Highlanders will be given the opportunity to bring their stories to life through a unique digital storytelling initiative Highland Lives, aimed at capturing the richness and diversity of life in the Highlands today.

Launched by BBC Scotland in conjunction with Highland 2007 and learndirect Scotland, Highland Lives uses new technology to help people from all walks of life to tell their own, personal tales in a new way.

During a series of workshops, participants will create a vivid self-portrait of the Highlands through a mixture of audio and video digital stories. Part of BBC Scotland’s commitment to Highland 2007 – a year long celebration of Highland culture - the Highland Lives workshops will be held at six Learning Centre locations across Scotland, launching in Inverness on Tuesday 26 June, followed by workshops in Fort William, Thurso, Brora, Alness and Grantown-on-Spey.

The Highland Lives workshop details are as follows:

• Inverness From Tuesday 26 June
• Fort William From Wednesday 4 July
• Thurso From Thursday 9 August
• Brora From Thursday 16 August
• Alness From Thursday 4 October
• Grantown-on-Spey From Wednesday 10 October

During the local workshops, which will take place over two weekends in each location, the selected members of the public (12 spaces per location) will be introduced to a range of video and audio technology and relevant software as well as being coached in storyboarding and storytelling skills. The result is that each participant will create a short digital story which will be showcased in front of friends and family before being published on BBC Scotland’s new Highland Lives website which will go live at the end of May. The website will also offer the opportunity for anyone in the wider community to upload their photographs depicting life in the Highlands today.

Liz Leonard, Communities & Learning Partnership Manager for BBC Scotland says: “We’re looking for personal stories – they can be about love, the family, work, a passion or aspiration but they must all in some way reflect Highland life in 2007. At each workshop there will be plenty of assistance so that people can develop their storytelling skills.”

Alison Magee, chair of Highland 2007, adds: “Highland 2007 is again delighted to be working in partnership with BBC Scotland to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of life in the Highlands today. It is great to also be working with learndirect Scotland, Jobcentre Plus and the Highland Employer Coalition on this exciting project.”

Workshop places are free to adults of all ages (over 18) and are limited to 72 spaces in total over the six locations. To apply, either email highlandlives@bbc.co.uk for further information and an application form or contact local learndirect Scotland centres:

• Inverness  Synergie Scotland   01463 227580
• Fort William   Lochaber College   01397 874236
• Thurso   North Highland College   01847 889000
• Brora    Community Learning Centre  01408 622707
• Alness   North Highland College  01349 882545
• Grantown-on-Spey  SOS Learning Centre   01479 980338

The deadline for applications are:

• Inverness – Friday 1 June
• Fort William – Friday 8 June
• Thurso – Friday 6 July
• Brora – Friday 13 July
• Alness – Wednesday 1 September
• Grantown-on-Spey – Tuesday 7 September.

For further information contact:
Julie Whiteside, BBC Scotland   ( 0141 338 2254 Julie.whiteside@bbc.co.uk
Alison Bell / Julie Corbett, Highland 2007  ( 01463 702007 Alison.bell@highland.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

• Highland Lives is a digital literacy project in conjunction with BBC Scotland & learndirect Scotland. Jobcentre Plus in Scotland, the Highland Council and the Highland Employer Coalition are also supporting the project.
• At each local workshop a shortlisted group of six will work on video production in three sets of pairs while six will work individually on audio production. The result being nine productions in total.
• Each workshop consists of an introductory evening meeting followed by a one day video and one day audio workshops over a weekend, followed by a one day video and audio editing workshops culminating, a month later, in a local community showcase.
• Participants will prepare a story, film or record their voice-over and receive training in new media technology such as image manipulation and video editing software.