Celebrating Outwith: A Programme of Talks, Poetry and Film (Sat 20 June)
Join us on Saturday 20 June for three special events marking the close of Outwith: Valda, MacDiarmid and Whalsay.
Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to delve deeper into Valda's remarkable story, hear from experts about the Grieve family's years in Whalsay, and enjoy an evening of poetry and film inspired by Hugh MacDiarmid.
Attend one event or join us for all three and take the opportunity to come together, reflect on the family's legacy, and celebrate MacDiarmid's creative spirit that continues to inspire today.
Celebrating Outwith | The Grieves in Whalsay: people, place and memory
11am – 12.30pm
Tickets £5 - BOOK
Join us for a panel discussion led by Dr Colin McIlroy exploring Christopher and Valda Grieve’s years in Whalsay. Bringing together voices from the Whalsay History Group and Shetland Museum and Archives, the conversation will delve into daily life on the island and the relationships the Grieve family built during their time in Shetland. Drawing on local knowledge, archival insight, and shared stories, this session offers a chance to see a more personal side of the Grieves - rooted in place, community, and the landscape that surrounded them.
Celebrating Outwith | Hugh MacDiarmid and the Whalsay Years
2pm – 3.30pm
Tickets £5 - BOOK
Hear from MacDiarmid scholars about the Grieves’ time on Whalsay, their surviving correspondence, and their lasting impact on Shetland.
Celebrating Outwith | An Evening of MacDiarmid, Poetry and Film
7pm – 9pm
Tickets £10 - BOOK
An evening of poetry and film celebrating Hugh MacDiarmid. Come along to hear local poets share some of MacDiarmid's work, alongside their own. The night also features two standout films: Margaret Tait’s beautifully observed portrait and Oscar Marzaroli’s striking take on MacDiarmid and his world. Together, they offer a warm, vivid glimpse of the poet behind the page. A relaxed, creative night of voices, images, and eight o’clocks—whether you know MacDiarmid well or are just curious to discover more.
Attend one event or join us for all three and take the opportunity to come together, reflect on the family's legacy, and celebrate MacDiarmid's creative spirit that continues to inspire today.
