Arts of Lochaber - Yes We Can

ARTS of LOCHABER By Ilona Munro Lawson

Oh no we can’t! Oh yes we can!

You might know I was one of Eden Court’s Drama Outreach workers. The success of this outreach team - apart from the fact each job was full time, properly paid, well-managed and rooted in community - was the ‘can do’ attitude that helped the project become a creative light in the Highlands for 22 years.

Saying ‘yes’ to whatever organisation approached us, we were always up for partnership working. Drama is a great tool to explore, educate

and entertain. Working with the police and the NHS was a delight. Struggling with school refusers who, erm, didn’t turn up, was an eye opener as was working with biodiversity enthusiasts. I once spent two days portraying the anguish of a persecuted slug.

‘Can do’ led to my busiest December: seven primary Nativities, two high school Christmas shows, one Ballachulish panto and a Partridge in a.. no wait and one Aladdin with the adults from the Angus Centre. I guess I was younger and marginally fitter. But what does this tell us? That Christmas isn’t Christmas without a show?

Covid is a time of ‘Can don’t?’ But we ‘can do’. We must do. We must allow children to take centre stage in their own living room. We must engage our ingenuity. We must get out and entertain each other.

‘You are full of talent. You have the power to spread joy. Don’t let Covid steal your bravery and sense of fun. Sing a carol at a window, decorate a tree in your village, tell a ghost story online. If you get in touch with me, I will get costume to you and you can be the maker of your own festive tale.

Keep an eye on Facebook where Dramafish shares all the arts information from around Lochaber and the UK.

DELICIOUS SALMON RECIPE IDEAS FROM MOWI THIS CHRISTMAS

Download our free salmon recipe app with great ideas on how to make quick, tasty and healthy meals with fresh and smoked salmon.

Each recipe has easy to follow, step-by-step instructions as well as a shopping list of ingredients.

View high quality images of the fi nished recipes and galleries of some of the stunning locations in the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland where we raise our salmon.

The app also includes information about our company, Mowi Scotland, our teams and sites as well as information on what we do. We grow our salmon in the remote and pristine waters of the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland. We provide jobs and support fragile rural economies in some of the most remote communities in the country.

Thanks to chef Roy Brett, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation and Mowi employees worldwide who contributed the recipes.

Find the recipes online at http://app.mrnhrv.st/ or search ‘Mowi Salmon Recipes’ from the app store on your phone or tablet.

Proud to be a part of the Lochaber community