On the very day that the least predictable-ever General Election campaign gets going, Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle, Islay’s Gaelic Centre, will host a unique Islay coalition. Yesterday, the 30th of March, marked the dissolution of the UK Parliament and the official start of the election campaign, but for one evening alone political arguments were suspended. Titled Islay 3X8, the photographic exhibition showcases the work of Islay Studio’s professional awardwinning photographer Mark Unsworth, along with photos by Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell and former NATO Secretary General, Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen.

The fish quay at Rhuvaal. Photo by Mark Unsworth (islaystudios.co.uk)

Each photographer has eight pictures of Islay displayed in this exhibition, which was last year on display and widely admired in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. The twenty-four images of Islay, as seen through these three different sets of eyes, show the stunning diversity and beauty of the island and its folk. The idea came from Mark Unsworth, who thought it would be a good idea to team up with the political rivals, both keen amateur snappers, in an exercise to promote the wonders of Islay. Both politicians were immediately ready to picture and promote the Queen of the Hebrides.

Kilchoman Distillery has generously supported the exhibition, which was launched during a reception on Monday 30 March at ICCI, the Gaelic Centre in Bowmore, where around 100 folk attended the official opening. The exhibition itself will run from today, the 31st of March, till 13 April 2015 at ICCI Bowmore, during regular opening hours.

Tag: photography exhibition