September 10th 2024.
The island of Tiree is home to a rich history and a vibrant community. And now, for the first time, incredible pictures revealing the lives of the women who have shaped this island over the last 100 years will be on display at the Sea Change film festival. This festival, which celebrates women and film, is the only one of its kind in Scotland and is set to take place later this month.
These pictures, carefully curated from the archives of An Iodhlann by founder and former GP, Dr John Holliday, offer a glimpse into the different roles played by women in Tiree life. They will be shown before screenings of each film, highlighting the diverse and important contributions of these women.
One such woman is Isabella MacLean, a crofter and expert cheese maker, who was photographed with her cows in Kilmoluaig in the 1940s. Isabella, affectionately known as Bella Mhate, lived on her own in a quaint thatched cottage on an 18-acre croft. She made a living from her cattle and sheep, and also had grazing rights on another croft. Her cottage, with its earthen floor and furniture made from driftwood, was a testament to her resourcefulness and resilience.
Another picture captures Catherine MacKenzie, daughter of a Baptist minister, sitting at the shore in 1885. Catherine, who married and later separated from Duncan MacKenzie of Inverary, spent her life at her childhood home until her passing. Her son, Kenneth MacKenzie, went on to become Chief Officer aboard the Discovery.
A more lighthearted photo shows a woman sitting outside her house in Milton with a tame monkey on her lap. It was not uncommon for merchant seamen to bring home exotic pets from their voyages.
The wedding of Annie MacPhee, captured in the 1940s, showcases the island's connections to far-off places like New Zealand. Annie's mother, Mary Flora MacKinnon, can be seen standing beside her in the picture.
During World War II, Tiree was home to a RAF base, and a picture of three women from the Tiree RAF theater groups, The Reef Player and The Tireans, during a performance captures the spirit of resilience and camaraderie during a difficult time.
In 1930, a mother and her two daughters were photographed having a picnic on their property, Morven House. Mary MacKinnon, along with Christina and Phemie MacKinnon, owned this property, which later became known as Drovers Cottage.
Jumping ahead a few decades, there is a picture of Highland dancers at the Tiree Agricultural Show in the 1970s, showcasing the island's cultural heritage. And in 1984, The Glassary restaurant in Sandaig opened its doors, with owner Mabel MacArthur and waitress Jeanette Straker captured in a photo from the opening.
The Sea Change Festival, which will take place on 20-22 September, is eagerly anticipated by Artistic Director Jen Skinner. She believes that hosting an event like this on Tiree not only showcases the island's vibrant culture but also challenges the notion of remoteness. Bringing people to this small island setting creates an intimate atmosphere, with the added bonus of enjoying the stunning landscapes and beaches.
Skinner is passionate about bringing opportunities to Tiree, especially for young people, and is excited to share films that the local community may not have seen before. This year's festival will open with a film from 2023 that celebrates women, human connections, and sharing stories. And to close the festival, Scottish singer Kim Carnie will be performing with her band after the screening of Out Loud, a documentary following her journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
But the festival is not just about films; it's also about bringing communities together. There will be daily swims and beach walks, as well as a chance to learn some ceilidh dances. This year's festival focuses on stories of humanity and community, with a big heart at its core. As Skinner puts it, "We are all about bringing communities together through film, and I can't wait to share cinema, connections, and Tiree with audiences this year."
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