Creative Series: Spring’s Awakening
These workshops will give people the opportunity to get involved in something creative, through the medium of Gaelic – open to all abilities, from learner to fluent speaker, everyone is welcome.
We are kicking off the spring series in April.
Cyanotype Workshop with Angela MacMillan
Come along and learn how to make cyanotype prints. Whether you’re completely new to cyanotype or have some experience, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
You will have the opportunity to experiment freely with cyanotype, an old photographic process that uses sunlight to create stunning blue and white prints. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring along any small items (like lace, leaves, or flowers) to personalise your designs. Just be sure to wear old clothes, as things might get a bit messy!
- Wednesday 1 April 2026, 7pm-9pm
- Robertson House, Dingwall
- £10 suggested minumum donation
About Angela
Angela Macmillan is a mixed media artist based in Inverness working intuitively with a variety of mediums, including watercolour, ink, acrylic, cyanotype, and embroidery. Her art celebrates the often-overlooked beauty and energy in nature, encouraging a mindful appreciation of the landscapes we inhabit. Gaelic proverbs and song lyrics often find their way into her pieces, reflecting the cultural and linguistic richness of her environment.
Looking for the confidence to start using your Gaelic?
Confused? Thinking “How do people do it?” or “I can’t do it!” Yes you can! This relaxed two-part session will help you build confidence in using the Gaelic you already have.
Hear the story of Margaret Fay Shaw, a young American who travelled alone to Scotland in 1920. She came intending to study for a year, heard Gaelic for the first time, and became captivated. Travelling to the Hebrides, she immersed herself in the language and spent the rest of her life collecting Gaelic songs and stories.
In the first part of the session, Fiona will read from her new biography The Cadence of a Song. Listen to Margaret’s stories, hear the phrases she heard, see photographs, and make connections with the language. You can join in speaking as much—or as little—as you like, or simply sit back and enjoy the story. Eist! (Listen!)
The second part offers the chance to learn a song or two that Margaret collected in South Uist in the 1930s. With easy choruses to join in, you’ll also hear Margaret’s description of the first waulking she attended—and even try waulking tweed yourself. Dèan! (Do!)
A relaxed, no-pressure session of Gaelic, song, and story. Join Fiona J. Mackenzie for an engaging and interactive experience.
All welcome – Fàilte!
- Wednesday 6 May 2026, 7pm-9pm
- Robertson House, Dingwall
- £10 suggested donation
About Fiona
Fiona J. Mackenzie was brought up in Moray and now lives in Dingwall. She is a graduate of Aberdeen University in Scottish History and Music and undertook her Masters in Gaelic Songwriting & Performance at University of West of Scotland– a song cycle based on the tiny glen where Margaret Fay Shaw lived for almost 6 years.
She has worked as a Gaelic song researcher and creative practitioner for 30 years and won the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal for solo singing in 2005. More recently she was Archivist for the Gaelic Song and Folklore Archives of Canna House for 9 years. Fiona has lectured on the Campbells of Canna across the world and credits them with being the inspiration for pursuing a vocation in Gaelic Heritage and Language. She published her biography of Margaret Fay Shaw “Cadence of a Song” in 2025.
Sewing Workshop with Órla Ní Eadhra
Interested in learning how to give new life to old fabrics?
Have scraps of fabric, an old tote bag, or clothing you no longer wear? This relaxed, hands-on workshop will introduce you to the creative possibilities of appliqué and upcycling, delivered through the medium of Gaelic.
Join seamstress Órla Ní Eadhra for a practical and creative session exploring how simple sewing techniques can transform everyday items. In the first part of the workshop, Órla will demonstrate a range of appliqué styles and show how scrap fabrics can be turned into decorative designs. Participants will then have the chance to try the techniques themselves, embellishing an item such as a tote bag or piece of clothing.
With a strong focus on sustainability and creativity, this workshop encourages you to bring along fabric scraps, old garments, or bags you would like to refresh and personalise. By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills to continue experimenting with appliqué and upcycling at home.
The workshop is open to all skill levels. Beginners will be guided through the basics of using a sewing machine, while those with some experience can explore more creative appliqué techniques. Materials such as extra fabrics, threads, and tools will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own items to work on.
- Wednesday 3 June 2026, 7pm-9pm
- Robertson House, Dingwall
- £10 suggested minimum donation
About Órla
Órla Ní Eadhra is a seamstress from Inverness and is currently studying Performance Costume at the University of Edinburgh. She has been sewing for many years and has a strong interest in sustainable fashion. In 2025 she reached the final of the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee.