A renowned exhibition which marks Scottish links with Québec and dating back nearly 250 years is to go on show in July during the Hebridean Celtic Festival (15-18 July 2009).

The restrospective features photographs that represent a fascinating glimpse of the life led by Scottish immigrants and their descendants in Québec in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Québec Government Office, London, has consented to the ‘Scots in Québec’ featuring at this year’s event in Stornoway, and it will be supported by Homecoming Scotland 2009.

Caroline MacLennan, the Festival Director said: “This is a perfect exhibition to be hosting at this year’s festival in this particular year of Homecoming. We are grateful to the Québec Government Office London, and the Homecoming Scotland team for their support in bringing these remarkable photographs to the Outer Hebrides. Our festival-goers, locals and international visitors alike, will get a unique insight into this particular story of emigration, a part of life that is all too familiar to Scots.

“Our international reputation will surely be enhanced by having such a beautiful exhibition play a part in our 2009 programme which has a significant Québecois theme, especially with the appearances of top acts La Bottine Souriante and Le Vent du Nord.”

The exhibition comes from the Notman photographic archives of Montreal’s McCord Museum and is provided by the Québec government Office in London. This will be the first opportunity to see the exhibition in Scotland since its appearance at the Scottish Parliament in 2007. It highlights the achievements of the Scottish settlers in what is Canada’s largest province.

The Agent-general for Québec in London, Mr Pierre Boulanger, said: “We are very pleased to have ‘Scots in Québec’ feature at the Hebridean Celtic Festival. It is a unique exhibition and perfectly highlights the centuries-old links between Québec and Scotland. We welcome the fact that thousands of people from the UK and beyond will get the opportunity to explore what is a truly historic collection.”

Marie Christie, Director of Homecoming Scotland, said: “The Year of Homecoming is all about Scotland re-connecting with its global family and welcoming people back in 2009 to enjoy a celebration of Scotland’s many great contributions to the world. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Hebridean Celtic Festival and welcome this opportunity to help bring the ‘Scots in Québec’ exhibition to the Outer Hebrides.”

The Scots in Québec exhibition will officially open in An Lanntair on Thursday 16th July and will be open for a month. It will be free to the public.

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