Capturing the Burning Heart of Scotland

Young people from Orkney and Shetland have only a few days left to make a contribution to a fiery spectacle which will draw to a close this Year of Young People.

#ScotArt, a project aimed at young people across Scotland aged 8-26, will see artworks created and chosen by young people from 14 regions of Scotland become the centre piece of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. 

The 14 artworks act as symbols and are meant to encapsulate each region of Scotland through the eyes of its youth. They will be made into giant wicker sculptures by Scottish artist Ariel Killick and will be displayed along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from December 21 to 29. After which they will become the focal point of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Torchlight Procession on December 30 where they will be set alight and form a heart shaped structure set in the midst of a flaming outline of Scotland.

It’s not too late to get involved in the project. The Orkney artwork submission deadline is this coming Friday, November 16. Young people from Orkney and Shetland will then get the chance to decided which #ScotArt symbol best captures the spirit of their region during a free creative workshop which will take place in Isleburgh Community Centre, Lerwick on Saturday, November 17, from 11-4pm.

The artistic workshop is led by #ScotArt Young Champion Christine Johnson (Shetland) and Young Artist Issie Tovey (Orkney) alongside artist Ariel Killick. It will explore what the region means to young residents, how best they can sum that up in one symbol and will be followed by a creative session on the methods and materials used in wire and wicker sculptures. Those who attend will have the chance to create their own piece of art to take home.

For those interested in submitting an artwork or taking part in the workshop visit: https://scotart.edinburghshogmanay.com