Oban landmark lit up in cloak of many colours
Locals and visitors to Oban noticed some new lights on the horizon this week.
Prominent landmark McCaig’s Tower in the resort town of Oban was lit up on 9 June 2021 by projections featuring the artwork of nine artists.
Each artist has received funding from The Colmcille Legacy Award - a scheme created by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly, Argyll and Isles (CHARTS) to commemorate the life and cultural legacy of St Colmcille as part of the Year of Colmcille, 1500.
The artworks were projected onto the Tower on 9 June at 10pm to mark the Feast Day of St Colmcille - the date the Saint died aged 77 on 9 June 597, thanks to permission from Argyll and Bute Council, with support from Live Argyll and Och Aye Events. In the lead up to the Feast Day, the lighting for the tower was changed to cycle through a series of colours inspired by a famous St Colmcille story - ‘Eithne’s Dream’. In this tale, a young Irish noble-woman suffers the dilemma of her children leaving home, and dreams of a cloak in the colours of green machair, clover and daisies.
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council:
“We fully support Colmcille1500 (St Columba 1500) celebrations and are proud of the many iconic St Columba sites we have, here in Argyll and Bute, including Iona Abbey and his landing site at Southend. Argyll and Bute has a rich culture with many artists taking inspiration from the stunning landscape we’re so lucky to have here. In what has been a challenging year, we’re delighted that the Colmcille Legacy Award is supporting artists to showcase their work.”
On 9 June CHARTS also launched a new online showcase featuring images and videos of the artworks created by the nine award winners.
Seymour Adams, Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly, Argyll and Isles Board:
“CHARTS and Bòrd na Gàidhlig are delighted to showcase the Colmcille awards which celebrate the life and works of one of Scotland's premiere Saints. The awards we have made illustrate the range, diversity and quality of artists working in all media across Scotland, but there is still time for more to be made - the scheme is open for further applications until the end of the year."
CHARTS hope that everyone will be able to enjoy the projections safely: photos and videos are available from their social media accounts and on this page.
