Hebridean emigration project and opera group among those to share £1.2m funding
The incredible story of the Metagama, a ship whose journey changed the face of the Outer Hebrides forever, is being retold
A national tour of a project marking the mass emigration from the Hebrides to Canada and an organisation dedicated to breaking down the barrier of opera are among initiatives throughout Scotland to share over £1.2 million in new funding.
The latest round of Open Fund awards from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland will also include Aberdeen Science Centre ‘s Fashion the Future, a new public engagement programme exploring where fashion, technology and creativity meet.
The Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey project was created in 2023 to mark the centenary of mass emigration to Canada from the Hebrides, when nearly 1,500 young people left the islands onboard ships SS Metagama, Marloch and Canada.
Blending newly composed songs and instrumental music from the Metagama Ensemble, along with traditional Gaelic song, evocative narration and striking projected archive photographs and artwork, the performance transports audiences across oceans and decades from the vast Canadian landscapes, to the bustle of 1920s Detroit and the era of Prohibition.
It is now to tour Scotland, alongside offering workshops for schools and community groups.
Liza Mulholland, producer and performer at Metagama Ensemble said: “We are thrilled that Stoneyport have received this new support from Creative Scotland, enabling the Ensemble to undertake a new two-week tour in March 2026. This tour will include locations from Argyll to the Highlands and Islands and enables us to share this important story in Hebridean history with a much wider audience.”
Meanwhile, Paisley Opera is connecting with the Scottish Opera Orchestra, community group right2dance and choruses from three local primary schools to bring their innovative reimaging of Bizet’s Carmen to the heart of Scotland’s largest town.
Set in 1960s Renfrewshire against the industrial backdrop of the Ferguslie Thread Mills, Paisley Opera’s production introduces a modern element to the 19th century work.
Simon Hannigan, artistic director at Paisley Opera, said: “This production would not be possible without help from the Open Fund. Paisley Opera has been referred to by many of our members as a life-changing experience. Carmen is our latest and most ambitious project to date involving more people than ever and giving them all the chance to experience great live music drama first hand.”
Other awards spanning artform and location in this round include: Refugee Festival Scotland: 2026 Arts Programme; Perth Festival of the Arts 2026 and Rutherglen 900: Striding the Streets, celebrating the 900-year anniversary of Rutherglen being granted Royal Burgh status.
Paul Burns, interim director of arts at Creative Scotland said: “This collection of awards demonstrates the power of collaboration across art forms and cultures in Scotland.
“Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, audiences will have the chance to access the arts in their local communities, gain hands-on experience in the world of fashion and learn more about Scotland’s rich history through music and performance.”
The Open Fund is one of Creative Scotland’s key funding routes, supporting the wide range of activity initiated by artists, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland
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