What happens to us
Is irrelevant to the world's geology
But what happens to the world's geology
Is not irrelevant to us.
We must reconcile ourselves to the stones,
Not the stones to us.
Here a man must shed the encumbrances that muffle
Contact with elemental things, the subtleties
That seem inseparable from a humane life, and go apart
Into a simpler and sterner, more beautiful and more oppressive world,
Austerely intoxicating: the first draught is overpowering;
Few survive it.

From "On a Raised Beach" by Hugh MacDairmid

At this moment some 150 people from across the globe are making their way to the North West Highlands Geopark. These new visitors are representatives from 31 Geoparks across Europe, many rural communities in Europe hoping one day to gain Geopark status and a special delegation from Australia talking about their own cultural landscapes - John Collyer from the Warrnambool Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd and Prof Patrick and Dr Jane James talking about urban geotourism. The Conference will be opened on Friday by The Minister for the Environment, Michael Russell MSP.

The North West Highland landscapes have been celebrated for generations in local songs and stories – most memorably by Robb Donn – and more recently in the work of Norman McCaig and Kenneth White. Local artists and craft workers are inspired by this place as are visitors to these wonderful shores and mountains. The Geopark covers 2,000 square kilometres wherein live the communities of Durness, Kinlochbervie, Scourie, Assynt and Coigach.

The conference will examine the links between geology, culture and land use. Taking place between the 13th and 17th of September in the picturesque village of Ullapool – a key gateway to the Geopark - the conference will focus on seven key themes:

• Discoveries in Earth Sciences: Current & Historical Research
• Cultural Landscapes: Linking Culture, Geology & Environment
• Making an Impact: Geoparks & Economy
• Sustainable Tourism: Challenges & Experiences
• Environmental Priorities: Models for Working Landscapes
• Interpreting our Environment: Global Best Practice
• Traditional Agriculture in the Geoparks: Tactics for Survival

During the coming week we are delighted to announce a range of events across the Geopark for conference delegates, local people and visitors to enjoy. Full details are provided below but highlights include astronomy events provided by The Royal Observatory, The Geopark Market Place where you can buy local crafts and artisan products, viewing of a film by Gavin Lockhart of the Summer in the Straths journey made as part of Year of Culture with Essie Stewart - plus music from Kenny John Matheson & friends, Blueridge, Carol-Anne Mackay of Dòchas & friends, Mystic Shoes and Babelfish.

And of course the Conference sessions themselves – see programme below. In this the centenary of Peach and Horne’s famous mapping we are delighted to exhibit a collaborative art project called Mapping Mountains led by Dr Clare Bond of Glasgow University which includes art work by local children, most recently exhibited at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. This week we also see the launch of a new Geopark arts project – Geoprint – focused on introducing primary schools to artistic understandings of our wonderful geodiversity. Talking about Geopark activities and the Conference, Issie MacPhail, Geopark Officer observes: “The financial support of Scottish Natural Heritage has made the conference and the Mapping Mountains project possible. We have recently developed a whole new set of leaflets and other interpretation about things to do and see in the Geopark, all of which helps us move forward in our development of geotourism.”

Speaking about this event President Pöttering of The European Parliament stated: “I can testify that Geoparks offer a wonderful opportunity for local visitors as well as scientists and geologists to increase their awareness of our rich geological history.” The President went on to say that “Issues such as local heritage, regional languages, sustainable tourism and biodiversity all merit our attention. I commend your ambition in bringing all these themes together.”

This spectacular Year of Culture event is being hosted by North West Highlands Geopark because of the generous support provided by a range of funders and the input by so many local groups, businesses and volunteers. The North West Highlands Geopark would like to publicly acknowledge and thank Scottish Natural Heritage, HIE Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise and Highland Year of Culture for their generous support. Significant monetary and in-kind support have also been provided by The Crofters Commission and The Highland Council. Lastly we would like to thank all our friends from across Europe and beyond for making this journey to our Geopark.

Events for Everyone
The Geopark Rocks - Nights of Note:
Thurs 13th – Traditional Music Night @ Ullapool Village Hall – Carol Anne Mackay & friends 9pm Licensed Bar
Fri 14th The Dark Sky Starlab – Inflatable Planetarium @ Durness Village Hall– 7.30pm. Suitable for all ages.
Fri 14th – Dance @ Coigach Community Hall – Dance to Mystic Shoes – 9pm Licensed Bar
Sat 15th - Entertainments in a range of Ullapool hostelries – The Durness Duo in The Broom Bar; The Burach Band in The Arch; Disco @ The Seaforth
Sat 15th – Magical Mystery Dark Sky – get the bus at 7pm from The MacPhail Centre in Ullapool and get in some star gazing with The Royal Observatory team – please bring telescopes and binos to share with our Geopark visitors
Sun 16th – Dance to Babelfish in Ullapool Village Hall 9pm Licensed Bar

Geopark Days - The Geopark Market Place
Sun 16th The Geopark Market Place @ Ullapool Village Hall 12 – 5pm – stalls, gifts; Mountain Building Box; archive slide show; afternoon tea. Not to be missed!!!

See the Summer in the Straths 2007 film featuring Essie Stewart at The Geopark Market Place

Main Conference Sessions
Places are limited - you must cover your own accommodation unless you are being sent by a community group which has been offered a fully paid place. See www.northwest-highlands-geopark.org.uk  for full details. Please book on-line – for more info contact geo.park@hotmail.com  

Conference Fieldtrips
Sat 15th Conference Fieldtrips – limited places @ £10 per head – see web for more details

Conference Programme
For further information please visit:
http://www.northwest-highlands-geopark.org.uk/conference/introduction.html  

Or contact Issie MacPhail on 00 44 7720 707023 or 00 44 1571 855297. Please note that on Tue evening; Wed morning and evening and Thursday during some parts of the day Issie MacPhail may be out of signal – please try 01571 822232 – Inchnadamph Lodge during those times or leave a message on her mobile. For the past few days there has been no mobile coverage in the Ullapool area. E-mail is a very good option. - issie@northwest-highlands-geopark.org.uk