Tomintoul is set to host a major conference later this year that will feature one of the world’s most celebrated mountaineers and an internationally acclaimed walker.
Deveron Arts are behind the ‘Perceptions of Exploration’ conference said to be the culmination of a year-long ‘Hielan Ways’ project by artist Simon Kenyon in collaboration with the celebrated fiddle player Paul Anderson, poet Alec Finlay, local historian Ron Brander and artist Gillian Russell.
A keynote speaker at the conference will be Doug Scott CBE, a mountaineer famed around the world and who made the first ascent of the South West Face of Everest. Joining Mr Scott is Richard Long, an acclaimed ‘walking artist’.
The conference will include a series of special walks around the Scalan Seminary on Friday, November 14 with discussions being held the following day – while the event will also host the world premiere of a specially commissioned work from Paul Anderson.
Director of Deveron Arts, Claudia Zeiske, said: “The Hielan Ways project has brought together artists from a variety of discipline to explore a route of historic and geographic importance in Scotland
“We are delighted that Doug Scott and Richard Long will be joining us for this special symposium which marks the culmination of this year-long project.
“Over the two days we will celebrate the many facets of the Hielan’ Ways project and bring together walkers and walking artists to consider the many perceptions of exploration.”
Paul Anderson’s new work – Hielan’ Symphony – is the outcome of a series of solitary walks within the Hielan’ Ways circuit. The work is written for a full symphony orchestra and features new tunes which have been inspired by the culture, countryside and places of the walk.
Taking place in the Cairngorms National Park, Heilan’ Ways is set to bring together audiences from both the art and outdoors worlds.
Early bird priced tickets from £25.00 are available from www.deveron-arts.com where further information can also be found for an event that is being presented in partnership with University of Aberdeen and the Glenlivet and Tomintoul Development Trust and supported by Aberdeenshire Council, Creative Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund.