Beyond borders

Beyond borders

A welcome from the chair 

Welcome to Solas Festival 2016. Can you believe it’s 

the seventh Solas Festival? It’s a different world to 

the one Solas was dreamed up in, but we reckon that 

we are as needed as ever, bringing you the very best 

music, dancing, and ideas, and providing some much 

needed sustenance for your mind, body and soul 

over midsummer weekend. 

It’s my first year as chair of Solas Festival and I’m 

delighted to say that this year’s festival features some 

of the most ambitious things we’ve ever brought to 

the beautiful Bield: from hip hop to circus skills, 

protest rock to performance art and puppetry. 

Particular highlights for me will include Liz 

Lochhead launching her brand new album with 

Steve Ketley and The Hazey Janes; a special singing 

workshop with Karine Polwart and hotly tipped 

newcomer Roseanne Reid. Henry tells me I should 

also mention a session where the excellent Anne 

Bryce and I will talk about our recent bike ride across 

the West Bank. 

Cycling brings us to the first bit of news for this year, 

we’re delighted to have Take One Action joining us, 

showing films for all ages in their solar-powered 

cinema. What has that got to do with bikes you ask? 

Well, if the sun don’t shine you’ll need to hop on 

board and power it that way. Films over the weekend 

include an array of shorts, the increasingly relevant 

‘You’ve Been Trumped’, and ‘Hamish’ - a new film 

about the life of Hamish Henderson, followed by a 

discussion with the producer and two of the film’s 

stars - Geordie McIntyre and Alison McMorland. 

Our theme this year is Beyond Borders. In the two 

years since we chose this focus, issues around refuge 

and borders have only become more urgent. We’re 

delighted then to have talks from key campaigners 

such as Inderjit Bhogal who is a founder of City of 

Sanctuary, We Will Rise who campaign against 

detention , Alison Phipps from the Glasgow Refugee 

and Migrant Network and Amal Azzudin, one of the 

Glasgow Girls, famous for fighting dawn raids. 

Thanks again to everyone at the Bield for welcoming 

us back for a fourth time, it’s great to be back in this 

beautiful place. There are a few changes and a new 

outdoor stage but, by and large, if you’ve been to 

Solas before you’ll know your way round. Look out 

as well for visual artists working over the weekend, 

particularly a special installation by Debbie 

Budenberg as well as mural painters Hell Yeah! 

The main stage is a riot of energy this year, with 

Skerryvore, Stanley Odd, The Declan Welsh Band, 

and Bdy_Prts all bringing the noise. For those more 

tranquil moments there’s award winning folk from 

2 / SOLAS 2016 - Beyond Borders 

Sam Lee and Friends, the 

cinematic sounds of A New 

International and the wonderful songwriting of 

Blue Rose Code. Elsewhere you’ll find Tony 

Robertson, son of the master storyteller Stanley 

Robertson; and Essie Stewart who will bring 

legends, Celtic stories and epics handed down from 

her grandfather Ailidh Dall Stewart (Blind Alexander). 

There will also be a unique Solas session with both 

Essie and Tony and English folk singer Sam Lee who 

had an extraordinary four year apprenticeship with 

Stanley Robertson. 

Don’t forget to visit the venues hosted by our 

brilliant partners. The Scottish Methodists bring a 

unique creative space focusing on sanctuary and 

what it means on a personal level as well as globally. 

And the Just Peace Partners have a full programme 

of talks and workshops around the theme of 

“Naming and Framing” which will include 

storytelling, singing, discussion and worship. We've 

also introduced a wee space for meditation and 

reflection - it's called the Shelter, and will have 

guided sessions as well as quiet space. 

As if all that wasn’t enough, our talks programme will 

stretch from fatherhood and the brains of children 

to AL Kennedy exploring ideas of scepticism with 

Padraig O Tuama. We’ve got slam champions Hollie 

McNish and Harry Baker and marvellous theatre 

from Alan Bissett with his Moira Monologues. And 

we're trying out a re-shaped Sunday morning - there 

won't be a service this time round - see what you 

think. And in yet another departure, we're hosting a 

live BBC Radio Scotland broadcast of 'Sunday 

Morning' with our old chum Ricky Ross. One thing 

we can guarantee is that you won’t be able to see it all! 

We’d like to thank Creative Scotland, EventScotland, 

Perth and Kinross Council, and Trust Greenbelt. We 

couldn’t put on the festival without their support or 

without the year-round support of our regular 

donors, the Solas Saints – they know who they are 

and we’d love you to join them. 

Solas Festival is all about bringing together the 

biggest mix of people, ideas, music, and stories that 

we can to make something new. We hope you enjoy 

it as much as we will. 

Have a great weekend 

Graham Bryce 

Festival Chair 

Acknowledgments 

Solas Festival 2016, Beyond Borders, 

has been made possible with the 

generous and imaginative support of: 

The Solas Festival Saints 

Partners 

The Methodist Church in Scotland 

Just Peace Partners: Christian Aid 

Scotland, Church of Scotland, 

Corrymeela Community, Iona 

Community, Place for Hope, Progressive 

Christianity Network and Wild Goose 

Resource Group 

Refugee Festival Scotland 

AMOS Trust 

Funders 

Creative Scotland 

EventScotland 

Trust Greenbelt 

Perth and Kinross Council 

Sponsors 

Tempo Tea 

Perth Radio Taxis 

Media Sponsors 

The List and DC Thomson 

Cover: MacGillivray (Event No.52) 

photo by Tim Noble.

solas festival 16 

Beyond borders 

Welcome from the chair 02 

Site Map 

Essential Information 

The Broch 

Visual Arts 

Just Peace Partnership 

The Den 

Friday Grid 

Friday Listings 

Saturday Grid 

Saturday Listings 

Sunday Grid 

Sunday Listings 

Saints Sign Up 

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23-29 

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Solas Festival, 16 Lennox Avenue, Glasgow, G14 9HG 

Email: office@solasfestival.co.uk Tel: 0141 416 1650. 

Trustees 

Graham Bryce (Chair), Dot Reid (Vice-Chair), Frank Strang (Secretary), 

Paul Clelland (Treasurer), Mary Ann Kennedy, Scott Paget, Deborah Lewer, 

Jasheen McKenzie, Emma Bennett, Gerry Hassan, Gavin Gourlay. 

Staff Team 

Jill Smith, Laurie McIntosh, Debs Hahn, Henry Bell and Charlie Irvine 

We are also incredibly grateful for the hard work and talents of the following 

people in making this year’s festival possible: Frankie Campbell for 

exceptional grid skills; Steve Butler for creating all 164 listings in our Festival 

Guide; Craig Smillie for our beautiful map; and to all our wonderful 

volunteers without whom we could not function.Thanks also to Sharon 

McHendry and Avril Cadden (SM Publicity) and Tim Courtney (Factotum CS). 

Solas Festival is a charity registered in Scotland, No.SC041434, and a 

Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC371181. 

SOLAS 2016 - Beyond Borders / 3

4 / SOLAS 2016 - Beyond Borders

Essential Information 

Practical Advice: Staying Safe & Enjoying the Festival 

We’re glad to say the first six Solas Festivals have been accident free and we are 

very keen to keep things that way. The advice here is offered to help make sure 

that happens. 

The (Glass Free) Site: 

It’s our fourth year at this beautiful site and it is important to us that 

the festival is a good experience for the owners of the Bield, who 

have been hugely supportive and helpful in welcoming us back to 

Blackruthven. We are surrounded by a working farm and a key rule 

for Solas Festival (just like Glastonbury!) is NO GLASS ON SITE including the 

campsite. After the festival there will be cattle and horses on the areas we are 

using and glass is dangerous for both livestock and vehicle tyres. Please use 

(recyclable) alternatives. 

No Go Areas: 

Some areas of the Bield site are out of bounds. They will be clearly marked and 

we ask you to ensure that you and your family members respect these limits. 

Road Safety: 

There is a road between the campsite and the festival village and we ask 

everyone, but especially parents of young children, to take great care. Please 

make sure to only cross the road at the designated crossing point. The traffic 

lights will be stewarded 24hrs a day. 

Belongings: 

So far Solas Festival sites have been friendly and safe, but we can’t take any 

responsibility for items which are lost or stolen. So where possible, leave Monet 

originals and diamond tiaras at home. Most of us will bring mobile phones, you 

can register your mobile (and any other item with a serial number) on the 

Immobilise Database (www.immobilise.com). It’s quick and free and it’ll make it 

easier to reunite you with it in the unlikely event that it’s stolen or the more likely 

event that you leave it in the grass somewhere. Please report lost property to the 

Information Point at the entrance to the field. 

Fire Safety: 

Small barbecues are allowed in the designated area behind the campsite, but 

please do not light any open fires anywhere on site. Never leave barbecues 

unattended and be fire safety conscious when using camping stoves or gas 

lamps. Personal generators are not permitted on site. 

Free Water: 

Tap water in Scotland is both delicious and clean. Free tap water is available to 

all festivalgoers from all the bars and food outlets on site as well as from the cold 

water taps on the campsite. 

Drugs & Alcohol: 

We are a family-friendly festival and we have a zero-tolerance policy on illegal 

drug-taking. If you are offered illegal drugs on site, please inform a Solas Festival 

steward immediately. We will always call the police if illegal drugs are discovered. 

Alcohol will be on sale on site, but our priority is to maintain the festival as a safe, 

family-friendly and peaceful environment. Excessive drinking will not be 

tolerated, nor will under-age drinking, nor behaviour which intimidates or 

disturbs other festivalgoers. Anyone in breach of this policy may be asked to 

leave the festival. Smoking is now illegal in enclosed public areas. Solas Festival 

will enforce a no smoking ban in all enclosed structures. 

Keeping Children Safe: 

We will make every effort to keep children safe on site, but parents are 

responsible for their children at all times. If your child is lost, please tell a Solas 

Festival steward immediately. The Box Office can provide you with a plain 

wristband for your child’s wrist on which you can write your own mobile number, 

allowing Solas Festival staff to contact you if your child becomes separated from 

you. 

First Aid and Medical Emergencies 

Ambulance Scotland first-aiders will be on site over the weekend. Please alert a 

steward immediately in the event of an accident or medical emergency. 

Don’t Forget: 

Don’t forget the essentials like your ticket, a torch, a tent if you’re planning on 

camping (don’t forget the poles and tent pegs) and midgie repellent is always 

useful on long Scottish summer evenings. There’s no ATM on site, so you’ll need 

a bit of cash to buy things from the wonderful traders in our marketplace, to pay 

for a Solas Festival T-shirt, and get your tasty food from our catering partners. 

You may want a camping stool or a low folding chair – you may be on your feet 

dancing like a dervish when the bands are on mainstage, but many of our 

sessions are altogether more laid-back and, for some of us, literally laying back 

in the grass isn’t quite as easy as it used to be. 

Plan Bee! 

A wee note about bees on site… The Bield is home to a colony of working bees, 

who busily help to pollinate flowers on site. The bees are very friendly and will 

leave you alone, but if you have a serious bee sting allergy you’re advised to be 

aware you are visiting their habitat. 

For Information On Site 

There is a notice board at the Information Point which will be updated regularly 

for any last-minute programme changes or important announcements. Our 

friendly, helpful team at the Information Point or the Box Office are available to 

answer any questions. You can also look for updates on our Facebook and Twitter 

pages. 

Stewards 

Our stewarding team is there to help you. Please respect any request they make 

and follow any guidance they offer. 

Vehicles 

The car park is situated across the road from the main festival site, adjacent to 

the campsite. No vehicles are permitted anywhere else on site unless they have 

been issued with a pass by the festival office. 

Disabled access 

There is a reserved area for disabled camping where cars may be parked 

adjacent to tents. In addition the main stage, chapel, and courtyard are all 

accessible. There is also disabled parking on site in the car park beside the 

steading. 


Visual Arts 

Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 

From textiles and technology, to architecture and fashion, the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, shines the 

spotlight on Scotland’s greatest assets, icons, and hidden gems. Solas Festival is delighted to be part of the partner programme 

and our dynamic visual arts strand has been designed to enliven our festival site and inspire festivalgoers. #IAD2016 

Mural. Known for her thick pen drawings and colourful 

doodle, Katie Guthrie’s dark sense of humour and 

cynical views fuel her drawings, with inspiration taken 

from skate and snowboard culture. Watch in wonder 

as Katie’s deliciously weird artwork works it’s way across 

a wall in the courtyard over the course of the weekend. 

Paria Goodarzi is a freelance visual artist and textile designer from Tehran, living and working 

in Scotland. Her installation for Solas is Unearthed: an exhibition of a series of works taken 

from the artist’s own personal experience and inspired by Iranian culture. Paria embraces a 

great passion for colour and forms. Location: The Barn. 

Installation Location: The Chapel 

Step into the Carpenter’s Chapel and into a different world, beneath the waves. For a country 

with over ten thousand miles of coastline, the underwater marine environment is something 

of a mystery to most modern Scots. The Deep Sea Light is a sound installation project created 

by Nick Turner, using his passion for reflecting the way buildings and spaces work with sound 

through convolution reverb, and for the found-sounds of human and natural environments 

around us. The result is a marine and coastal sound world that will envelop you in surround 

sound as you meet Minke whale, porpoises, harbour seals, sea otters and other creatures. 

Re-connect with Scotland’s seafaring past and present, and understand a little more about 

the beasts we share this world with. The sound installation will play in the chapel for the 

duration of the festival. Live sessions of stories, sounds, songs and sources with Nick Turner 

and Mary Ann Kennedy …. Suitable for children and not so grown-up adults. 

I don’t know where you are. Location: the Stables 

Opening Times: Fri 17.00-19.00, Sat 11.00-14.00, 16.00-18.00 

Sun 10.00-13.00, 15.00-17.00 

As a member of a family group and as an individual within it 

we experience different phases and states of existence over 

the duration of our life. The passage of time brings with it the 

inevitability of change and our experience of end times, as well 

as new beginnings. I don’t know where you are, is a site specific 

response to a particular stage in a life journey and the space 

we may inhabit whilst making our transition from one state of 

being to another. Deliberately ambiguous, the installation 

seeks to evoke a sense of place and question our 

understanding of ourselves in relation to it. 

Dana MacPherson has yet again provided the amazing 

decorations for our festival. Be sure and explore her work 

around the field and labyrnth as well as in the Hearth. 

Scavenger’s Shelter 

Spanning cultural divides, 

Trickster is one of the oldest 

figures in oral history. As a 

source of laughter, 

learning and renewal, 

Trickster tales celebrate the 

kind of adaptive and 

provocative thinking needed to 

enliven the physical and internal 

borders. 

Location: The Field 


EventScotland 


Sarah Rose Amal 

The den 

This year we have more going on than ever before in Solas 

Festival’s dedicated hang out space for young 

people – The Den. 

Harry 

Start your weekend in style with a Friday evening 

drinks reception featuring champion slam poet and 

occasional rap battler Harry Baker – ‘best performer 

on earth’ according to Radio One’s Scott Mills. Then sit 

back, relax and let us entertain you with an awesome 

lineup of intimate backchat sessions from a 

handpicked selection of the festival’s finest. 

With advice on getting into the music business (and a few rhymes 

if you’re lucky) from Louie Bhoy of Hector Bizerk fame and song 

writing tips from Declan Welsh: you too could make a tale of your 

weekend/chips/cat into sweet sweet, money making music. 

Of course, Solas is so much more than just a music festival! Come 

and hear author Sue Mayfield read from her latest book Hill of 

the Angels plus more poems and ponderings on growing up with 

Hollie McNish. 

Real life Glasgow Girl Amal Azzudin will share the story of how, 

when she was 15, she took on the home office to prevent her 

friend from being deported and film buffs Paul and Chris will 

impart some cinematic wisdom and a chance to discuss the The 

Hunger Games (but you need to watch it first on Friday, 11pm in 

The Wee Green Cinema). 

Oh yeah, and there’ll also be theatre games with the brilliant 

Sarah Rose Graber, football-for- all out on the field, fire in 

the firepit and a good stash of snacks, drinks and really big 

pillows. It’s your own little slice of yurt shaped paradise… 

Did we mention free crisps? 

Louie Bhoy 

Sue 

Declan 

NB: the Den is a young person’s space, so parents and 

wee ones aren’t invited. Sorry. It’s just the way it is. 

Hollie 

We are grateful to The Scottish Methodists for 

sponsoring The Den 


Music Talks & Ideas Participate All Age Film 

Performing & Visual Arts Literature Young People Others 

Friday 17th June 

17.00 

17.15 

17.30 

17.45 

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00.00 

19.45 9 

Zoe Bestel 

20.30 11 

Harry Baker 

21.05 

Declan 

13 

Welsh Band 

15 

22.10 16 Harry Baker 

Skerryvore 

DJ Set 

18 

Festival Club 

16.30 1 

Kirsty Potts 

17.00 

Zoe Bestel 2 

17.35 

Sean 4 

Biggerstaff 

18.25 6 

Wandering 

Sons 

5 

Film: 

Spirited 

Away (PG) 

10 

Take One 

Action 

Showreel 

17 

Late night 

film: 

The Hunger 

Games (12A) 

Welcome 

event 7 

Young 

people’s 8 

welcome 

Harry Baker 

12 

Firepit 

and smores 

3 

Underwater 

world 

Workshop 

Evening 

Prayer 

14 

17.00 

17.15 

17.30 

17.45 

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00.00 

KIRsty potts 

Kirsty Potts is a traditional singer from 

Aberdeenshire. Kirsty appeared on six albums 

with her mother Alison McMorland and Geordie 

McIntyre and has recently released her first solo 

album, 'Seeds of Life.' 

ZOE BESTEL 

Drawing comparisons with KT Tunstall and Ed 

Sheeran, award winning nu-folk singer 

songwriter and ukulele fanatic Zoë Bestel is 

making a name for herself on the Scottish music 

scene. With her first single reaching No. 3 in the 

folk chart and her debut album awarded Album 

of the Week by the Daily Record, she’s winning 

admiration from the press and invitations to 

support internationally acclaimed artists. 

Solas’s underwater world 

A chance to help create our unique underwater 

world for the Deep Sea Light installation. Sing 

to the seals, decorate our fishy friends and 

more. Kids and grown-up kids all welcome. 

1 

2 

3 

Roots Stage • 16.30 


The Chapel • 17.00 

sean biggerstaff 4 

Best known as a film actor from features 

including Whisky Galore, Cashback, and the 

Harry Potter films, Sean Biggerstaff is also a 

talented musician. His band Wrongnote enjoyed 

critical acclaim, described by BBC Six Music as 

‘Spiky, edgy, fresh, original’ and by Vic Galloway 

as ‘enthralling.’ Sean has since left the band and 

will be playing a solo blues set at Solas. 

Film - spirited away 5 

An award-winning 2001 Japanese anime fantasy 

film which tells the story of a sullen ten-year-old 

girl who enters the spirit world. After her parents 

are transformed into pigs by a witch she has to 

find a way to free herself and her parents and 

return to the human world. PG cert 

wandering sons 6 

Wandering Sons are a young Glasgow-based 

trio dedicated to exploring, wandering and 

playing music at the side of the street. This year, 

they will be bringing their own take on 

contemporary folk to Solas Festival’s Roots 

Stage. 


Cinema • 18.00 





Whether this is your 1st or your 7th time at Solas 

we want to welcome you to the festival – come 

and join us to hear a bit about the programme 

and celebrate the fact that the festival is under 

way. Exotic refreshments provided by the 

wonderful Tempo Tea Bar. 

Start your weekend in style with a Friday 

evening drinks reception featuring champion 

slam poet and occasional rap battler Harry Baker 

– ‘best performer on earth’ according to Radio 

One’s Scott Mills. 

7 

8 

The Hearth • 18.30 

The Den • 19.00 

Led by the Just Peace Partnership. 

Harry Baker may be a published poet and former 

Slam Champion of the world. But … his heart has 

always been with hip hop. Head to the field late on 

Friday for some classic boom bap vibes. 

14 

15 

Peace Tent • 21.30 


See event No.2 

9 

The Barn • 19.45 

16 


take one action: showreel 

Take One Action’s pop-up cinema squad will be 

running their pedal and solar powered Wee 

Green Cinema. TOA have curated a showreel of 

critically-acclaimed animation, documentaries, 

comedy, drama and experimental shorts focused 

on themes of international people-power and 

environmental sustainability. Drop in, rest your 

legs (or use them to pedal up some power!), 

laugh, cry and be inspired to act. All short films 

are suitable for all ages. 

10 


Now on his 5th visit to Solas, World Poetry Slam 

Champion, TED talker, occasional rap battler 

and mathematician Harry Baker will knock your 

socks off. Harry will be performing poems from 

his new book - The Sunshine Kid - which 

contains the raw honesty, tongue-in-cheek 

humour and blistering wordplay that have won 

the hearts and minds of audiences all across the 

globe. 

Gather at the firepit for biscuits with chocolate 

and toasted marshmallows - what’s not to like? 

(Parents and wee-ones not invited, sorry). 

Declan Welsh is a 23 year old singer songwriter 

telling stories about being young in Glasgow. 

His songs range from an ode to having a sub 

par night out to a call to arms against the 

fascists in our midst and everything in between. 

The only common thread is catchy tunes and 

witty observations on life. In the past year he 

has supported The Proclaimers, Glasvegas, 

Squeeze, Ocean Colour Scene, Echo and The 

Bunnymen, and loads of others. Be warned - 

Declan likes to swear a lot! 

11 

12 

13 


The Den • 20.30 


Skerryvore are renowned for their riotous energy and Celtic-Rock fusion of 

blazing bagpipes, fiddle and accordions. Hailing from Tiree, the unique sound 

of this seven-piece band, created by blending trad music with rock and funk, 

breaks new musical ground like the Chilli Pipers, Runrig and Wolfstone before 

them. In 2015 the band celebrated their 10th anniversary, launching their 

‘Decade’ album. With five albums and several awards under their belts, 

including STMA Live Act and Record of the Year Awards 2011, Skerryvore 

continue to be in demand, playing to audiences from Chicago to Shanghai. 

The film sensation that swept the nation. Spend 

the wee hours with Katniss Everdeen in her battle 

to survive in the Hunger Games arena. If you’ve 

not seen it, expect dystopian science fiction, and 

a good dose of violence, with an impressive 

female protagonist. If you have seen it – you’ll 

probably already love it! Lots to think about here 

too – check out the Late Night Film chat on 

Saturday morning. Cert 12A 

Don't miss the chance to see some of the artists 

from over the weekend and some very talented 

punters playing into the night. 

17 

18 






Saturday 18th June 

The 

Barn 

Roots 

Stage 

The 

Pictures 

The 

Hearth 

Green 

Room 

The 

Yard 

The 

Den 

The 

Chapel 

Peace 

Tent 

The 

Shelter 

Other 

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00.00 

Pádraig Ó 

Tuama: 

28 

Vampires, 

zombies and 

gods oh my! 

Nick 

Thorpe 

Year of the 

Dad 

37 

Yoga 

11.30 Sean38 

Biggerstaff 

12.05 Miss 

Irene Rose 

41 

Scottish 46 12.45 

Politics Roseanne 49 

Panel Reid 

13.20 

MacGillivray 52 

Two 

Minute 

56 14.05 60 

The Jellyman’s 

Manifesto Daughter 

14.55 

Beerjacket 64 

15.45 70 

Alan 

Louie & the 

Bisset: 

71 Lochbacks 

The Moira 16.30 

Monologues Carbs 76 

Scottish 

Travellers 78 

19.30 

B_dy Prts 87 

20.10 

Blue Rose 

Code 

90 

21.00 

Sam Lee 

93 

& Friends 

22.00 95 

Hollie McNish 

22.10 

Stanley 

Odd 

96 

98 

Festival Club 

17.15 

83a 

Be Charlotte 

Jazz & 84 

Cocktails: 

Black Snake 

Roots 

86 

Sirens of Spin 

19 20 

Film: Home 

Debbie Lewer: 

On the perils 

of being an 

artist 29 

Alison 

Phipps 39 

Everyday 

Bordering 

47 

TOA Film: 

Open 

Bethlehem 

& Q&A 

with 

Sami Awad 

Cycle 

Palestine 61 

Ian 

Brennan 66 

77 

Film: 

TOA 

Showreel 

Film: 

Inside 

Out 

85 

88 

TOA Film: 

You’ve Been 

Trumped 

97 

Film: 

The Legend 

of Barney 

Thomson 

Musical 22 

Kapers for 

kids with Jeremy 

Kirsty Kidwell: 24 

Whither the 

Sarah 30 Kirk 

Rose Graber: 

Community 

Building 

Open 

Mic 

40 

A L Kennedy 

& Pádraig Ó 

Tuama 48 

Gospel 

Choir 

53 

Ecodrama: 

The 

Worm 67 

Tenx9 79 

Storytelling 

Kirstin 

Innes 

32 

Tony 

Robertson 

42 43 

Poacher’s 

Pilgrimage 

pre-launch 

Sue Palmer: 

Child’s 

Play 54 

Hollie 

McNish 

Essie 

Stewart 

62 

68 

80 

A L 

Kennedy 

Bield Rhythm 

of Prayer 21 

Morning 

Prayer 23 

Underwater 

25 

World 

Workshop 

Hunger 33 Deep 34 

Games Sea Light 

Film Chat 

Backchat: 50 

Hollie McNish 

Sarah Rose 

Graber: 

Theatre 

Games 63 

Backchat: 81 

Louie Bhoy 

91 

Declan on 92 Firepit and 

the Decks 

Smores 

DJ Set feat 

Sirens of 

Swing 

Visit the 

animals 

57 

Verene 69 

Nicolas: 

The Haves & 

Have Nots 

Bield Rhythm 

of Prayer 82 

What’s 26 

the Story? 

Naming 35 Buddhist 36 

and Framing Meditation 

Spirit of 44 

Conflict 

(Conflictus 1) 

Moving 

Stories 

51 

58 

The Dance 

of Democracy 

65 

Advocating 

for Syria 

72 

Palestine, 

poverty and 

peace 

Alastair 83 

McIntosh: 

Non-violence 

Edge of 89 

Darkness 

Ceilidh 

Evening 

Prayer 94 

59 

Ros Borland: 

Enneagram 

73 

Sanctuary 

Space with 

Pall Singh 

Amy 27 

Wilson (2hrs) 

31 

Glasgow 

Hula Hoop 

Workshop 

Instinctively 

Wild: Den 

Building 

(2 hrs) 45 

Nature 55 

Crafts (2hrs) 

59a 

Common 

Weal (2hrs) 

Amy 75 

Wilson (2hrs) 

16.00 74 

Glasgow 

Hula Hoop 

Workshop 

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Music 

Performing & Visual Arts 

Yoga: mark russell 

Fully qualified instructor (and occasional Solas 

mainstage compere), Mark Russell, sets you up 

for a full festival day with some morning yoga. 

Suitable for interested beginners and 

experienced enthusiasts alike. Mark has been 

practising yoga since 2007 and teaching since 

2011. The class will be a gentle hatha vinyasa 

flow with pranayama and a short period of 

meditation (if it's warm enough). 

Film: home 

Talks & Ideas Participate All Age 

When Oh, a loveable misfit from another planet, 

lands on Earth and finds himself on the run from 

his own people, he forms an unlikely friendship 

with an adventurous girl named Tip who is on 

a quest of her own. Through a series of comic 

adventures with Tip, Oh comes to understand 

that being different and making mistakes is all 

part of being human. Cert PG 

19 

20 

Film 

Literature Young People Others 

Roots • 09.00 


A chance to help create our unique underwater 

world for the Deep Sea Light installation. Sing 

to the seals, decorate our fishy friends and 

more. Kids and grown-up kids all welcome. 

A seminar exploring storytelling processes that 

are used in community dialogues across 

Northern Ireland for the purposes of building 

peace in neighbourhoods between old 

neighbours and new neighbourhoods. 

Amy wilson: workshop 

? 

Join artist Amy Wilson in her Scavenger’s 

Shelter installation, with workshops inspired by 

Canadian First Nations Trickster Tales. 


25 

26 

27 



The Field • 10.00 

Bield rhythm of prayer 

A simple framework of silence and 

contemplation, music, listening and responding 

to the Word offers a meeting place on the pilgrim 

journey. Resources from different streams of 

spirituality enrich the prayer and reflects the 

ecumenical nature of the Bield. 

A fun and funky session using song, music, 

moving and making a noise. All welcome but 

best for 4 - 10 year olds. An active session! 

21 

22 



Vampires Zombies and gods oh my! What’s 

with all the vampires on the telly in the last 10 

years? True Blood, Being Human, The Walking 

Dead. They’re everywhere. What is our 

fascination with death? The Celtic festival of the 

dead at Samhain isn’t marked highly in wider 

society but does our contemporary fascination 

with zombieland indicate that we have more a 

need of these ancient rites of death rather than 

less? Pádraig is a poet, a theologian and is leader 

of the Corrymeela Community. 

28 



23 


On the Perils of being an Artist 

What does it mean to be a great artist? What 

makes a ‘masterpiece’? And why is scandal, 

controversy and disagreement never far from 

either? A fresh look at some of the highs and 

lows of the history of art. Debbie Lewer is Senior 

Lecturer in History of Art at the University of 

Glasgow. She is also a Solas Board member. 

29 


Whither the Kirk. Jeremy is a post-doctoral 

researcher at the University of Edinburgh. His 

current research covers religious ethics but also 

includes a broad range of topics, including 

theological perspectives on economics, political 

theory, design, the philosophy of technology, 

and ecological ethics. In this session, he will 

outline the general demographics of 

Christianity in Scotland based on the recent 

church census. 

24 

Green Room • 10.00 

Sarah rose graber: community building 

How do you bring a disparate group of strangers 

together? And what strengthens a community? 

Community based work is a strong area of focus 

for Sarah Rose Graber. In this workshop she will 

work with participants to develop their skills as 

listeners, finding common goals, and taking action 

collectively through creativity. We'll use our voices 

and bodies to connect us and build a sense of 

belonging. 

30 






Glasgow Hula Hoop have been running regular 

classes in Glasgow and Paisley for over 5 years. 

Catering for all ages, with many secret techniques 

up their sleeves designed to get anyone hula 

hooping, their workshops will be a chance to feel 

like a big kid and learn some impressive party tricks 

at the same time. Circus skills workshops will include 

juggling, plate-spinning, poi and flower-sticks. 

31 


Nick Thorpe will be representing Scotland’s 

Father’s Network. Nick will talk about The Year 

of the Dad, and how breaking the patriarchal 

idea of women as carers and men as workers 

can help everyone. An award-winning writer, 

activist and journalist, Nick is a contributor to 

the Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, 

Independent, Scotsman and BBC Radio 4. 

37 


Tony grew up in a storytelling family, the son of 

the late great Scottish master storyteller 

Stanley Robertson. Tony learned from his father 

and other relatives (including the likes of 

Jeannie Robertson MBE and Lizzie Higgins) 

many of the traditional tales of the travelling 

people. 

Film buffs Paul and Chris will impart some 

cinematic wisdom and a chance to discuss the 

previous night’s late film. Chris McKenzie is the 

pastor of Mosaic Church, a personal trainer, and 

a film enthusiast. Paul Gallagher is the 

marketing manager for Glasgow Film Theatre 

and Glasgow Film Festival, as well as being a film 

reviewer for Radio Scotland's Janice Forsyth Show. 

Deep sea light session 

Join Mary Ann Kennedy and Nick Turner as 

they share their passion for the marine 

environment through Nick’s unique sound 

installation. Against the backdrop of 

hydrophonic soundscapes, learn about the 

human impact on some of our best-loved 

underwater friends, and experience songs and 

stories from Scottish tradition. Open to all. 

Frames are borders are margins and edges that 

direct our attention to focus and include at the 

same time as they obscure and exclude. A 

wayward reflection on the ways that we use this 

tactic, artistically, socially and in our relationships. 

Led by the Wild Goose Resource Group. 

An opportunity to experience the practice of Soto 

Zen Buddhism with Robin Baker. This session will 

include an introductory talk on Buddhism and 

Robin's own experience of it, with an opportunity 

to ask questions. The second part of the session 

involves a short meditation session led by Robin. 

This session is open to the new, the experienced, 

and those interested in learning more. 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

The Yard • 11.00 

The Den • 11.00 



Shelter • 11.00 

Best known as a film actor from features 

including Whisky Galore, Cashback, and the 

Harry Potter films, Sean Biggerstaff is also a 

talented musician. His band Wrongnote enjoyed 

critical acclaim, described by BBC Six Music as 

‘Spiky, edgy, fresh, original’ and by Vic Galloway 

as ‘enthralling,’ Sean has since left the band and 

will be playing a solo blues set at Solas. 

Everyday Bordering. We are all border guards 

now. Alison's talk will reflect on the ways 

immigration decision-making has been devolved 

into every area of public life requiring medics, 

academics, housing providers, administrators, 

bankers and others to handle and check 

immigration status on a daily basis. Alison Phipps 

OBE is Professor of Languages and Intercultural 

Studies, and Co-Convener of Glasgow Refugee, 

Asylum and Migration Network (GRAMNet) at the 

University of Glasgow. 

It's arguable that Solas Festival has one of the 

best Open Mic's in the country. Don't miss the 

chance to see some of the artists from over the 

weekend and some very talented punters 

playing into the night. And don't forget it's your 

chance to step into the spotlight too. 

Miss Irenie Rose is a singer songwriter from the 

Isle of Lewis known for her stunning vocals and 

ingenious use of loop pedals. She's been 

compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Carole 

King, and her patter is legendary on the west 

coast. Irenie was nominated for Best Newcomer 

in the 2013 SAMAs and reached the semi-finals 

of the BBC2 Young Folk Musician of the Year 

awards 2014. She's joined by her new band. 

38 

39 

40 

41 




Roots • 12.05 





42 


46 


The pace of change in Scottish politics seems almost unstoppable, with a resurgent 

Scottish conservatism, a seemingly unassailable nationalism, and an ever-moreconfident 

Green party. And yet many at heart still feel that Scotland belongs to the 

labour movement, if not the Labour party. Four newly elected MSPs - including Andy 

Wightman, Pauline McNeill and Adam Tomkins - will be with us to unfankle the 

future of Scottish politics. Hosted by Gerry Hassan 

Award winning writer and journalist Kirstin Innes will be reading from her 

debut novel, Fishnet. A clear-eyed, meticulously researched and controversial 

look at the sex industry and the lives of sex workers, Fishnet won the Guardian 

Not the Booker prize in 2015. Note: this session is not suitable for children. 

A celebration of Alastair McIntosh's new book 

'Poacher's Pilgrimage: an Island Journey' in which 

the author reflects on a twelve day pilgrimage, 

often in appalling conditions, when he returned 

to the islands of his childhood. Come and 

celebrate with Alastair, have a drink and if you're 

lucky there are a few author copies available. 


The role of frames and boundaries in the 

spirituality of conflict. Some of the Just Peace 

partners (plus other friends) are getting ready to 

launch an online resource that reads the Sunday 

gospels in light of conflict and vice versa. Join us 

as we discuss a spirituality that is appropriate to 

situations of conflict. 

Instinctively Wild: den building 

The immensely popular Instinctively Wild gang 

return to Solas with an array of 

environmentally-themed craft and play 

sessions for families across the weekend. Meet 

at their gazebo for some den building. 

43 

44 

45 




Toa: open bethlehem 

Sami Awad, Executive Director of Holy Land Trust 

in Bethlehem will introduce Leila Sansour’s feature 

documentary Open Bethlehem followed by a Q&A 

about the realities of living under Israeli 

occupation. "One of the most remarkable and 

moving documentaries I have seen, about this 

unreported story. The tragedy of the Palestinians 

encapsulated in the life of one family and one town 

– Bethlehem. See the film, then go to Bethlehem and 

see for yourself.”Jon Snow, Channel 4 News . Cert PG 

Scepticism and Agnosticism. AL Kennedy is 

one of the UK’s most acclaimed writers with over 

15 books to her name including multi-award 

winning titles such as ‘Day’, ‘Night Geometry’ and 

‘So I Am Glad’. She is also a comedian, a 

registered minister and an agnostic. Pádraig has 

become the festival's resident poet, collaborator 

and theologian. Join in their conversation about 

scepticism, agnosticism, and what can be learnt 

from not knowing. 

Roseanne is a 23 year old singer-songwriter 

from Edinburgh. Bursting onto the scene in the 

last few years, Roseanne has been gathering 

award nominations and radio plays and wowing 

audiences and artists around Scotland. 'An 

outstanding songwriter' (Steve Earle) 

'Her singing and song craft displays a talent and 

maturity awesomely beyond her years'- (Sue 

Wilson, The Scotsman) 

47 

48 

49 



Roots • 12.45 





Hollie McNish shares thoughts and poems on 

growing up. Be warned, there might be some 

swearing too. Hollie likes swearing. 

50 

The Den • 13.00 

56 


Life's journey often takes us to places we don't 

usually expect: sometimes these journeys are 

beyond our control. Join us to hear and reflect 

on real life experiences and stories of people 

whose journey led them to Scotland. Led by 

Church of Scotland 

51 


macgillivray 

MacGillivray is the Highland name of Scottish 

writer, performance artist and musician Kirsten 

Norrie. Her fifth album ‘Once Upon A Dirty Ear’ 

was released on Hundred Acre Recordings in 

July 2015. MacGillivray has performed 

internationally, been aired on BBC Radio 3 Late 

Junction, The Verb and Radio Wales and worked 

with The Fall, Thurston Moore and Arlo Guthrie. 

She’s also our Beyond Borders cover star! 

Solas regulars will know that Brian McGlynn's 

Gospel Singing workshops are something of a 

phenomenon at our little festival - we've had to 

move him to a bigger venue each year! 

Enthusiasts claim it's a natural high; come and 

discover the joy of singing of some Gospel 

classics for yourself. 

Child’s Play. Active, creative, outdoor play has 

been the birthright of human children since our 

species began. It has no borders, no limits. But over 

recent decades, barriers to free play have emerged. 

Come and hear about Upstart Scotland – a new 

campaign to challenge the twin forces of cool and 

school, and provide Scotland’s children with time 

and space to play. Hosted by Nick Thorpe. 

52 

53 

54 

Roots • 13.20 



Two Minute Manifesto is a monthly mix of ideas, music, poetry, performance 

and political commentary, usually based around a live monthly show at the 

Traverse Theatre, but for one day only branching out and bringing the party 

to Solas. If you only had two minutes to persuade an audience to back your 

idea for changing Scotland, what would it be? Free public transport? A tax on 

images of Margaret Thatcher? A Jimmy Shand impersonator in every classroom? 

From the sublime to the ridiculous, the provocative to the pragmatic, ideas 

are the beating heart of a society. Here, we invite you to take their pulse. For 

each show presenters David Greig and Sarah Beattie Smith are joined by a 

handpicked selection of interesting folk, for shows where ideas, politics and 

culture combine in a heady mix. Guests include political commentator 

Christopher Sliver and playwright Sara Shaarawi who each get two minutes 

to present their single most important idea for creating a better world. 

57 

Meet at The Chapel for a trip to Southton 

Smallholding, home to chickens; miniature pigs 

Bubble and Squeak; Clyde and Garcia the alpacas; 

Rosemary and Peppermint the sheep; Bandit the 

goat and several geese. Learn about how they and 

the Smallholding help out with The Bield’s 

therapeutic work. 

Join Duncan Morrow of the Corrymeela 

Community to think about democracy as a 

belonging place for all 

58 



Beautifully garnished mud pies, hand-made bird's 

nests filled with colourful eggs, wishing trees and 

dream-catchers - making things is always fun, but 

especially when we're outdoors. We'll be using twigs, 

grass, wool, clay, paint, beads, ribbons, chalks, and 

other little 'found' objects to make all sorts of things, 

and then create a bit of colour and fun around the 

Solas site with them. This is a supervised but informal 

drop-in workshop suitable for all ages (with a grownup 

in tow for under-8's). There may be a certain 

amount of 'good mess' so don't wear your best 

clothes! 

55 


Join Ros Borland to explore the Enneagram. 

Based on an ancient Sufi tradition, it can be 

used to help us recognise and acknowledge our 

areas of giftedness and limitation. By enabling 

us to appreciate more fully the ways we differ 

as individuals, it can also help us find ways of 

relating to one another with greater 

understanding and compassion. Ros will be 

leading 2 sessions over the weekend. 

59 

The Shelter • 14.00 


Music 



Common weal 

Common Weal is a 'think and do tank' 

campaigning for social and economic equality 

in Scotland. Visit the Common Weal gazebo to 

explore localism and local democracy. Where 

does your local area begin and where does it 

end? Where is home and where is not? How do 

you identify yourself? 

The Jellyman’s Daughter are an acoustic duo 

from Edinburgh. Interweaving vocal harmonies 

are complimented by an intriguing mix of cello 

and acoustic guitar. Their self-titled debut 

album combines gypsy jazz, classical strings, as 

well as some unmistakable bluegrass banjo 

picking. “Their sound is fresh, personal and well 

worth a listen” (Folk Radio UK). 

Film 


59a 

60 


Roots • 14.05 

Frances Guy is an Edinburgh lass who has spent 

most of her working life in the Middle East. She 

is currently Head of Middle East Region at 

Christian Aid, prior to which she worked for 2 

years in Iraq with UNWomen as well as having 

served with the British Diplomatic Service as 

Ambassador to Lebanon and Yemen. She will 

speak about the importance of helping Syrian 

civil society organisations and the challenges 

that poses. Led by Christian Aid. 


65 

66 


Cinema •15.30 

Ann Bryce worked as a nurse in East Jerusalem 

in the 1980s. Last year, along with her husband 

-Solas Festival Chair Graham Bryce - she 

returned to Palestine to cycle across the West 

Bank and raise money for Medical Aid for 

Palestine. Together with MAP trustee Pauline 

McNeill MSP, they will tell us about their 

experiences and the work that MAP does. 

61 


We do love our slam poetry champions here at 

Solas. Hollie McNish, UK Poetry Slam Champion 

and world number 3, is with us for the first time. 

Videos of Hollie’s poems have gone viral with 

over 4 million views. Her latest book, Nobody 

Told Me, is a collection of poetry and diary 

entries that she kept from the moment she 

discovered she was pregnant six years ago until 

her daughter was three. Be warned - Hollie 

likes to swear a lot. 

Theatre Games. Playing can often be the best 

way to activate your creativity! In this session 

participants will work together through a series 

of creative drama games that use improvisation, 

found objects, word play, and expressive 

physicality. This will be a low risk opportunity to 

laugh and play while stretching your imagination! 

Beerjacket is Glasgow alt-folk singer-songwriter, 

Peter Kelly. Tender voice, insightful lyrics and 

melodies that stick around for weeks are 

signature to his sound. Last time Beerjacket was 

at Solas, the Herald said it was simply 'infectious 

Elvis-Costello-goes-busking joy.' 

18 / SOLAS 2016 - Beyond Borders 

62 

63 

64 


The Den • 14.30 

Roots • 14.55 

A global musical explorer and champion of social justice through music, 

Californian-born Ian Brennan is one of the most respected world music 

producers working today. As well as multiple Grammy nominations what sets 

Ian apart is his absolute commitment to the musicians he works with. Ian will 

discuss his ‘in-the-field’ recordings, bringing indigenous artists to a wider 

audience, and his latest book: ‘How Music Dies (or Lives): Field-recording and 

the Battle for Democracy in the Arts’ 

Underneath your feet in the muddy brown soil 

squirms the world’s best kept secret…a 

wonderful, magical creature called the Worm. 

Eco-Drama invites you to join Wilma and William, 

two nature lovers, on a journey underground as 

they discover a family of friendly, musical worms 

and their colourful miniature world. With laughout-loud 

songs, The Worm is a fun filled musical 

tale guaranteed to make everyone giggle, wiggle 

and love the squirmy wonders beneath our feet. 

Gaelic storyteller Essie tells legends, Celtic stories 

and epics, humorous tales and anecdotes that 

have been handed down from her grandfather. 

Born into a Sutherland travelling family, Essie is the 

granddaughter of one of the greatest Gaelic 

storytellers of them all - Allidh Dall Stewart (Blind 

Alexander). After growing up hearing her 

grandfather's stories, Essie has only recently started 

to tell them herself. Hosted by Sam Lee. 

67 

68 


The Yard • 15.30

Music 



Verene nicolas: The haves & the have nots 

Verene Nicolas is a trainer, facilitator and 

community organiser. In this session she will 

look at privilege, exploring the power it gives 

us (or not), and how structures reflect this 

power imbalance. 

With members of Be Charlotte, Pronto Mama 

and Hector Bizerk, new a capella group Louie 

and the Lochbacks are something of a 

supergroup. Their bright harmonies, and Louie 

Bhoy’s sharp and visceral verse is bringing 

something new to Scottish poetry, and 

providing an exciting and more contemplative 

counterpoint to Louie’s work as the front man 

of Hector Bizerk. 

Film 


69 

70 


Roots • 15.45 

Local boys CARBS are a musical union between 

loop-loving singer-songwriters Jonnie Common 

and Jamie Scott. Witty wordplay, hip-hop 

influences and retro samples place Carbs 

somewhere between The Beta Band and The 

Beastie Boys. They recently released their debut 

album, Joyous Material Failure. 

Film: Take one action showreel 



76 

77 

78 

Roots • 16.30 



Alan Bissett will be performing The Moira 

Monologues, based on the stories and 

characters Alan encountered growing up in the 

Hallglen area of Falkirk. Meet Moira Bell, cleaner, 

single mother, and the hardest woman in 

Falkirk. Whether defending her wee dog Pepe 

from the local rottweiler, attempting to seduce 

a teacher, or belting out Diana Ross for the 

Scotia karaoke night, Moira is hilarious, 

hypnotic, frightening and heart-warming 

company. Note: this session contains adult 

content and language. 

Palestine, Poverty and Peace 72 

Framing a positive future. A workshop on the 

situation in Palestine and possible responses, 

including engagement and disinvestment. Led 

by Val Brown from Christian Aid, in 

conversation with Peter Macdonald from the 

Iona Community. 

A safe place where you’ll be captivated by the 

peaceful atmosphere of the Shelter with its 

beautiful eastern decor, haunting Indian music, 

and the diversity of the cultural mix. This session 

will allow your imagination to meditate and 

explore the wisdom of the mystic saint and 

peacemaker, Sadhu Sundar Singh. The Sadhu is 

one of the most fascinating and enigmatic spiritual 

guides of the 20th century whose message of 

peace, justice and equality awaits rediscovery. 



71 

73 

74 

75 






This session will see Gaelic storyteller Essie Stewart and Scots singer and storyteller 

Tony Robertson joined by the English folk singer Sam Lee who himself had an 

extraordinary four year apprenticeship with Stanley Robertson – Tony’s father - 

learning the songs of the Scottish traveller tradition. Each of them in their own way 

has a deep connection to Scottish traditional singing and storytelling and this 

promises to be an extra special hour, sharing songs and stories that have been 

passed down for generations. Don't miss this unique Solas session. 

Tenx9 is a storytelling night from Belfast where 

9 people have up to 10 minutes each to tell a 

real story from their lives. In keeping with our 

Beyond Borders theme, the stories will be about 

'Home". Led by Pádraig Ó Tuama. 

AL Kennedy will be reading from her new book. 

Poignant, deeply funny and beautifully written, 

Serious Sweet is about two decent, damaged 

people trying to make moral choices in an immoral 

world: ready to sacrifice what's left of themselves 

for honesty, and for a chance at tenderness. As Jon 

and Meg navigate the sweet and serious heart of 

London – passing through 24 hours that will 

change them both for ever – they tell a very 

unusual, unbearably moving love story. 

79 

80 







In this intimate backchat session, Louie Bhoy - 

of Hector Bizerk and new outfit, Louie and the 

Lochbacks- will share some hard-gained 

wisdom on getting involved in the music 

industry. A great opportunity to get useful 

advice from one of the biggest names in 

Scottish hip hop. 


Violence, non-violence & the spiritual path. 

Scholar, activist, writer and broadcaster Alastair 

McIntosh discusses non-violence. Alastair guest 

lectures to the UK Defence Academy who hinge 

their case on Christian 'Just War' theory. But is 

it really 'Christian'? Does Christianity need a 

revamp to rise to its own higher calling? In 

discussion with Doug Gay. 

81 

82 

83 

The Den • 17.00 



Glasgow duo Bdy_Prts are an alliance of two of 

Scotland’s most talented female musicians. Jill 

O’Sullivan and Jenny Reeve combine quirky 

synth pop with a bohemian electro prowess 

that has seen them grow a home-grown cult 

following. Having already graced the BBC stage 

at T in the Park and performed on Vic Galloway’s 

Radio Show their debut album is hotly 

anticipated for release in 2016 

Toa: you’ve been trumped 

Funny, inspiring and shocking in equal 

measure, this gripping feature doc charts the 

arrival and conquest of Donald Trump's golf 

course and hotel development project in an 

area of Special Scientific interest on Scotland's 

Aberdeenshire coast. TOA presents this David 

and Goliath story for the 21st Century, as Trump 

marches towards the US Presidency. Cert PG 

87 

88 



18-year old Charlotte Brimner is a rising star. 

Her mix of vocals, live instruments, loops and 

beats and rap forms a unique basis for her skilfully-constructed 

songwriting, which tells the 

stories of the people and places around her. 

Definitely one to watch. 

83a 

Roots • 17.15 

A session of self-entertainment (and hopefully 

not self-abuse) featuring songs & stories of hope 

& despair, life & death, light & darkness. Hosted 

by the Wild Goose Resource Group 

89 


Jazz & cocktails / black snake roots 

So, it's actually Blues and Bevvies this year, with 

some laid back tunes from Glasgow bluesters 

Black Snake Roots to enjoy in the sunshine 

on Saturday afternoon. Soulful singing and 

sweet guitar licks. 

Film: inside out 

Growing up can be a bumpy road and it's no 

exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her 

Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San 

Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her 

emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. 

The emotions live in Headquarters, the control 

centre inside Riley's mind. As Riley and her emotions 

struggle to adjust, turmoil ensues at HQ. Cert U 

The Sirens of Spin are a dazzling hula hoop 

troupe based in Glasgow, with acts full of 

humour, high energy and hordes of hula hoops. 

With years of circus skills and performance 

experience between them, expect sparkles, 

smiles and more tricks than you ever knew could 

be done with a hula hoop. 

84 Roots • 18.00 

85 Cinema • 18.30 

86 Roots • 19.15 

In the last few years Blue Rose Code has 

emerged as one of Scotland's stand out 

songwriters. BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Mary-Ann 

Kennedy said recently, “Blue Rose Code is one 

of those rare artists whose work makes you sit 

up and listen”. Their second record, 'The Ballads 

Of Peckham Rye', was nominated for the 

prestigious Scottish Album Of The Year Awards 

in 2014. 


You've heard Declan on the main stage, now 

hang out into the evening on the field and hear 

him on the decks with his eclectic mix of the 

best post-punk, protest songs, and new 

Scottish music going. The Sirens of Swing will 

also give us a short performance with their 

neon hoops - get there in between bands at 

around 21.45 

90 The Barn • 20.10 

91 The Den • 20.30 

92 The Hearth • 21.00 




93 The Barn • 21.05 

Film: the legend of barney thomson 

Barney Thomson, awkward, diffident Glasgow 

barber, lives a life of desperate mediocrity. But 

his uninteresting life is about to go from 0 to 60 

in five seconds as he enters the grotesque and 

comically absurd world of the serial killer with the 

help of his mother, Cemolina. Robert Carlisle and 

Emma Thomson star in this wonderfully dark and 

macabre Scottish comedy. Cert 15 


97 


98 


Mercury Prize nominee Sam Lee has blazed a trail as an outstanding folk singer 

and song collector. His music transcends national boundaries to encompass 

Bollywood beats, Polynesian textures and radical reinterpretations of the 

British folk tradition. Sam’s latest album The Fade in Time was chosen by leading 

magazines fRoots and Songlines as their best album of 2015. 

'Sam is the most accomplished and authentic interpreters of traditional English 

song to emerge in years.' fRoots 


Blink and you’ll miss it - five minutes only from 

Slam champion Hollie McNish. Note: this 

session may contain adult content and 

language. 

94 

95 



Little fawn puppet theatre 

A magical performance space for both children 

and adults, a 1968 Cheltenham Fawn caravan 

transformed into a purpose built puppet 

theatre. The miniature auditorium seats just 14. 

Performance throughout the day, check times 

in the Little Fawn notice board at the caravan 

itself. 

Feature Comforts 

A character, who appears with no facial 

features, slowly enters the world of us all, as 

sound and sight and smell emerge. and dreams 

are awoken from their sleep. 

Sleep Crawling 

Found objects confuse and cajole as an odd 

baby mannequin interacts with a children’s 

musical toy. The world isn’t round it’s twisted 

and bent. 

All Weekend 

96 The Barn • 22.10 

Edinburgh six-piece Stanley Odd deliver alternative Scottish hip hop with wit, 

grit, conscience and outstanding live musicianship. Rapper Dave Hook’s agile 

wordplay is scored by the soulfully burnished tones of fellow vocalist Veronika 

Electronika. Their music speaks from the heart in a proudly home-grown yet 

universal language of resistance, challenge and affirmation. They are Solas 

Festival favourites for a reason. 




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Helen 

Minnis: 

104 

Weans and 

Brains 

112 

Between 

the Staves 

Fischy 

Music 

Workshop 

119 

127 

Fischy Concert 

Colours 

of Life 

Gospel 

Choir 

128 

151 

Liz 

Lochhead 

Yoga 

99 

105 

BBC Radio 

Scotland 

live from 

Solas Festival 

13.00 Rona 

Wilkie & 

Marit Falt 

13.45 135 

Alastair Sarah Hayes 

136 

McIntosh 

& Andy 14.30 

Wightman Andrew 141 

Waslylyk 

Pádraig Ó156 

Tuama: 17.15 

The Republic 

of Heaven 

19.30 

Liz Lochhead 

& The Hazey 

Janes 

20.30 

Pygmies 

143 

15.20 149 

Honey and 

the Herbs 

162 

163 

21.30 164 

A New 

International 

16.15 

Sorren 

154 

MacLean & 

Hannah Fisher 

Sultans of 

String 

18.45 

Karine 

Polwart 

129 

159 

161 

100 

08.30 

Film: Wall-E 

(U) 

111 Sir 

Sarah Rose 

Graber: 

Serendipity 

120 

TOA Film: 

Hamish 

Hamish 132 

Henderson 

Discussion 

Film: 

137 

TOA 

Showreel 

152 

Hamde 

Abu Rhama 

157 

Film: TOA 

Kids 

Showreel 

110 

Moustache 

Bristleby 

Beyond 

121 

Borders 

133 

Refuweegee 

We will rise140 

Sir 148 

Moustache 

Bristleby 

Karine 155 

Polwart 

Singing 

Workshop 

Open 

Mic 

160 

Jeremy 113 

Kidwell: 

Sami 114 

Awad: 

Spiritual Solas goes to 

Landscapes Bethlehem 

Sarah Rose 

Graber: 122 

Theatre for 

Social Change 

And The 123 

Band 

Plays On 

Sue 130 

Mayfield 

Inderjit 138 

Bhogal: 

City of 

Sanctuary 

Backchat: 118 

Sue Mayfield 

Backchat: 126 

Declan Welsh 

Verene 144 Backchat: 145 

Nicolas: AmalAzzudin 

Structure 

Blindness 

Bield Rhythm 

of Prayer 101 

Verene 106 

Nicolas: 

Childless: 

A Testimony 

Geordie 

115 

McIntyre & 

Alison 

McMorland 

Gaelic- 

134 

Scandi 

Singing 

Workshop 

Bield Rhythm 

of Prayer 158 

Morning 

Prayer 102 

Marginal 107 

Community 

The Road 116 

to 

Reconciliation 

Spirit of 124 

Conflict 


Mind 131 

Your Mind 

Building 139 

Bridges - 

with Pipe 

Cleaners 

There’s 146 

More Than 

One Good 

Samaritan 

Spirit of 153 

Conflict 


Sanctuary103 

Space with 

Pall Singh 

150 

Ros Borland: 

Enneagram 

10.00 109 

Instinctively 

Wild: Badge 

Making (2 hrs) 

Beyond the 

Gallery 

Meet 108 

the Artists 

117 

Adventure 

Circus Perth 

I Belong 

There 

142 

Nature 

Crafts (2hrs) 

147 

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Music 



Film 


Yoga: mark russell 


Film: Wall-E 100 

In the year 2110 WALL-E is the last robot on earth, 

a vigilante waste disposal unit with only a pet 

cockroach for a pal. But when he inadvertently 

stumbles upon the key to the planet’s future, this 

little robot has to go on a big adventure – to 

space! – where the fate of humanity rests in his 

hands. A great film for all ages. Cert U 




99 

101 

102 

Roots • 09.00 




Verene Nicolas: Childless - A Testimony 

Verene Nicolas will share her story of child loss 

and childlessness, touching on issues of grief, 

empowerment, meaning and community. 

Women of all ages, mothers or not, are welcome 

to join, listen and share. Note: this is a womenonly 

session. 

Marginal community 

A reflection on the rules, limits and freedoms of 

community life and practice, with the Iona 

Community 

106 

107 




Helen minnis: weans and brains 

Professor Helen Minnis works with vulnerable 

children and their families, trying to understand 

their difficulties and help children maximise 

their potential. 'Weans and Brains' focuses on 

the remarkable nature of the developing brain 

and how it both shapes and is shaped by the 

child’s experience. 

Bbc radio scotland live from solas 

103 

104 

105 



Roots • 10.00 

Beyond the Gallery: Meet the Artists 

A chance to take a closer look at two of Solas’s 

specially commissioned artworks with their 

creators. Meet mural painter Katie Guthrie of 

Hell Yeah! and installation artist Debbie 

Budenberg and hear them talk about their 

work on this informal Solas walkabout. Led by 

Debbie Lewer, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at 

the University of Glasgow 

Instinctively Wild: badge making 

The immensely popular Instinctively Wild gang 

return to Solas with an array of 

environmentally-themed craft and play 

sessions for families across the weekend. Meet 

at their gazebo for some willow badge-making. 

108 

109 



Sunday Morning with Ricky Ross. A special live broadcast for BBC Scotland 

from the Solas field. Two hours of music and chat from an ethical and faith 

perspective bringing some of the best of the festival together for a session that will 

cover land, immigration and rock and roll. Guest spots, live music and interviews 

will come from Pádraig Ó Tuama, Declan Welsh, Hollie McNish, Alastair 

McIntosh, The Jellyman’s Daughter, Alison Phipps and Blue Rose Code. 

Sir Moustache Bristleby & the Ed-Splorers 110 The Hearth • 10.30 

Sir Moustache Bristleby and The Ed-Splorers are 

a troupe of adventurers telling exciting tales of 

exploration for young audiences through 

storytelling, puppetry, physical theatre and 

song. Though they may be a little bit lost, there’s 

nothing these three love more than a captive 

audience and each has a more thrilling tale than 

the last! 'One of the most successful fringe acts 

we’ve had since I came to Imaginate' – Fiona 

Ferguson, Imaginate Creative Development 

Director. 


Music 



Sarah Rose Graber: Serendipity 

Film 


Sarah Rose is a longstanding friend of Solas – she was instrumental in our 2014 

playwriting competition. We’re excited to host Serendipity, her latest show, 

created as part of an artist exchange with Aberdeen Performing Arts: is good 

fortune just about luck or is it a state of mind? 

111 


The Road to Reconciliation 

We live in an increasingly divided world: nation 

from nation, race from race, class from class. The 

divisions within and between different faiths, 

sometimes resulting in violence, receives an 

increasing amount of media attention. This 

session explores the walls of division asking the 

question - "What is the road to reconciliation in 

taking down the walls?" Led by Hugh Donald, 

Director of Place for Hope, whose desire to be a 

reconciled reconciler being rooted in his 

Christian faith; and Abdul Rahim, a trained 

mediator, whose work is focused on societal 

conflicts and the role of faith in conflict. 

116 


Between the Staves 

Wee songs from Scotland and the world in a 

contagious communal sing with the Wild Goose 

Resource Group in 1, 2, 3 and maybe even 4 parts 

(for non-experts and the musically infected alike). 

112 


Adventure Circus Perth 117 The Field • 11.00 

Adventure Circus Perth are bringing aerial and 

circus skill workshops to the festival, especially 

for children and beginners. Join in with this 

award-winning circus school. 

Jeremy Kidwell 113 

Spiritual landscapes workshop. Climate 

scientists and science communicators have 

recently affirmed the importance of "lay 

knowledges" in generating awareness of 

climate change. In this workshop, theology 

researcher Jeremy Kidwell will share examples 

of ways that personal experience and 

knowledge of environmental change can 

intersect. Participants will have an opportunity 

to become “citizen scientists” and generate 

their own narratives about climate change. 

Sami Awad: Solas goes to Bethlehem 

Sami Awad, Executive Director of Holy Land 

Trust in Bethlehem, will be inviting us to come 

and see Palestine as Solas joins with Holy Land 

Trust’s UK partner Amos Trust, in running a joint 

trip to the Holy Land in 2017. Come and find out 

what it would mean to visit the communities 

they work in and see their projects in action – 

building solidarity and lasting friendships 

Geordie McIntyre & Alison McMorland 

Alison McMorland and Geordie McIntyre are 

well kent figues in the world of Scottish Folk 

Music - recording albums, collecting music and 

writing about Scottish traditional music since 

the 70s. Last year they contributed to our 

traveller programme with a brilliant talk and 

performance. This year they will be sharing 

their great knowledge and experience of the 

life and work of Hamish Henderson. 

114 

115 




Backchat: Sue Mayfield 118 The Den • 11.30 

Sue Mayfield reads from her new novel aimed 

at young adults, Hill of the Angels. Set in 

1640s Yorkshire the book tells the story of two 

teenage girls at the outbreak of The Civil War, 

exploring the destructive impact of violence 

and the enduring power of friendship and 

beauty. 

Fischy Music workshop 119 The Barn • 12.00 

Festival favourites Fischy Music are back again. 

Suzanne Butler (event leader) has been at the 

core of Fischy’s work since 2001, and has an 

unshakeable belief in the power of music and 

in children’s ability to access the profound 

given freedom to move, laugh, think, and ask 

weird questions! This workshop is for children 

(no unaccompanied children under 8 years). 

Toa: hamish 

From an English orphanage and the draughty 

corridors of Cambridge to overseeing the 

capitulation of the Italian army in WWII and 

penning the most celebrated Scottish ballad in 

contemporary folk music -'Freedom Come Aa Ye', 

this is Hamish Henderson’s life as told by those 

who knew him best and loved him most. TOA are 

delighted to be able to follow the screening by a 

discussion with Tony Robertson, Essie Stewart 

and producer Alasdair MacCuish. Cert PG 

120 





Beyond borders 121 



The role of prayer in conflict situations. Some of 

the Just Peace partners (plus other friends) are 

getting ready to launch an online resource that 

reads the Sunday gospels in light of conflict and 

vice versa. Join us as we discuss a spirituality that 

is appropriate to situations of conflict in our lives 

and world today. 

124 


Amy wilson: workshop 


125 


Photo: Hamde Abu Rahme 

This special Beyond Borders session, hosted by Alison Phipps from the 

Glasgow Refugee and Migrant Network (GRAMNet), will explore the refugee 

experience through some of its artists. Alison will be joined by key campaigners 

such as Inderjit Bhogal, founder of City of Sanctuary; Glasgow Girl Amal 

Azzudin, famous for fighting dawn raids by the Home Office; Palestinian poet 

Iyad Hayatleh, who grew up in the currently besieged Yarmouk Refugee camp 

in Syria; Ghanaian musician Gameli Tordzro, the Artistic Director of Pan African 

Arts Scotland; and Oday Al Khalidi, Syrian refugee and actor, whose journey 

from Africa to Lesbos to Calais and to the UK is the embodiment of the images 

we see almost daily on our TV screens. It will be a real showcase of the diversity, 

energy and challanges of refugees in Scotland and a unique chance to listen 

to refugee voices tell their own stories. 

Sarah Rose Graber 122 

Theatre for Social Change. How can theatre 

arts be used to create change globally? 

Circumnavigator scholar, Sarah Rose Graber, 

travelled around the world to find out. Using 

techniques from August Boal's forum theatre - 

shifting perspectives, storytelling, non-verbal 

performance, and metaphor - this workshop will 

empower participants to use the arts as a way 

to engage in larger conversations about making 

the world a better place. 

And the Band Plays On 

Join Nick Turner and Mary Ann Kennedy as 

they discuss their commission as Associate 

Sound Artists during the ambitious 

refurbishment of the world-famous Aberdeen 

Music Hall. A uniquely Scottish building from 

commission, to art nouveau murals, to the very 

granite used to build the hall, the Watercolour 

Music team’s challenge is to take the classic 

Victorian music venue’s energy, history and 

potential, and explore new ways of connecting 

the hall with audiences during the silent months 

of its renovation. Hear how the unique 

soundscape drum-kit that has evolved will work 

its way into a special Solas collaboration. 

123 



Backchat: declan welsh 126 The Den • 12.30 

After the popularity of his backchat session last 

year, Declan Welsh returns with more thoughts 

and tips on songwriting for young people 

Fischy mini concert 127 The Barn • 12.45 

A mini-concert for families with Solas favourites 

Fischy Music. 

Colours of Life 

Colours of Life formed in 1999 as a 

collaboration between the Maryhill Integration 

Network and Albscott, an organisation that 

supports the Albanian community in Scotland. 

The group specialises in fusion dance 

performances of traditional folk dances from 

across the globe. This session will include a 

flamenco and salsa dance workshop, facilitated 

by choreographer Mari Carmen Nieto 

Montoya, and a short dance performance. 

Rona Wilkie & Marit Fält 

Rona Wilkie is a fiddle player and Gaelic singer 

from the Highlands and winner of the 2012 BBC 

Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year. 

Marit Fält is a hugely dynamic and inventive 

låtmandola and cittern player from Norway 

whose family’s Swedish heritage has exposed her 

to a broad range of Nordic musical styles. Rona 

and Marit won the coveted Danny Kyle award at 

Celtic Connections in 2012; their work together 

blends traditional tunes, songs and influences to 

create a unique and exceptional musical 

conversation between their Scandinavian and 

Scottish roots. They’ve performed at Solas in 

previous years so if you’re a festival regular you’ll 

know that they’re not to be missed. 

128 

129 


Roots • 13.00 


Music 



Film 


Sue mayfield 

Author Sue Mayfield reads from her new youngadult 

novel Hill of the Angels. Set in 

1640s Yorkshire the book tells the story of two 

teenage girls at the outbreak of The Civil War, 

exploring the destructive impact of violence 

and the enduring power of friendship and 

beauty. Despite taking place 400 years ago, the 

story’s themes of religious intolerance, 

radicalisation and the desecration of sacred 

sites have a chilling contemporary ring. 

Mind your Mind 

Hearing insights on mental and physical 

wellbeing during times of conflict. Enabled by 

the Corrymeela Community 

Hamish Henderson discussion 

We are very lucky to be able to follow the 

screening of Hamish by a discussion with 

Geordie McIntyre, Alison McMorland and 

producer Alasdair MacCuish. See event No.120. 

130 

131 

132 




Alastair McIntosh & Andy Wightman 

What is Land Reform for? Land reform has 

been on the agenda in Scotland for more than 

a century, and the current government seems 

to be making moves. But will they go far 

enough, and why does it matter? Land 

activitists Andy Wightman and Alistair McIntosh 

will be discussing who owns Scotland and why 

we should care. 

take one action: all age showreel 


Inderjit Bhogal: City of Sanctuary 

Inderjit Singh Bhogal will talk about the City of 

Sanctuary movement, which he founded - a 

network of local groups in towns and cities across 

the UK, providing shelter and hospitality for refugees 

and asylum seekers. Inderjit is a theologian and 

Methodist minister, who’s passionate commitment 

to racial justice, refugee and asylum seekers’ rights 

and interfaith dialogue was recognised by the award 

of on OBE in 2005. 

136 

137 

138 




Refuweegee 

Refuweegee is a new initiative welcoming 

refugees and asylum seekers to Glasgow in a 

unique way, with welcome packs that include 

‘letters fae the locals’, and return envelopes so that 

recipients can respond with their own words and 

stories. These letters have become the source of 

inspiration for a new songwriting project, put 

together by Lucy Cathcart Froden (aka raukarna) 

and featuring a number of Glaswegian or Glasgowbased 

musicians. Come and hear more from 

Rufuweegee founder, Selina Hales, and hear 

some of the songs from the resultant album, Flight. 

Gaelic-Scandi Singing workshop 

Rona and Marit's work together blends traditional 

tunes, songs and influences to create a unique and 

exceptional musical conversation between their 

Scandinavian and Scottish roots. This workshop 

will introduce you to the Gaelic-Scandi mix that 

makes them unique - beginners welcome 

133 

134 



Building Bridges: with pipe cleaners 

Pipe cleaners, wooden beads, words printed on 

small bits of paper – these are some of the tools 

Maddy Parkes uses to explore spirituality, religion 

and faith with patients during their stay in hospital. 

Find out how and explore the big human issues, 

such as hope, suffering and meaning, which are 

important for patients in hospital and can be 

adapted for use in any context. Building bridges 

between people from different religious traditions, 

and reconciling anger and suffering with peace 

and hope are the key aims of these activities. Led 

by the Progressive Christian Network 

We Will Rise 

We Will Rise campaign against detention from 

within the immigration system, they organise 

regular demonstrations at Dungavel and will be 

on site sharing information about incarceration in 

the asylum system. 

139 

140 



Sarah hayes 

Sarah Hayes is a singer, instrumentalist and 

composer of dazzling versatility. Best known for 

her work with Admiral Fallow, she leads a busy 

musical life performing with Wildings, Alistair 

Anderson & Northlands, Inge Thomson, Hamish 

Napier, Sara Kazmi and more. Sarah’s debut album 

Woven – a studio reimagining of her Celtic 

Connections New Voices commission – has 

received widespread acclaim since its release in 

November 2015. 

135 

Roots • 13.45 

Andrew Wasylik 

Andrew Wasylyk is the alias of Scottish writer, 

producer and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew 

Mitchell. Cinematic nostalgia, elements of 

baroque pop and the influence of classic 1970s 

songwriters come together in a diverse 

collection of ten songs which comprise debut 

album Soroky. Familiar to you from touring and 

recording with Idlewild and The Hazey Janes, 

this might be Andrew's darker side. 

141 

Roots • 14.30 




I Belong There 

142 The Field • 14.30 

There’s more than one Good Samaritan 

Exploring stories of neighbours in the biblical 

texts with the Corrymeela Community 

146 



147 


'The fighting starts, without humanity, the countdown begins, you say 

goodbye to the people you love and the place you call home. This is my story 

and I have to tell it. I Belong There is a play about war, survival and hope. A 

series of happenings will take place this afternoon across the festival 

challenging issues of complicity, responsiveness and what it means to be a 

Syrian in the UK today. It will rethink our own histories and give platform to 

stories that can’t and shouldn't be ignored. Performed by Oday Alkhalidi, a 

Syrian artist who arrived in the UK from Calais one and a half years ago. Oday 

is an active campaigner and a powerful and provocative spokesperson for 

Syria. This solo piece was created with Rhiannon White (Common Wealth) 

with support from Waleslab, a National Theatre Wales’ artist development 

initative. 

Sir Moustache Bristleby & the Ed-Splorers 148 The Hearth • 15.15 


Honey & The Herbs 

Part of the Glasgow music scene for almost a 

decade, Honey and the Herbs enchant audiences 

with their very own of blend of vocal harmonies 

and unique songwriting. They describe their 

sound as ‘omni-pop in the making’. “The 

combination of the virtuosic guitarist, the mellow 

brass and beautiful four part harmonies created 

a chilled vibe that everyone enjoyed – it is like a 

slice of heaven.” – Gigsoup 


Liz lochhead 

149 

150 

151 

Roots • 15.20 




Verene nicolas: structure blindness 

Stucture Blindness and the Road to Change. 

Verene Nicolas facilitates a philosophical 

conversation about real lives, workplaces and 

communities and how to transition from 

control and command to genuine collaboration 

in our organisations, families and communities. 

143 

144 



Backchat: Amal Azzudin 145 The Den • 15.00 

When Amal was 15, her friend and classmate, 

Agnesa Murselaj, was removed from her home 

in a dawn raid by immigration authorities. Amal 

got together with six friends to lobby for her 

release. This backchat session is a chance to 

chat with Amal about that experience, and 

some of the other amazing things she’s done 

in the 10 years since then… 

Liz Lochhead's first full collection of poetry in ten years promises to be a real 

poetry event in Scotland. With poems covering subjects of loss, love and art 

as well as pop music and sex in old age. Liz was recently awarded the Queen's 

Gold Medal for poetry, was Scotland's Makar, and is bringing her new book 

and her new album to Solas Festival. 




Hamde Abu Rhama 

152 The Pictures • 16.00 

Karine Polwart: singing workshop 

Four-times winner at The BBC Radio 2 Folk 

Awards, Karine Polwart is one of Scotland's 

leading folk artists with albums hallmarked by 

stunning vocal harmonies. Don't miss this rare 

chance to sing with her. 

155 


Photo: Hamde Abu Rahme 

Hamde is a prize-winning Palestinian photographer. He took up photography 

following the death of his cousin, who was shot dead by the Israeli Occupation 

Force during a peaceful demonstration in his home village of Bil’in, near 

Ramallah. Hamde’s response has been to document the struggles of everyday 

life in his occupied homeland, risking injury and harassment to create a series 

of powerful and moving images, some of which are collected in his book, Roots 

Run Deep – Life in Occupied Palestine. His attempt to show his work in Scotland 

last year was blocked when his visa was refused by the British Government 

only four days before he was due to travel. Hamde will give an illustrated talk 

about his work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and hold a Q&A about 

life as a photo-journalist on the front line. Note: Hamde's visa was refused and 

then granted only this week. We hope that he will be with us, but if that proves 

impossible Phil Chetwyn will speak about a recent trip to Gaza earlier this year 

and an exhibition at the forthcoming Edinburgh Festival entitled "Gaza - 

Photography under Siege". 

Pádraig Ó Tuama 156 

The Republic of Heaven — Philip Pullman’s 

religion. Philip Pullman’s extraordinary trilogy of 

novels in the Northern Lights series both used and 

undid genres of religion. Speaking about the 

Republic of Heaven, the death of God, multiple 

universe theories and the journey into hell, he took 

narratives from ancient texts and retold them in a 

way that enriched contemporary conversations 

about meaningful living. This session will explore 

the characters and messages of Pullman's 

work. Pádraig is a poet, a theologian and is leader 

of the Corrymeela Community. 

Take one action: kids showreel 

TOA have curated a reel of short films especially 

for young audiences combining animation, 

gentle documentaries and fiction. A great day to 

wind down after a busy weekend. 

157 



Spirit of Participation (Conflictus 3) 

Participation as an alternative to conflict. Some 

of the Just Peace partners (plus other friends) 

are getting ready to launch an online resource 

that reads the Sunday gospels in light of conflict 

and vice versa. Join us as we discuss a spirituality 

that is appropriate to situations of conflict in our 

lives and world today. 

Sorren Maclean & Hannah Fisher 

Indie-folk duo Hannah Fisher and Sorren 

Maclean play a mix of original and contemporary 

songs and tunes, blending rich vocal harmonies 

with bluegrass influenced fiddle tunes. When not 

writing, recording and performing together, 

both Hannah and Sorren tour extensively with 

Idlewild, Roddy Woomble, King Creosote and 

Karen Matheson. Both have released solo records 

in the past couple of years and have had success 

sharing a stage with the likes of Ricki-Lee Jones 

and Turin Brakes. They’ll be performing new 

material from their forthcoming duo album. 

153 

154 


Roots • 16.15 



Sultans of String 

2015 JUNO nominees and SiriusXM winners (as 

well as coming all the way from Canada), 

Sultans of String create 'energetic and exciting 

music from a band with talent to burn!' 

according to Maverick Magazine. Thrilling their 

audiences with Celtic reels, flamenco, Gypsyjazz, 

Arabic, Cuban and South Asian rhythms, 

the group celebrates musical fusion and human 

creativity with warmth and virtuosity. World 

rhythms excite audiences to their feet with the 

irresistible need to dance. 


158 

159 

160 


Roots • 17.15 





Karine polwart 

161 Roots • 18.45 

Karine Polwart’s songs combine folk influences and myth with themes as 

diverse as Donald Trump’s corporate megalomania, Charles Darwin’s family 

life and the complexities of modern parenthood. Four-times winner at The 

BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, twice for Best Original Song, her most recent album 

Traces (produced by Iain Cook of Chvrches) - was shortlisted for both the 

Scottish Album of the Year Award and BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Album of the 

Year. We are delighted to welcome her back to Solas. 

Liz Lochhead & the Hazey Janes 

Having recently hung up her Laurels as Scots 

Makar, Liz Lochhead is busier than ever, with a 

new book, a new play at the Lyceum, the 

Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, and now her 

first album. These lush musical settings range 

from noir to jazz, through pop, harmonies and 

a tribute to the one and only Michael Marra. Liz 

Lochhead is launching her album with Steve 

Kettley and the Hazey Janes at Solas Festival. 

162 


Pygmies 

Pygmies are Edinburgh’s finest jazz, funk, blues, 

afro, Latin, ska-jazz band. Comprising three 

saxophonists: Steve Kettley on tenor and 

soprano, Barney Barnett on baritone and Andy 

Johnstone on alto, they're guaranteed to bring 

the noise and get the party started. Playing 

mainly original tunes, they'll throw in the 

occasional number by the likes of Abdullah 

Ibrahim, the Brecker Brothers, Oscar Hernandez, 

The Skatalites and … Lionel Bart (yes really!). 

A New International 

Regular favourites at Rally and Broad, A New 

International’s sound is influenced by cinematic 

strings, circus lights, carnival and cabaret, music 

hall, gypsy, chanson and folk. Lush, poetic, 

bittersweet romanticism is at the heart of their 

music with a nod to folk traditions from across 

Europe. “Sumptuous European balladeering 

translated into an urban Scottish setting” – The 

List. What a great way to play us out! 

163 

164 



POACHER’S 

PILGRIMAGE 

AN ISLAND JOURNEY 

ALASTAIR 

McINTOSH 

Join Alastair for some 

drinks and a 

pre-launch reading 

from his new book 

Event 43 


Solas Festival 

16 Lennox Ave, 

Glasgow, G14 9HG 

Charity No. SC041434, 

Company Registration No. 

SC371181 

Solas festival 

needs you 

Saints make Solas Festival possible. They 

are the loyal band of supporters across 

Scotland (and beyond) who have pledged 

to give money regularly to support the 

work of the festival. Giving anything from 

£5 to £50 a month and usually allowing us 

to claim GIFT AID on it, they provide the 

base income which keeps us afloat, 

especially during the long winter months. 

Thanks to the support of Solas Saints we 

have been able to make the festival 

accessible to an ever widening audience. 

Saints donations have enabled us to offer 

hospitality and transport to over 40 

refugees from all over Scotland who are 

attending the festival this year. This is 

both an honour and a privilege. We have 

also been able to support young 

volunteers to take part and learn valuable 

skills. But we’d like to do even more… 

I would like to make a regular donation of £ monthly / quarterly / 

annually commencing 

Gift Aid declaration – for past, present & future donations 

Name of charity or Community Amateur Sports Club____________ 

Please treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money made 

today in the past 4 years in the future 

Please tick all boxes you wish to apply. 

Donor’s details 

Title ------------- First name or initial(s) ----------------------------------------- 

Surname ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Full home address ----------------------------------------------------------------- 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Postcode ---------------------------------- Date ----------------------------------- 

In coming years, we hope to be able to 

continue to support people who may not 

otherwise have the opportunity to be part 

of the Solas community. We can only do 

this with the backing of people who have 

a little extra to contribute. 

If you’ve had a really great weekend and 

you have a little to spare please think 

about signing up to become a saint - you 

can now do it online via our website. 

I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital 

Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to 

the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports 

Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. 

I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I 

understand the charity will reclaim 28p of tax on every £1 that I gave up 

to 5 April 2008 and will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or 

after 6 April 2008. 

Email address-—–––-–-----–-–-–-–-----–-–-–-–-–-–-----–-—-–––––––– 

Signature ---------------------------------------------------------------- 

Please notify the charity or CASC if you: 

• Want to cancel this declaration 

• Change your name or home address 

• No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains. 

If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to 

receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your 

Gift Aid donations on your Self Assessment tax return or ask HM 

Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.

See you at solas 2017, june 23-25 - early bird tickets go on sale on monday

Beyond borders

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