That the Parliament recognises the significance of Cultarlann Inbhir Nis, the Inverness Gaelic Centre, which is to commission a new artwork to celebrate Màiri Mhòr nan Òran; understands that Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, also known as Great Mary of the Songs, lived in Inverness from 1844 to 1872, is buried near the Gaelic Centre in Chapel Yard Cemetery, and composed poems and songs on topics such as Highland depopulation, which, it believes, are still relevant to this day; notes that the project is a partnership between Cultarlann Inbhir Nis and the Gaelic Society of Inverness, and that it has also received support from the William Syson Charitable Foundation; commends Cultarlann Inbhir Nis, which was established in 2020, for striving to be a gathering place for everyone with an interest in Gaelic language and culture, and that, since March 2024, its base has been in an historic B-listed church on Academy Street; encourages artists to apply for the £5,000 commission to design and create the artwork, which could be in any media, by contacting the centre directly, and wishes Cultarlann Inbhir Nis every success as it continues to develop what it sees as its vibrant and valuable hub of Gaelic language and culture.
Supported by:
Sharon Dowey, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Douglas Lumsden, Roz McCall, Paul Sweeney