Lochan, Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd and Troca are weaving together a unique piece of colourful performance based in Plockton on 24th & 25th February 2006.

The weekend is part of Highland 2007; the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture. It will be a special event organised by 3 groups in Lochalsh who promote cultural development and encourage everyone, particularly young folk, to participate! The colourful international dimension comes through TROCA, a practical educational project that, amongst other things, promotes community arts and music projects in both Scotland and the developing world.

Over the weekend of the 24th and 25th of February, there will be performances and workshops in Plockton High School, the Music Centre at the High school, and in Plockton village hall.

The Friday night concert is FOR AULD LANG SYNE - A Celebration of Burns, with Margaret Bennett and Sandy Stanage.

Fresh from Celtic Connections 2006, and first scripted for Celtic Connections 2003 as 'The Cotter's Saturday Night', this piece of musical theatre visits Plockton with a scaled down cast and production but promises to be equally exciting. A sell-out in 2003, 2004 and 2005, the show presents a fresh, imaginative portrayal of the life, character, personality and genius of Robert Burns. Highly entertaining, amusing and moving, it is performed in costume by first-rate musicians, singers and dancers. The performance features singer/script-writer Margaret Bennett, guitarist/musical director Sandy Stanage and a supporting cast including dancers Jamie MacDonald Reid and Hamish Napier, singers Doris Rougvie and Terry Dey, and Sarah Parker on fiddle.

Previous reviews of this show have described it as "Unforgettable!", "Absolutely riveting ...should have been on the TV..." and "Could have sold out twice!"

On Saturday 25th, Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd will host 10 different workshops on folklore, Scots song, guitar, and Scottish dance. These will be run by the visiting musicians and dancers. There will also be 2 Latin American folklore workshops lead by Louisa MacInnes of TROCA.

On the Saturday evening, the 25th, Mary-Jane Campbell will host a singers’ ceilidh in the Plockton Village Hall. As well as involving performers and participants from the Burns show, the lineup for this event will be enhanced by Sylvia Barnes, Willie Beaton, James Graham, and students of Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd. Food, refreshments and the bar over the weekend will be run by and in aid of TROCA.

A package for the weekend comprising the two evening events and any two workshops can be pre-booked from Lochan for £25 or £15 for students.

Further details and to book e: Miriam@painting-in-plockton.co.uk   or t:01599544442

Tickets for the Auld Lang Syne concert are available from Sgoil Chiùil Na Gàidhealtachd (t: 01599 544706), Plockton Post Office (t: 01599544308) or on the door, priced £10 (£8 Lochan members, £5 under 18’s).