Congratulations from An Lanntair to its Head of Visual Arts & Literature, Roddy Murray, who recently scooped the ‘First Book of the Year 2021’ at Scotland’s National Book Awards for Bleak: the mundane comedy – described by the Saltire Society as ‘A fantastic debut ready to speak up for the bleak, wonderful spirit of life’.
Appropriately, it comes just as An Lanntair can proudly announce that the islands’ arts centre is one of 21 event organisers throughout Scotland set to host events for the nation’s Year of Stories 2022, launched earlier this month.
Roddy Murray is a man with a story – quite a few of them in fact. And Bleak, a memoir of sorts, delivers a join-the-dots journey through a life travelling from the Outer Hebrides to Scotland’s West Coast, from childhood to Glasgow’s Art School, from ceilidhs to rock-band ambitions, and beyond.
Speaking of his recent accolade, Roddy said: “I’m sure any writer would say – at the onset – that their personal Everest was just getting published. It was for me anyway. After that you can worry about people buying, reading, liking, and rating it.
“2020 was chaotic for publishing. And when the post-lockdown books came out, the backlog was so big that there wasn’t enough shelf-space on the high street for all of them. A lot of titles got buried in the avalanche. Mine included.
“A year later I was reconciled to the fact that it had had its moment. I didn’t even know that there were awards this year, far less that I’d be in the running. So, it’s been surprising and rewarding, getting that kind of professional, peer recognition. Being published is great, but being an ‘award-winning writer’? Priceless. Who saw that coming? Certainly not me.”
Stories take centre stage in Scotland next year as book festivals, musical journeys, favourite cartoon characters and fresh takes on our culture and heritage, will all form part of a dazzling programme of events to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
And An Lanntair is delighted to be involved as the arts centre gets set to host Seanchas – a series of Year of Stories events, films, and special commissions celebrating tales from the Hebrides, both real and imagined, modern and ancient.
Launched this month, Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 reveals a nationwide programme of more than 60 events presented by a range of partners from national organisations to community groups in recognition of the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland.
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland’s Year of Stories and this exciting new events programme, offers an incredible platform to showcase the many sides of Scotland’s distinct, vibrant and diverse culture.
“We are inviting the world to delve into the wonderful experiences our stories create. From icons of literature to local tales, the year encourages visitors and locals to experience a range of voices, take part in events, and explore the places, people and cultures connected to al forms of our stories, past and present.
“And it’s important to shout about Scotland’s new and untold stories. Year of Stories 2022 will shine a light on emerging, fresh, forward-looking talent and highlight the innovators that break boundaries across all forms of storytelling,” he continued.
“As our valuable tourism and events industry continues to rebuild following the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year heralds an exciting new chapter while also providing quality opportunities for artists, creatives and audiences.”
Scotland’s Culture Minister, Jenny Gilruth, added: “Storytelling and celebrating our unique oral history tradition has never been more important as we continue to respond to the impacts of the pandemic.
“We must ensure our Scotland’s stories are preserved and celebrated. 2022 will have something for everyone from some of the biggest cultural events of the year taking place at the Edinburgh festivals, to small community festivals in our towns and villages.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating the very best in Sottish storytelling talent throughout 2022 – which will be absolutely vital to our continued culture recovery.”
Throughout 2022, the Year of Stories will bring Scotland’s place and spaces to life, sharing stories old and new, covering everything from local tales to oral traditions and iconic books, to tales told on the big screen; shining a spotlight on stories and storytellers, tales of our people, places and legends and stories inspire by nature.
Alongside the directly funded programme, the Community Stories Fund has also been established, in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland and with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund, to help support organisations and community groups to take part in and celebrate the year, spotlighting the unique stories that matter to them.
An Lanntair’s Year of Stories kicks off in Spring 2022 with Seanchas featuring exciting programme, including a series of Community Storytelling events, two special cross-artform Artists Commissions, a number of Island Stories short films, and something rather unique from author Kevin MacNeil and alpacas!
Alex Macdonald, Head of Performing Arts at An Lanntair, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to be part of Event Scotland’s Year of Storytelling and have lots of exciting happenings in store for the coming year.
“An Lanntair’s Seanchas events will run from April to December and includes some very special commissions and performances. More information to follow in the New Year!”
Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 will begin on 1 January 2022 and run until 31 December 2022. For more information visit: www.visitscotland.com/year-of-stories and join the conversation #YS2022 and #TalesOfScotland.