Discover the story of a highland community by reconstructing the past through the objects they left behind.

Join Professor Hugh Cheape, Senior Lecturer at the University of the Highlands and Islands, for a historical deep dive into the life of a West Highland community.

By looking closely at objects that were left behind by past generations, hear how the story of a highland community can be pieced together. From simple hand tools to larger pieces of equipment that were hidden away in dark corners, these everyday items give us fascinating insights into how people once lived, worked and supported one another in a world without any power or electricity.

These items paint a picture of the seasonal tasks and patterns of highland community life that are all but forgotten. Conserving and making sense of these items offers a homage to the past generations of Gaelic speakers without a written history.

Important points to note

This event is suitable for age 16+

Event format: This event is a talk and will involve some speakers sharing talking followed by a Q&A. There may be some interactive parts of the event but you can just sit back and enjoy listening.

Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.

SPEAKER

Professor Hugh Cheape

Senior Lecturer, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, University of the Highlands and Islands

Hugh teaches a postgraduate programme, MSc Cultar Dùthchasach agus Eachdraidh na Gàidhealtachd (‘Material Culture and Gàidhealtachd History’), at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. He holds a Research Chair in the University of the Highlands and Islands. The MSc derives from a career in the National Museums of Scotland where he worked in the field of Scottish Ethnology.

His interest lies in building a multidisciplinary research environment tor our students and with subject matter which has public appeal. Hugh’s principal focus is postgraduate provision through the medium of Scottish Gaelic. The MSc programme and doctoral teaching draw on the ‘tangible’ and ‘intangible’ cultural heritage within a disciplined intellectual framework to offer fresh insights into social and physical environments as well as into beliefs, memory and liminal space.

CHAIR

Iagan MacNeil

Head of Communications, RSE

Iagan joined the RSE in September 2022 as Head of Communications having previously worked for a variety of organisations mainly in the public or not-for-profit sectors. His department oversees the Fellowship team, as well as, RSE’s marketing, social media, media relations, and internal communications. A former journalist, his experience has mainly been in media relations and public affairs for organisations such as Smart Energy GB, Historic Scotland, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, VisitScotland, and Digital UK.

He is a fluent Gaelic speaker from the Hebrides and a Trustee with the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust which supports youth music education across Scotland. Iagan has also presented some general interest walking series for BBC Alba.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 5 − Sunday 13 September 2026!

Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self! With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.

You can check out the full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact curious@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website.

Step-free access: Ramped access for visitors is available via 26 George Street through Lakeland. Upon arrival, please call 0131 240 5000 and a member of staff will meet you and guide you to the event. Please note that the entrance ramp has a steep gradient (1:12).

Smaller lift: This event is on the first floor and the lift’s door has a width of 69cm and a depth of 104cm. This may not be suitable for some wheelchairs. You can find further details and images of the lift on our website.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

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Description supplied by the event organiser.