The Saltire Society awarded over £75,000 of funding in its Inspiring Scotland programme this year to support Scottish talent and culture. The funds have been used for a packed year of lectures and events to celebrate the charity’s 80th anniversary.
Some young people travelled to New York with the Steven Campbell New York Scholarship, and Berlin with the Saltire Society International Travel Bursary. This is supported by British Council Scotland.
Other events have included talks by former First MinisterAlex Salmond, Scottish video game entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl and composer and conductor Sir James MacMillan. There was also a series of debates featuring lawyer Amal Azzudin, Pat Kane of Hue and Cry and Scottish journalist Ruth Wishart.
There was lively discussion at their Housing Design Awards between architects Malcolm Fraser and Toby Paterson about Scottish housing design. Other awards have recognised artist John Byrne and writer Graeme Macrae Burnet, the 2015 repairs to the Forth Road Bridge and new public artworks in the Hebrides, Helensburgh and John O’Groats.
Jim Tough, Executive Director of the Saltire Society said:
“Central to the philosophy of the Saltire Society is to invest in ideas, innovation and risk. We were determined to honour that philosophy on this, our 80th anniversary year, by pulling together a bumper programme of support to help nurture and develop the next generation of Scottish creative talent.”
Saltire Celebrates takes place tonight (30th November) at Oran Mor, Glasgow with music from Karine Polwart, Blue Rose Code, Cherry Grove and poetry from Christine De Luca. Tickets via Saltire’s website.
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