Title: Balaich Bhatarsaigh @ Na Barrowlands / The Vatersay Boys @ the Barrowlands
Scotland's number one party band, The Vatersay Boys, play their annual Glasgow Barrowland gig mixing their unique blend of ceilidh and traditional music. This one off concert special captures the madness and mayhem as the Vatersay Boy fans let their hair down and put on their dancing shoes.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 9.30 – 10.30pm
Title: Iseabail / Ishbel MacAskill
Time stood still for a few minutes at the beginning of the year in March with the devastating news that the renowned Gaelic singer Ishbel MacAskill had tragically and suddenly died - leaving a void in the lives of so many.
The news shook the musical world, the Gaelic world and the Arts community here in Scotland and further afield to the core. They had lost one of their own.... a sister in singing. A woman who had a special gift - a voice like silk.
A special tribute to Ishbel - an incredible lady who had a zest for life and an infectious positive outlook.
A Mother, a Grandmother, a Singer, a Lewis woman and a point woman through and through...... Ishbel MacAskill.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 10.30 – 11.30pm
Title: Ceilidh na Bliadhn’ Uire / Hogmanay Ceilidh
Hosts, John Carmichael and Kirsteen MacDonald are throwing open the doors of the Duisdale Hall in Sleat, Isle of Skye for a live Hogmanay cèilidh - Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire 2011 to say farewell to 2011 and a big Gaelic fàilte (welcome) to 2012. Joining in the New Year party celebrations are a wealth of Gaelic singers: Donnie Munro, Julie Fowlis, Christine Primrose, Arthur Cormack with Norrie MacIver and Mànran, along with a host of Gàidhealach musicians joining in - Éamon Doorley, Ingrid Henderson and Ross Martin.
Fiona MacKenzie will be bringing you the craic from Am Pràban Bar at Hotel Eilean Iarmain, where The Angus Nicolson Trio will be raising the roof with their cèilidh sets. Also, several stars from the world of Gaelic broadcasting will appear with special messages and expect fireworks and fantastic first footers after the bells. Bring in the bells live from the Isle of Skye only on BBC ALBA.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 11.30pm – 1.00am
Title: Te Bheag a’ Ghruffalo / The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo's child isn't too sure whether to believe her father's stories about the Big Bad Mouse who lives in the forest. One night, feeling very brave, she leaves the Gruffalo cave and goes in search of the fabled creature all on her own. However, there are many more of her father's old acquaintances to met on her journey through the deep, dark wood!
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.00 – 4.30pm
Title: Sgeulaiche
The McFinnigan family travel to Australia for a holiday. There's sun , there's sea and there's sand , but it's one wrong turn leads to a fantastic adventure.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.30 – 4.35pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby – Glasgow v Edinburgh
LIVE PRO12 Rugby: Glasgow host Edinburgh in the all-important 1872 Cup decider.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.25pm
Title: Dolina
Born and brought up the youngest of seven children in the fishing community of Marvig on the east coast of Lewis, Dolina MacLennan became, within a few years of moving to Edinburgh in 1957, a mainstay of the Scottish folk revival of the 60's and 70's. Her Gaelic singing was a revelation and an inspiration to many while her writing for radio and her acting – perhaps particularly as the only Gael in 7:84's The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black Black Oil - contributed greatly to the developing culture of the Gàidhealtachd.
In this archive-rich celebration of her career, Doli converses with Domhnall Uilleam Stiubhart and reminisces with family, friends, and associates in locations as different from one another as Marvig and Edinburgh's Waverley Bar but all of them integral to her many-faceted career.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dha Gordon a-mhain / Just for Gordon
In December 2005 Scotland tragically lost one of its most innovative musicians and composers of the age of 41. It is surprising though that this world renowned Scottish musician was not someone that would be instantly recognised by the vast majority of the public in Scotland, yet his music is played the world over. Gordon Duncan, from Perthshire, was quite simply unique as a Piper of his generation. He was a multi instrumentalist and prolific composer.
Just for Gordon is a new documentary for BBC ALBA about his life and the tunes he wrote that have quickly become a mainstay of the Scottish traditional music repertoire.
His tunes had true significance, not just in their unique and original arrangement but also in their very inspiration often from entertaining occurrences in Gordon's life - Andy Renwick's Ferret, The Famous Barovan, The SleepingTune, Break Yer Bass Drone and Zito the Bubbleman - to name but a few.
His tunes can be heard at T in the Park, Celtic Connections, Celtic Colours in Canada, The Lorient festival in Brittany and the Fleadh Cheòil in Ireland. Gordon Duncan helped to put piping on the map for a whole new generation and for his pupils such as Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton who are now themselves making their mark in the traditional music scene by following his style.
The programme features the musicians that knew and played with him and those who continue to play and be inspired by his music, especially his own pupils…. a celebration of the music and memory of Gordon Duncan.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm
Title: SPL Kilmarnock v St Mirren
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host St Mirren at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: An Ribheid Chiuil
The pipes are one of the music world's most distinctive sounds and piping is one of its earliest musical forms. This exciting, new series - An Ribheid Chiùil / Reed Music - tells the amazing story of the instrument and its players, and is a fascinating introduction to the international, colourful and exciting world of the pipes. From diffusion, change and sophistication in the world of piping over history, to today's players who have taken piping into new popularity through pipe bands, solo performing and bands touring international festivals and circuits.
The first programme in the series looks at the earliest pipes, probably dating from as early as the 8th century which were made out of reed and commonplace in Iraq and Iran. Some of the world's foremost pipers also tell how they started playing the pipes, and we hear how the instrument became so strongly associated with Scotland. Presented by piper Anna Murray.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 8.30 - 9.00pm
Title: Farpaisean Chon-chaorach / Sheepdog Trials
The new series of sheepdog trials returns with coverage of the Comrie and District Sheepdog Trial in Perthshire.
Transmitted: Tuesday 3 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Caman
In the final episode the Borthwicks play in the Camanachd Cup, Eddie, Lisa and the Rodger family look back over a great year, and the First Minister attends his first shinty match.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Balaich Bhatarsaigh / Beware the Vatersay Boys
Beware The Vatersay Boys is a behind the scenes look at one of Scotland's most loved party bands. The boys give BBC ALBA exclusive access to their lives as they go about their day jobs as postman, bin man and fisherman and we join them as they head out on tour around Scotland. First it's a lively afternoon gig at their local pub in Castlebay, followed by an even more lively evening gig on the main stage in a tent at Barrafest. Life on the road with the Vatersay Boys is never dull as the onstage party continues off stage, and despite having up to four managers things don't always run to schedule!
We also see the band maintain their roots with a local ceilidh in the Vatersay village hall. Not just a live act, the band have an on-board resident engineer and recording studio on Vatersay, courtesy of Donnie's brother, former Simple Minds keyboard player, Mick MacNeill. The boys lay down a few tracks in their makeshift mini aircraft hangar. In early December the band pack up and head to Glasgow for the annual festive ceilidh at the Glasgow Barrowland. As the band motto suggests, life with the Vatersay Boys is full of unexpected twists and turns and the banter is hilarious.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Alba: 1980
Experience some of the stories hitting the headlines in 1980 through archive footage and the year's chart hits: Scottish teachers strike for more money, Hercules the Bear goes missing and the Island of Eriskay is up for sale. The year's chart hits include Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall, Blondie's Atomic and Cliff Richard's We Don't Talk Any More.
Transmitted: Friday 6 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Friday, 9 December 2011
Monday, 5 December 2011
Argyll and Bute education stars sought for national awards
Local people across Argyll and Bute are being called on to help find the area’s brightest education stars.
Nominations are being invited for the Scottish Education Awards 2012, which celebrate hard work and innovation in Scottish classrooms.
The awards are open to all publicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, nursery and special schools. There are also categories to recognise and reward the dedication of teachers, head-teachers and support staff across Scotland.
Councillor Ellen Morton, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for education and lifelong learning, said: “There is wonderful work going on in education right across Argyll and Bute, and the exciting and innovative achievements of many of our schools and individual school staff are worthy of being highlighted and celebrated at a national level.
“We have had significant success at these awards in the past. In 2009 we won two of the main categories - with Oban High’s John Mackenzie picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award and Kilcreggan Primary the CBI Schools for All title – and had two other nominees shortlisted in the Teacher of the Year and Homecoming Scotland categories.
“Last year, Keills Primary on the isle of Islay went home with the Numeracy Across Learning award, and was also a finalist in the Health and Wellbeing category. We also had two other finalists - in the Learning Through Technology category and the Teacher of the Year. So in the past we have punched well above our weight, which is a fantastic reflection of the work going on in education across Argyll and Bute.
“However, those who have had their achievements celebrated in this way in the past have only found themselves in the spotlight because someone took the trouble to nominate them. So I would urge anyone who believes that a particular school or individual would be a worthy winner to fill in a nomination form and so give them a chance of well-deserved national recognition.”
The 2012 awards were launched by Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning and Skills, who said: “The Scottish Education Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the hard work, innovation and excellence of standards of schools, teachers, headteachers and school communities across the country.
“I would encourage people across the country to take some time to nominate and reward the local schools and education professionals that make learning a rich experience, nurturing and motivating our children and young people to increase their understanding and realise their ambitions.”
This year there are a number of new categories, including the Active Nation Award, Parents are Partners in Learning Award and Gaelic Language and Culture in LearningAward.
Dr Allan urged anyone who knows of a local school which shines within its community or an exemplary teacher who motivates and nurtures pupils to become confident learners to take the opportunity to recognise them for their efforts by nominating them for an award.
A panel of judges will select three finalists in every category, who will then attend an awards ceremony at Hilton Hotel, Glasgow on Tuesday June 12 2012.
Categories at this year’s Scottish Education Awards include:
Health & Wellbeing Award – schools and pre schools which are developing a holistic approach to health and wellbeing
Active Nation Award – schools and pre schools which have developed opportunities for pupils to be active
Literacy Across Learning Award – schools and pre schools which have developed effective approaches to delivering literacy skills across learning
Numeracy Across Learning - schools and pre schools which have developed effective approaches to delivering numeracy skills across learning
Enterprise and Employability Across Learning (Primary & Early Years) – recognising schools and pre schools which are focusing on the development of enterprise and employability skills
Enterprise and Employability Across Learning (Secondary) – recognising schools which are focusing on the development of enterprise and employability skills, including entrepreneurship, business and commerce
Aiming High Award – schools and pre schools which are providing opportunities and removing barriers for children who require more sustained support
Sustainable Schools Award – recognising schools and pre schools which have developed environmental awareness and sustainable development across all curriculum areas
Global Citizenship Award – celebrating how pupils are being encouraged to be responsible citizens at a local , national and international level
Learning Through Technology Award – schools and pre schools which are innovative in their use of technology to support learning and teaching
Educational Supporter of the Year – recognising those who support children, young people, staff and the wider community
Probationary Teacher of the Year – probationary teachers who are bringing learning to life for their pupils
Teacher of the Year – celebrating teachers who are engaging and inspiring children and young people to fulfil their potential
Head teacher of the Year – Head teachers who provide inspirational leadership and motivate staff to encourage staff, children and pupils to fulfil their potential
Lifetime Achievement – open to all qualified teachers and head teachers who are approaching the end of their career to recognise their leadership, commitment and achievements.
Parents as Partners in Learning Award – parents who are playing an important role in education in schools and nurseries
Gaelic Language and Culture in Learning Award - schools and pre-schools which are providing opportunities for children to develop awareness of Gaelic language and culture
For further information or to make a nomination visit
http:///www.scottisheducationawards.co.uk or monitor the progress of the awards by visiting http://www.engageforeducation.org/ or following @engagefored on twitter.
Nominations are being invited for the Scottish Education Awards 2012, which celebrate hard work and innovation in Scottish classrooms.
The awards are open to all publicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, nursery and special schools. There are also categories to recognise and reward the dedication of teachers, head-teachers and support staff across Scotland.
Councillor Ellen Morton, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for education and lifelong learning, said: “There is wonderful work going on in education right across Argyll and Bute, and the exciting and innovative achievements of many of our schools and individual school staff are worthy of being highlighted and celebrated at a national level.
“We have had significant success at these awards in the past. In 2009 we won two of the main categories - with Oban High’s John Mackenzie picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award and Kilcreggan Primary the CBI Schools for All title – and had two other nominees shortlisted in the Teacher of the Year and Homecoming Scotland categories.
“Last year, Keills Primary on the isle of Islay went home with the Numeracy Across Learning award, and was also a finalist in the Health and Wellbeing category. We also had two other finalists - in the Learning Through Technology category and the Teacher of the Year. So in the past we have punched well above our weight, which is a fantastic reflection of the work going on in education across Argyll and Bute.
“However, those who have had their achievements celebrated in this way in the past have only found themselves in the spotlight because someone took the trouble to nominate them. So I would urge anyone who believes that a particular school or individual would be a worthy winner to fill in a nomination form and so give them a chance of well-deserved national recognition.”
The 2012 awards were launched by Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning and Skills, who said: “The Scottish Education Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the hard work, innovation and excellence of standards of schools, teachers, headteachers and school communities across the country.
“I would encourage people across the country to take some time to nominate and reward the local schools and education professionals that make learning a rich experience, nurturing and motivating our children and young people to increase their understanding and realise their ambitions.”
This year there are a number of new categories, including the Active Nation Award, Parents are Partners in Learning Award and Gaelic Language and Culture in LearningAward.
Dr Allan urged anyone who knows of a local school which shines within its community or an exemplary teacher who motivates and nurtures pupils to become confident learners to take the opportunity to recognise them for their efforts by nominating them for an award.
A panel of judges will select three finalists in every category, who will then attend an awards ceremony at Hilton Hotel, Glasgow on Tuesday June 12 2012.
Categories at this year’s Scottish Education Awards include:
Health & Wellbeing Award – schools and pre schools which are developing a holistic approach to health and wellbeing
Active Nation Award – schools and pre schools which have developed opportunities for pupils to be active
Literacy Across Learning Award – schools and pre schools which have developed effective approaches to delivering literacy skills across learning
Numeracy Across Learning - schools and pre schools which have developed effective approaches to delivering numeracy skills across learning
Enterprise and Employability Across Learning (Primary & Early Years) – recognising schools and pre schools which are focusing on the development of enterprise and employability skills
Enterprise and Employability Across Learning (Secondary) – recognising schools which are focusing on the development of enterprise and employability skills, including entrepreneurship, business and commerce
Aiming High Award – schools and pre schools which are providing opportunities and removing barriers for children who require more sustained support
Sustainable Schools Award – recognising schools and pre schools which have developed environmental awareness and sustainable development across all curriculum areas
Global Citizenship Award – celebrating how pupils are being encouraged to be responsible citizens at a local , national and international level
Learning Through Technology Award – schools and pre schools which are innovative in their use of technology to support learning and teaching
Educational Supporter of the Year – recognising those who support children, young people, staff and the wider community
Probationary Teacher of the Year – probationary teachers who are bringing learning to life for their pupils
Teacher of the Year – celebrating teachers who are engaging and inspiring children and young people to fulfil their potential
Head teacher of the Year – Head teachers who provide inspirational leadership and motivate staff to encourage staff, children and pupils to fulfil their potential
Lifetime Achievement – open to all qualified teachers and head teachers who are approaching the end of their career to recognise their leadership, commitment and achievements.
Parents as Partners in Learning Award – parents who are playing an important role in education in schools and nurseries
Gaelic Language and Culture in Learning Award - schools and pre-schools which are providing opportunities for children to develop awareness of Gaelic language and culture
For further information or to make a nomination visit
http:///www.scottisheducationawards.co.uk or monitor the progress of the awards by visiting http://www.engageforeducation.org/ or following @engagefored on twitter.
THE BEST OF THE TRAD AWARDS 2011 ON BBC ALBA
NA TRADS - MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2011 AT 10PM
The biggest night in Scottish traditional music returns to Perth Concert Hall for a second year running with another brilliant line-up in this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
The event, celebrating the best of Scottish Traditional and Gaelic music and song, will take place on Saturday 3 December with BBC ALBA broadcasting exclusive coverage in ‘Na Trads’ on Monday 5 December at 10pm.
Na Trads will be presented by Mary Ann Kennedy and Tony Kearney with the programme covering some of the prestigious awards being presented on the night, exclusive interviews with celebrities and winners throughout the evening, as well as featuring live performances from top musical talent.
Performances from acclaimed bands including Skerryvore, Peatbog Faeries, as well as the incredible Barbara Dickson Band, emerging talent in the shape of the Kristen Harvey Band and the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, to name but a few, will be featured on the programme.
Margaret Cameron, Channel Editor for BBC ALBA, said: “The Trad Awards is a fantastic event in recognising and celebrating the rich culture and traditional Gaelic and Scottish music and song that as a nation we are extremely proud of. The event is a must see for all those who appreciate and participate in the Scottish music scene and to help honour some of the finest performers around.
“We’re passionate about showcasing the best of Gaelic and Scottish culture on BBC ALBA and are delighted that we can allow those who can’t attend on the night to share in the awards by transmitting a special programme on our channel.”
Na Trads is being produced by Bees Nees Media for BBC ALBA and will be broadcast on Monday 5 December at 10pm and repeated on Friday 9 December at 9pm for anyone who misses Monday’s programme.
The biggest night in Scottish traditional music returns to Perth Concert Hall for a second year running with another brilliant line-up in this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
The event, celebrating the best of Scottish Traditional and Gaelic music and song, will take place on Saturday 3 December with BBC ALBA broadcasting exclusive coverage in ‘Na Trads’ on Monday 5 December at 10pm.
Na Trads will be presented by Mary Ann Kennedy and Tony Kearney with the programme covering some of the prestigious awards being presented on the night, exclusive interviews with celebrities and winners throughout the evening, as well as featuring live performances from top musical talent.
Performances from acclaimed bands including Skerryvore, Peatbog Faeries, as well as the incredible Barbara Dickson Band, emerging talent in the shape of the Kristen Harvey Band and the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, to name but a few, will be featured on the programme.
Margaret Cameron, Channel Editor for BBC ALBA, said: “The Trad Awards is a fantastic event in recognising and celebrating the rich culture and traditional Gaelic and Scottish music and song that as a nation we are extremely proud of. The event is a must see for all those who appreciate and participate in the Scottish music scene and to help honour some of the finest performers around.
“We’re passionate about showcasing the best of Gaelic and Scottish culture on BBC ALBA and are delighted that we can allow those who can’t attend on the night to share in the awards by transmitting a special programme on our channel.”
Na Trads is being produced by Bees Nees Media for BBC ALBA and will be broadcast on Monday 5 December at 10pm and repeated on Friday 9 December at 9pm for anyone who misses Monday’s programme.
Research shows how disadvantaged people can beat barriers to benefit from nature
Research carried out by six community groups across Scotland has highlighted the things that could help excluded and disadvantaged people overcome the barriers that stop them from enjoying the outdoors.
The findings, published this week, are the result of a two year project run by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Community Development Centre to identify successful ways of helping people from a range of backgrounds and circumstances get closer to nature.
Among those taking part was a woodland project in Lochgilphead, Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise, which encourages visits from people with mental and physical health problems.
Each of the groups carried out their own ‘action research’ project – defined as research done by the people themselves rather than on them by a third party, with the aim of achieving change. A range of methods were used, including storytelling and campfire focus groups, as well as more traditional questionnaires and case studies.
Overall the groups invested 286 days of their own time and gathered the views of almost 400 people from Glasgow to Dundee.
The groups found that for many people it is important to have someone to go with on an outdoor visit. Having something to do while there can give meaning and purpose and it was clear that people took pride in making a difference to their local area. A wide range of activities, practical and cultural, could encourage more people to get involved. Information on where to go and transport can sometimes be an issue.
Elaine Macintosh, Scottish Natural Heritage project officer, said: “People of all backgrounds and circumstances should be able to enjoy nature but that isn’t always the case. We wanted to help change that by finding out more about the issues people face and how to help them enjoy nature more often.
“SNH and Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) have learnt a great deal from supporting the groups to carry out their own research, and the groups themselves have developed skills, knowledge and understanding that are directly relevant to their work. Not only has it allowed them to investigate issues that are important to them, it has also increased their confidence and given them evidence to apply for funding and lobby for change. It has been inspiring to see the commitment that people have to make changes for the better.”
A guide on the techniques used in the project, ‘Action Research in the Community’, has also been published by SCDC and Education Scotland.
Fiona Garven, the director of SCDC said: “We are passionate about action research as a method of working with local people to genuinely empower them to take control of their own issues and to take forward their aspirations.
“The research report is just one outcome - what we also know is that by going through a process of local inquiry, the individuals and groups involved build their knowledge of their own communities and the issues which concern them. They build their networks and their contacts, they find out who to influence, where to get funds and they develop plans on how to take forward local action.”
The groups taking part were:
Encouraging wider use of Blarbuie Woodland in Lochgilphead by people with a range of mental and physical health problems was the aim of the research carried out by Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise. “Our research has shown the importance of company in getting people to the wood – not just for support and transport, but also in building confidence,” said Hugh Fife from the group. “It has brought us into contact with new groups and has prompted us to work with the hospital service bus to promote this vital connection to the woodland.”
The GalGael Trust in Glasgow, which supports long-term unemployed adults with addiction, homelessness and mental health issues, looked at why people from deprived urban areas can find it so hard to get out and enjoy nature. They also gathered evidence on how deeply the disconnection from the natural world can affect physical and mental well-being. “Cultural heritage is often intertwined with natural heritage like a strand of DNA,” remarked Tam McGarvey of the trust. “Offering people a chance to get out in the landscape can go a long way to helping them retrieve a sense of connection and meaning.”
On the edge of Dundee, the Broughty Ferry Environmental Project, a community based initiative that helps local people develop and deliver environmental projects, from habitat creation to outdoor art, explored why their approach attracted and retained volunteers. “We found that our wide interpretation of environmental activity helps attract people of differing interests,” explained Ann Lolley from the project. “Many of the folk who come along then go on to interact with the environment in lots of ways.”
The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Chrysalis Project, also in Dundee, considered what helps and hinders people with a mental health issue from getting out and enjoying nature. “Organisations promoting the outdoors to people with mental health issues need to get people out to experience nature, so they can appreciate the benefits and gain confidence from doing it,” said Kevin Bruce of SAMH.
The Clackmannanshire Disability Awareness Group looked at the same issue from the viewpoint of people with a disability. They are using their findings to lobby for increased wheelchair-friendly transport and better information on outdoor places for people with disabilities. As a result of their research, the group has already been invited to help develop access at Gartmorn Dam Country Park. “Our research has confirmed what the issues are, and given us the confidence we need to speak to people about our recommendations,” explained Enid Trevett from the group.
South west of Glasgow, Neilston Development Trust wanted to find out the views of the community on the current and future use of a former mill estate on the edge of the village. Once a jewel in the local landscape, the woodland and gardens are now overgrown. “The research uncovered a deep vein of interest about Cowden Hall estate that spans the generations,” commented the trust’s Laura Carswell. “We got lots of feedback on what improvements would make people more likely to visit - this will help us make it a valued place again for enjoying the outdoors.”
Commenting on the research projects, Elaine said: “Despite the differences between the groups, the projects all found that nature can help transform people’s lives and make valuable connections – both to other people and to their local place - resulting in stronger, more inclusive communities.
“They also reported many other benefits: improving fitness, health and well-being; building confidence; learning new skills; a sense of peace, perspective and identity; being part of something bigger; having fun and sharing experiences; finding creative inspiration and a place for spiritual reflection.”
The findings, published this week, are the result of a two year project run by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Community Development Centre to identify successful ways of helping people from a range of backgrounds and circumstances get closer to nature.
Among those taking part was a woodland project in Lochgilphead, Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise, which encourages visits from people with mental and physical health problems.
Each of the groups carried out their own ‘action research’ project – defined as research done by the people themselves rather than on them by a third party, with the aim of achieving change. A range of methods were used, including storytelling and campfire focus groups, as well as more traditional questionnaires and case studies.
Overall the groups invested 286 days of their own time and gathered the views of almost 400 people from Glasgow to Dundee.
The groups found that for many people it is important to have someone to go with on an outdoor visit. Having something to do while there can give meaning and purpose and it was clear that people took pride in making a difference to their local area. A wide range of activities, practical and cultural, could encourage more people to get involved. Information on where to go and transport can sometimes be an issue.
Elaine Macintosh, Scottish Natural Heritage project officer, said: “People of all backgrounds and circumstances should be able to enjoy nature but that isn’t always the case. We wanted to help change that by finding out more about the issues people face and how to help them enjoy nature more often.
“SNH and Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) have learnt a great deal from supporting the groups to carry out their own research, and the groups themselves have developed skills, knowledge and understanding that are directly relevant to their work. Not only has it allowed them to investigate issues that are important to them, it has also increased their confidence and given them evidence to apply for funding and lobby for change. It has been inspiring to see the commitment that people have to make changes for the better.”
A guide on the techniques used in the project, ‘Action Research in the Community’, has also been published by SCDC and Education Scotland.
Fiona Garven, the director of SCDC said: “We are passionate about action research as a method of working with local people to genuinely empower them to take control of their own issues and to take forward their aspirations.
“The research report is just one outcome - what we also know is that by going through a process of local inquiry, the individuals and groups involved build their knowledge of their own communities and the issues which concern them. They build their networks and their contacts, they find out who to influence, where to get funds and they develop plans on how to take forward local action.”
The groups taking part were:
Encouraging wider use of Blarbuie Woodland in Lochgilphead by people with a range of mental and physical health problems was the aim of the research carried out by Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise. “Our research has shown the importance of company in getting people to the wood – not just for support and transport, but also in building confidence,” said Hugh Fife from the group. “It has brought us into contact with new groups and has prompted us to work with the hospital service bus to promote this vital connection to the woodland.”
The GalGael Trust in Glasgow, which supports long-term unemployed adults with addiction, homelessness and mental health issues, looked at why people from deprived urban areas can find it so hard to get out and enjoy nature. They also gathered evidence on how deeply the disconnection from the natural world can affect physical and mental well-being. “Cultural heritage is often intertwined with natural heritage like a strand of DNA,” remarked Tam McGarvey of the trust. “Offering people a chance to get out in the landscape can go a long way to helping them retrieve a sense of connection and meaning.”
On the edge of Dundee, the Broughty Ferry Environmental Project, a community based initiative that helps local people develop and deliver environmental projects, from habitat creation to outdoor art, explored why their approach attracted and retained volunteers. “We found that our wide interpretation of environmental activity helps attract people of differing interests,” explained Ann Lolley from the project. “Many of the folk who come along then go on to interact with the environment in lots of ways.”
The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Chrysalis Project, also in Dundee, considered what helps and hinders people with a mental health issue from getting out and enjoying nature. “Organisations promoting the outdoors to people with mental health issues need to get people out to experience nature, so they can appreciate the benefits and gain confidence from doing it,” said Kevin Bruce of SAMH.
The Clackmannanshire Disability Awareness Group looked at the same issue from the viewpoint of people with a disability. They are using their findings to lobby for increased wheelchair-friendly transport and better information on outdoor places for people with disabilities. As a result of their research, the group has already been invited to help develop access at Gartmorn Dam Country Park. “Our research has confirmed what the issues are, and given us the confidence we need to speak to people about our recommendations,” explained Enid Trevett from the group.
South west of Glasgow, Neilston Development Trust wanted to find out the views of the community on the current and future use of a former mill estate on the edge of the village. Once a jewel in the local landscape, the woodland and gardens are now overgrown. “The research uncovered a deep vein of interest about Cowden Hall estate that spans the generations,” commented the trust’s Laura Carswell. “We got lots of feedback on what improvements would make people more likely to visit - this will help us make it a valued place again for enjoying the outdoors.”
Commenting on the research projects, Elaine said: “Despite the differences between the groups, the projects all found that nature can help transform people’s lives and make valuable connections – both to other people and to their local place - resulting in stronger, more inclusive communities.
“They also reported many other benefits: improving fitness, health and well-being; building confidence; learning new skills; a sense of peace, perspective and identity; being part of something bigger; having fun and sharing experiences; finding creative inspiration and a place for spiritual reflection.”
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