Illuminations bring art and light to Argyll and Bute

On 7 December at 7pm various locations across Argyll and Bute were be bathed in light celebrating and commemorating the life and legacy of St Columba/Colmcille with Illuminations, a projection project. 

On June 9, this year, McCaig’s Tower in Oban was lit up by projections featuring Colmcille Legacy Award artists. Due to its success CHARTS hosted another projections project on 7 December 2021,  Illuminations. Illuminations displayed works created as part of Duais Dìleab Chaluim Chille / The Colmcille Legacy Award Scheme for the first time across the region. 

Since 2020 CHARTS has worked in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig to deliver the Duais Dìleab Chaluim Chille / The Colmcille Legacy Award Scheme. This award scheme aims to promote the Gaelic languages of Ireland and Scotland and the legacy of Colmcille/St Columba, by helping the growth and development of Gaelic artists. Eleven artists in total have received the Duais Dìleab Chaluim Chille / The Colmcille Legacy Award.  Illuminations highlighted the outcomes of the award scheme with each site being spectacularly lit by projections featuring artwork that explores the legacy of Colmcille. 

At each location artists, works were projected onto iconic regional buildings in Argyll and Bute, linking in with other Colmcille 1500 events happening on the same day. 

Projection locations: 

Ardrishaig - near the Egg Shed, Chalmers St, Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead PA30 8DX

Dunoon -The Queen's Hall 9 Argyll St, Dunoon PA23 7HH

Oban- McCaig’s Tower, Duncraggan Rd, Oban PA34 5DP

Jo McLean, Chair of the Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly, Argyll and Isles:

“The Colmcille Legacy Award Scheme in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Council has produced tremendous results and we are delighted to be able to highlight the achievements of Gaelic artists and Gaelic partnerships through Illuminations alongside Colmcille 1500 participants in Ireland.”

Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council:

“Gaelic is fundamental in the history of Argyll and Bute and we are committed to promoting it and the many notable St Columba Trail sites in the area. It’s fantastic to see so many Gaelic artists represented through the Colmcille Legacy Award.”

An online showcase featuring full details about all of The Colmcille Legacy Award award winners is available on https://www.chartsargyllandisles.org/showcase

CHARTS documented the evening in the hope that everyone would be able to enjoy the event safely. Photos and videos are now available on our social media and website. 

Image: Ardrishaig projections, captured by Helen Cunningham.

Additional St Colmcille/Columba 1500th anniversary celebrations events and opportunities:

Coinneal Cholmcille, Foras Na Gaeilge

Colmcille 1500 | Celebrating The Life And Times Of Colmcille

Judith Parrott At Islay Gaelic Centre

Illuminations Film/Video Competition