The Hidden Jewel and all its associated Homecoming events at Dunollie have been shortlisted in the much sought after Highland Tourism Awards in the Best Community Event category. This is great news and a real tribute to everyone who helped make the event work – around 45 volunteers in all, including many young people.

It is particularly exciting to have made it the final few in the Year of Homecoming as there have been hundreds of events, most of them of a community nature.

It is also a huge tribute to The Walking Theatre Company from Cowal who are consistently showing themselves to be both a huge asset within Argyll and excellent ambassadors outside the area. Their director Sadie Dixon-Spain has been shortlisted for the Leadership Award, which all of you who have met her will agree is richly deserved.

Overall these two shortlist places are a terrific boost for culture in Argyll and also for the reputation of Argyll, demonstrating that we have cultural organisations and personnel capable of delivering a product which competes with the best in the Highlands and Islands.

Catherine Gillies, project manager

Macdougall Trust