Small island crafts project thinks big and wins Scottish Epic Award

AN inspirational craft project on the Isle of Barra has won the second Scottish Epic Award. By reaching out to the rest of the world, and engaging people locally, the Barra Bunting Project proved how the arts and crafts can bring people together on a global scale.

The Epic Awards are designed to highlight excellence and innovation in amateur arts groups across the UK and Republic of Ireland, and are an initiative of Voluntary Arts.

The Barra Bunting Project was created by the organisers of the Barra and Vatersay Island Produce Show, and invited anyone who had ever set foot on the Isle of Barra and/or Vatersay to get involved.

Local workshops at schools, day centres and markets gave people the chance to get creative and make colourful bunting flags to decorate the Produce Show.  Meanwhile, people from Australia, the USA and Europe  sent in their contributions. Each flag was accompanied by information about the person who made it – including a man from Ohio who created, and hand-delivered, a flag in memory of his father who visited Barra many years ago.

The 2013 Epic Awards were presented at a prestigious reception in Derry/Londonderry  on Thursday 31 January, attended by Northern Ireland Junior Minister Jonathon Bell from the Office of the First Minister.

Culture Secretary for Scotland Fiona Hyslop commended The Barra Bunting Project, saying:

“I’d like to congratulate all those involved in the Barra Bunting Project on winning the Scotland Epic Award.  Scotland is renowned for its warm people and its warm welcome. This project has embraced these principles by reaching out across continents to those who have poignant memories of their connections to Barra.

“I’m delighted that Voluntary Arts Scotland’s continuing support for groups like Barra Bunting is enabling even more people to get involved in creative activities and bringing communities together to show their individuality, ingenuity and imagination.”

Collecting the award on behalf of The Barra Bunting Project, Sarah McLean said:

“We are overwhelmed and honoured to win this prestigious EPIC award.  This will act as a fantastic platform on which to develop the project further and we look forward to receiving more bunting from people who have set foot on Barra and Vatersay.”

The runner-up of this year’s Scottish Epic Award was The Craw’s Nest Project in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, which brought together adults and children to create a colourful mosaic, turning a dull landmark into an attraction for locals and tourists alike. The People’s Choice Award, voted for by the public, was won by Forth Bridges Accordion Band for bridging a gap in the Scottish music scene and bringing generations together.

As well as their awards, winners also received prizes including cash, vouchers for arts and craft supplies, mentoring sessions and memberships. Case studies featuring the winners, runners-up and other entrants from across the UK can be found at www.epicawards.co.uk

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