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Thu 8 Oct
Shooglenifty | Auditorium
20:00 - 22:00
Doors Open 19:30
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Thu 8 Oct
Shooglenifty | Auditorium
20:00 - 22:00
Doors Open 19:30
"Martyn was the boy who did it first and who did it best — the ultimate fusion of traditional roots and contemporary grooves, whose daring, humour, imagination and sheer ability set his music head and shoulders above the rest… a true musician and a beautiful soul." — Maryann Kennedy, BBC Scotland
Cutting-edge, steeped in tradition, innovative and inspirational, Martyn Bennett came from a long line of Skye tradition-bearers. Piper, fiddler, composer and endless experimenter, he was one of Scotland's most prodigiously gifted and beloved musicians until his untimely death at the age of 33.
This celebration of his life, work and spirit is introduced by Martyn's mother — singer, folklorist and author Margaret Bennett — who shares a collection of photographs, memories and music, alongside previously unreleased recordings. A rare and intimate glimpse into other facets of Martyn's character and musicianship, including a Paganini duet played by Martyn and the inimitable Hester Dickson.
Joining Margaret is Quinie — the performance name of Scottish artist Josie Vallely, whose music blends traditional Scots song with bold, experimental arrangements. Drawing inspiration from Scots Traveller singer Lizzie Higgins, poet Marion Angus, and the interwoven traditions of Scotland and Ireland, Quinie engages with the living questions of how songs are learned, remembered, adapted and sustained across time. Her third album Forefowk, Mind Me, released in May 2025, was named Folk Album of the Year by The Guardian — marking her as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Scottish folk.
To bookend the performances, we'll have DJ CABLECAR - one half of legendary West Highland DJ duo baile/baile - spinning tracks in the café-bar.
An evening of music, memory and experimentation, in the spirit of a man who changed Scottish music forever.
Box Office
Open periodically throughout the week | Book online 24/7
Cafe
Daily | 09:00 - 17:00
I have enjoyed taking part in events such as Scots Opera before we came to live in the area. Since then we have enjoyed both attending events and the splendid cafe In the foyer. It is a brilliant example of a local/regional community arts initiative and must not be allowed to falter.
Christopher D Morris | Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020
Welcome to Birnam Arts, a boutique multi-purpose arts, conferencing and entertainment venue.
Pop in to the Foyer Cafe for breakfast, grab a delicious coffee with a selection of our homemade baking or enjoy a light lunch whilst browsing on the free WiFi. Wander upstairs to view the latest of our monthly art exhibitions before visiting the world of Beatrix Potter, or the Gift Shop to purchase a special gift for your loved ones or yourself!
We had not planned to present a hybrid festival, however that changed when one of our main authors tested positive for Covid. I greatly appreciated how the team worked with us to pivot and present remotely in part, making full use of your enhanced video conferencing equipment. As a result, we were able to deliver quite complex events with several elements all showing on screen simultaneously. The audio-visual quality was excellent, and our audiences were delighted that these events could still go ahead, in spite of Covid. The author in question was really pleased that he could join us on screen and remarked that he had not been so well supported in this way at any other festival.
Fiona Ritchie | Birnam Book Festival 2022
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I have played at Birnam Arts as part of Blow and Blast for a number of years and never cease to be amazed by how many activities take place there - too valuable to lose!
Kenneth MacKenzie | Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020
Entrance
Kinnaird
Cafe
Beatrix Potter
Shop
Gallery
Studio
