A Covid Community Memorial for the Western Isles

Remembering Together aims to provide a creative way of processing the loss and change that we have experienced over the last 2 years of the Covid 19 Pandemic. It also celebrates the ways in which resiliant communities have come together during these difficult times.

The Western Isles is one of 32 local authority areas across Scotland that will co-create a memorial that is reflective of the way in which local people want to mark this incredibly turbulent period. From losing loved ones to financial hardship and cancelled plans, Covid has affected everyone. We recognise of course, that the effects are still ongoing and that they haven’t been felt equally across society .

Our key objective is to bring people together to create a memorial that is relevant to communities, is aware of the wide range of experiences people are having, welcomes people to co-create safely and in a range of ways, and allows those involved to express honestly what this time means for them.

What does ‘memorial’ mean to you?

Remembering Together asks us to imagine ways that we would like to memorialise those we have lost during the pandemic and also create something with a positive legacy for the future. This could be a physical place that you can come to visit, a travelling artwork that is added to as it moves from place to place, or it could be a combination of music, poetry and film that is experienced online - nothing is off the table. We want to hear your creative ideas, stories and experiences that can feed into shaping the memorial that you want to see.

We’ll be running a series of events and workshops throughout the co-creation phase in locations around the Western Isles, from Barra to the Butt. Expect music sessions, creative activities, guest talks, guided walks and more… We aim to meet and talk with as many folk as we can, share stories, ideas and inspiration to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to get involved.

Check our Blog page to see what is happening in your area and click here to get in touch directly, we’d love to hear from you.

You can also fill out the Remembering Together Survey to have your say.

Who we are:

  • Robbie Thomson

    LEAD ARTIST

    Robbie is an artist and educator based on Lewis, he works in visual art, theatre and music with a focus on issues around technology and the natural world. He also programmes Clàr, An Lanntair’s weekly creative technology sessions for young people.

    Robbie will lead the co-creation phase of the project and curate our events and workshop programme.

    WEBSITE

  • Macaulay College

    LOCAL HOST PARTNER

    Macaulay College provides people with additional social and educational requirements with a programme of activities that encourages them to have meaningful and fulfilling working and social lives whilst achieving their full potential and reaching person specific targets.

    Macaulay College’s students will be involved in the developement of the project and the creation of an exhibition space on site. The College is supporting Robbie in the delivery of the project and will be a hub for activities throughout.

    WEBSITE

  • greenspace Scotland

    COMMISIONING PARTNER

    greenspace Scotland works with a wide range of national and local partners on the planning, development, sustainable management, use and evaluation of greenspaces, green networks and green infrastructure.

    They are responible for delivering the Remembering Together programme across Scotland.

    WEBSITE

Our project timeline

Stage 1:

Workshops and events

July - December 2022

The main co-creation part of the project, we’ll be curating a range of events and workshops around the Western Isles and looking for creative input from anyone who is interested in being involved.

Exhibition at Macaulay College

December 2022 / January 2023

The culmination of the co-creation phase: we will present an exhibition of artwork and ideas created in response to the Covid Community Memorial - this will be a chance to feed back on the direction of the project and to share our input.

Stage 2:

Artwork commissioned

2023

A brief will be created from the results of the co-creation phase and artists will be commissioned to deliver the Covid Community Memorial.