FOR: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Also circulated to private and e-list addresses by email.
Next year, 2002, is the Bicentenary of the publication of Walter Scott's
'Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border', printed in Kelso by Ballantyne.
This is an opportunity not only for Kelso, but the entire Borders region.
Our Minstrelsy Bicentenary Year offers the chance to celebrate not only
the subjects of the ballads - places, ancestors, events, and stories -
but the collectors such as Leyden, Hogg and less famous names like
Shortreed of Jedburgh. We really can't let down our beleaguered Scottish
Borders tourist industry, our visitors attractions and currently
all-too-empty 'beds' by letting such a chance be missed.
Since nothing has already been done by any of the regional authorities
to capitalise on this bicentenary, a voluntary group is forming to get
things moving. I have alerted the Scottish Borders Tourist Board,
Scottish Enterprise Borders and the Borders Regional Council with a
brief memo, and hope that this is now in the forefront of their minds
for 2002.
Outgoing Scottish Borders writer in residence Tom Bryan has agreed to
join a proposed committee. So has Kelso writer and playwright Lis Lee,
and Kelso Graphics printworks director Clive Dibbern. Borders
storyteller and 'Guid Craik Club' organiser John Hamilton has already
expressed his support and enthusiasm.
One objective would be to publish a 'New Minstrelsy' reflecting 200
years of tradition and innovation in Border verse since Scott's day
drawn from published works and new material.
There are many other possible objectives involving traditional and
contemporary music, illustrative and fine art, drama, readings, talks,
walks and trails, workshops and far more for which funding and support
must be gained now if 2002 will be turned into a year to make up for the
foot-and-mouth led disaster of 2001.
We intend to hold a meeting to from a committee, and make contact with
anyone who can be of help. Those who are interested should contact me on
Kelso (01573) 226032 or email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
David Kilpatrick
Maxwell Place
Kelso TD5 7BB
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