Orkney academics to speak at Celtic Connections festival

Two Orkney academics are set to speak at the Celtic Connections festival later this month.

Along with performances from Orkney Folk Festival’s acclaimed Gathering project, led by musical director Douglas Montgomery, Julie Gibson and Dr Donna Heddle from the University of the Highlands and Islands, an educational partner of this year’s Celtic Connections, will take to the stage as part of a varied programme of music, free lectures and discussions.

On Thursday, January 31, Mrs Gibson, of the university’s department of archaeology, will present Rising tides: Climate change and the loss of our coastal heritage, accompanied by music composed by BA applied music students.

Using Orkney as a case study, where one third of all known sites are threatened, Mrs Gibson’s lecture will travel, island by island, looking at the loss, and showcasing some of the potential for investment.

In addition, on Wednesday, January 30, eminent Scottish language experts, including Dr Heddle, director of the university’s Centre for Nordic Studies, will debate the origins of Scotland’s indigenous languages.