FRESH from a windswept journey in the aftermath of Storm Boelo, Town of Culture 2028 (ToC) chairman Sir Phil Redmond came to the Isle of Bute on Monday and left with a glowing impression of the island, its people and its sense of community.
The acclaimed broadcaster – he created Brookside, Grange Hill and Hollyoaks – and culture champion, visited Bute as part of the ToC judging process. He described his experience on the island as “fantastic”, admitting it was the first time he had been here.
With a trip to Lerwick, another community shortlisted for the title, scheduled for later, Sir Phil joked that he was enjoying a spell of island hopping. But behind the light-hearted remark lay a serious message about the power of culture to bring communities together and especially island communities.
Speaking about the role culture plays in society at a lunch in Bute Yard he took time out to tell The Isle of Bute News that “culture should never be viewed simply as entertainment”.
He said: “Culture is an excuse for all types of people to get together, to chat, to enjoy themselves and, more importantly, get to know one another.”
In an era where communities can often feel divided, Sir Phil argued that cultural events create opportunities for genuine human connection and this is what he was hoping to see during his visits to all the towns nominated.
“When people talk to one another at cultural events, they get to see people how they really are and not judge them on any pre-conceived idea they might have had or heard about that person,” he said.
His comments strike a chord at a time when many communities, including island communities, continue to wrestle with issues of loneliness and social isolation.
“When people don’t get out, communication breaks down. Loneliness and isolation set in,” he warned.
The message was clear: culture is not a luxury. It is a vital ingredient in building stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
“Just look around this room,” he told The Isle of Bute News: “Look at all the people in this community that have turned out to help promote this island. They come from every walk of life, business, community and volunteers. It’s fantastic and it shows the energy this island has when it comes together.
“Culture is a frontline service. When people are heard, when they can participate and when they can influence change that in turn is good for everyone.”
Sir Phil and his wife Alexis were accompanied on their tour by Bute’s culture bid champion, Mhairi Mackenzie who was delighted they had made it to Bute in spite of the weather.
“Everyone has been brilliant turning out in such horrible weather and even the trip over on the CalMac ferry was great with Sir Phil getting a tour of the bridge and a special CalMac goodie bag to take home,” she said.
During his time on Bute, Sir Phil and his wife met with members of the community on a whistle-stop tour of Rothesay and its sights.
They called in to the Bank of Ideas, met the new CEO of Mount Stuart and members of cultural groups including Charles and Mel Hyndley, Luke Winter and Angie Dwight before lunch at Bute Yard where they got to taste home-produced smoke salmon and cheeses.
At the event was a number of the island’s prominent business members and community group representatives.
Jim Holland from Bute Community Band was delighted to be there and he said: “We are over the moon that Bute is in the running for Town of Culture and we want to be as much a part of it as possible.”
Sandra Reid, one of the island’s hospitality consultants was also happy that the island was getting such recognition and she said: “If Bute won the title it would make such a difference to everyone on the island. It would generate business and put everything and everyone here on a national and international stage which in turn would open up new opportunities.”
Erin Murphy of The Sulking Room and the Gather Deli, who was also at the lunch, said the title would be “a game changer” for the island.
“Bute is full of good ideas and talented people and the culture bid is capable of harnessing that and pulling everyone in the same direction. It will put Bute on the map and we will all be proud to host it.”
Tartan Festival ambassador Ealana Jean Boyle was equally delighted that the island had got so far in the bid: “It’s all about where we are and what we enjoy and that is what we are trying to get across here today.”
The island’s farming community was also represented at the event and farmer Cathinka Paterson said: “As a farming community we do quite a lot of events on the island that brings people together with the cattle show and the sheepdog trials and next year we are hosting the Scottish National Sheepdog Trials.
“We would like to expand our involvement through agritourism and through food and drink festivals and we are hoping that as a Town of Culture we can realise all these ambitions.”
