SCOTLAND'S 'Father of Democracy' will be celebrated in song, talks, walks and entertainment later this year.
The 2018 Thomas Muir Festival is now in its eighth year.
The 18th century political reformer's links to East Dunbartonshire are celebrated every year by the Friends of Thomas Muir, who organise a festival in his memory, supported by East Dunbartonshire Council and local businesses.
Muir's family home from the 1780s was at Huntershill, Auchinairn.
The 2018 Thomas Muir Festival will offer a range of events including on 23 November, a concert by Moya Brennan.
The Clannad singer will be performing at Cadder Parish Church, with Stevie Lawrence and Fiona Cuthill supporting.
Festival organiser Jimmy Watson said: “We’re delighted to announce this year's festival events – which combine art, walking, education, entertainment and talks.
"The festival offers an eclectic mix – shining a light on the life and times of a true Scottish hero.
"We’re particularly delighted to announce that famed Irish international singer/songwriter Moya Brennan, of Clannad, will be performing at Cadder Church in Bishopbriggs – celebrating Muir’s links with Ireland and his service as an elder at the church.
“The concert offers a unique opportunity to hear a world-class artist in an intimate venue with superb acoustics.”
Accompanying Ms Brennan will be Cormac De Barra (harp and vocals), Aisling Jarvis (guitar, bouzouki, whistle and vocal), Lia Wright (violin and vocal) and Paul Jarvis (keyboards, percussion and vocals).
Mark Hanniffy, the Consul General of Ireland in Scotland, will be in attendance.
He said: "Thomas Muir himself had a strong connection with Ireland through his links to the Society of United Irishmen, and the political ideals he espoused found prominent expression in Irish political traditions.
"It is very apt that in commemorating Thomas Muir’s legacy those Irish dimensions are recognised."
www.thomasmuir.co.uk
EDINBURGH'S short film festival, now in its 8th year, begins next month.
It will feature 34 UK premieres and works from Scottish filmmakers.
There will be a total of 70 short films from 26 different countries.
The festival, which runs from October 26 to November 10, also has 29 award winning short films including, Palme D’Or nominated shorts, Cannes Audience Award winners, Sundance, Tribeca, and BAFTA winners.
There will be a selection of Iberian animation from the Estonian Short Film Centre, and a night of Mexican shorts hand-picked by the Mexico Institute of Cinematography.
Visiting VFX expert Dan Cullen will demonstrate digital post-production.
The festival is based at the Summerhall venue, in the Red Lecture Theatre.
www.edinburghshortfilmfestival.com
THE Usher hall in Edinburgh has announced its autumn schedule.
Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro are set to perform an acoustic set as part of the MTV Unplugged Series.
Jack White will perform at the venue in October.
The former-White Stripes frontman will bring songs from his new album Boarding House Reach as well as older material.
Joan Armatrading will be performing solo on 25 September.
Other acts performing at the venue include singer-songwriter Tom Odell, Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit and The Staves.
Caro Emerald will perform on 13 Oct, while November sees Christine and the Queens play the historic venue.
Robert Cray returns to the UK in Autumn 2018 following the success of his most recent album – the Blues Music Awards nominated ‘Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm’.
The Usher Hall is also set to hold performances from a series of tribute acts.
These include, The Musical Box – A Genesis Extravaganza, Ben Portsmouth as Elvis in The King is Back, Queen Extravaganza, the greatest hits of ABBA in Björn Again, The Australian Pink Floyd and the Bootleg Beatles.
www.usherhall.co.uk
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