That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Opera on bringing its Spring 2026 Opera Highlights, Opera On Your Doorstep – The Office Party, to Wauchope Hall in Town Yetholm, in the Scottish Borders, on 10 February 2026; recognises the importance of bringing world-class opera to a rural community, noting that such performances provide residents with access to high-quality cultural experiences, encourage local participation in the arts, enrich community life and help to inspire and educate audiences of all ages, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live opera; notes that Scottish Opera tours extensively to ensure performances are accessible to Scotland’s dispersed and rural populations, helping to break down barriers to high-quality arts experiences outside major cities; acknowledges that the company’s imaginative staging of well-known operatic favourites in the current production engages local audiences and inspires people of all ages; understands the value of cultural outreach in strengthening local communities and supporting access to the arts; commends the work of director Emma Doherty, designer Kenneth MacLeod, the cast and pianist, and Scottish Opera’s commitment to community engagement, supporting local venues and nurturing emerging artists; acknowledges that the spring 2026 Opera Highlights tour has visited, and will continue to visit, other communities across Scotland, including Glasgow, Helensburgh, Newton Stewart, Dunlop, Dalmally, Dornie, Stornoway, Gairloch, Newtonmore, Banchory, Fraserburgh, Cromarty, Orkney, Wick, Lairg and Bathgate; understands that these communities, such as Town Yetholm, will benefit from the experience of live opera, and wishes the company continued success in enriching cultural life throughout Scotland.
Supported by:
Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Bob Doris, Tim Eagle, Annabelle Ewing, Meghan Gallacher, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Bill Kidd, Liam McArthur, Stuart McMillan, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells