figures as broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch, actress and folk singer Dolina MacLennan, as well as the Saor Alba Pipes and Drums and Professsor Alf Baird from Orkney.
Also taking part in a ceilidh will be The Graham Brown Band, Steve Eaglesham, Eddie Reid, and Arena along with Indy poet, Paul Colvin.
Caithness will be represented by the Addie Harper Band, Barracuda, writer, George Gunn, some young Caithness poets and Johnny Macleod poet and whistle player.
The main events will be held in the Stags Head Hotel on Saturday with some activities also at Macgregor’s bar, formerly the Ben Bhraggie Hotel on the Friday and Sunday. The speeches will take place outdoors in the afternoon, weather permitting, alternatively in the Stags Head.
Ian Sinclair added: "The National newspaper has been very supportive and is going to feature a 16-page supplement based on the concept of the Highlands in an independent Scotland."