Touring Network campaigns for rural venues

A Scotland-wide campaign to raise the profile of cultural activity beyond the central belt has been launched by the Touring Network, an agency representing venues and promoters across the Highlands & Islands. The ‘Epic Stage’ marketing campaign and a new website have been developed to provide “prominent and practical event information” and increase awareness of “the quality and diversity of cultural activities taking place across some of the most beautiful parts of the country”. The campaign has involved two theatre seats, designed by Scottish company Fun Makes Good, being toured and photographed at locations across Scotland.

Each year the Touring Network programmes over 700 professional performances including theatre, music and dance. Director Sam Eccles explained: “Rural activity is an integral part of Scotland’s economy, environment and culture, yet the visibility of the cultural activity in the region does not benefit from the degree of exposure that our cities enjoy… we are working in partnership with performers, venues, and their promoters, to ensure that cultural events happening across communities are valued as a central, indispensable and celebrated part of the cultural life of Scotland.

“These small-scale venues, set amid some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world, bring audiences up close and personal with the very best performers from Scotland and beyond… the intimate stages, at the heart of small communities, offer a profound connection with landscape, with place and with people.”

Singer Karine Polwart, who has joined the campaign, said: “The folk music scene in Scotland has been invigorated and sustained by performers, promoters and festival organisers in the Highlands, islands and northern isles. Some of my most treasured memories as an artist have been of performing in places like Tobermory, Stromness, Colonsay, and Ullapool.”