Larach (Footprint), a new short film by artist Judith Parrott examining the influence of the Gaelic community on the city of Glasgow will be screened as part of this year’s Merchant City Festival.
The film explores the historic mass migration of Gaelic people to Glasgow, and how this helped shape the city’s reputation as one of the world’s most hospitable cities; one that revolves around its people, and welcomes strangers in.
Larach is set to ambient sound and the voice of renowned Gaelic singer, Gillebride MacMillan, and will be screened for individual viewing inside the police box on Buchanan Street on a loop from 11am – 4.30pm daily during the festival.
The focal point of Larach is the Heilanman’s Umbrella -
At the time of the second Highland Clearances, Gaelic-
Once settled they, in their turn, passed the favour on. In so doing, the Gaelic community continued to embrace their own culture of hospitality, evident in the Glasgow of today.
The Heilanman’s Umbrella was a shelter, physical and emotional, for displaced Gaelic people.
Judith’s perspective on Glasgow is of a city that has blossomed on this culture, flourishing with the arrival of refugees and migrants who find their new home here; in turn allowing those people to flourish in the warmth of their welcome.
The Merchant City Festival, which runs until 7 August, presents some of the best of Scottish and international art and entertainment with a programme of street arts, music, theatre, food and drink, and children and families activities.
Festival film features Gaels influence on Glasgow
29 July 2016