Tartan Day Scotland Searches For The 'Voice of Scotland'

Issued: 25 March 2008

Organisers of Tartan Day Scotland, a week-long programme of events celebrating the best of Scotland and commemorating the Declaration of Arbroath on 6^th April, 1320, are looking for a Scot to become the 'Voice of Scotland'.

In association with the producers of The Arbroath Suite, written by Scots fiddler and composer Laura McGhee, Tartan Day Scotland is conducting a nationwide search for a Scot to recite a paragraph of the Declaration as part of the show, which will premiere at the WebsterTheatre, Arbroath on 5^th April and at Oran Mor in Glasgow on 6^th April.

The Declaration of Arbroath is considered to be one of the most important documents in Scottish history, confirming Scotland's democracy almost 700 years ago.The Arbroath Suite features a rendition of the immortal words (below) to be recited over the artist's 'Declaration' item which forms the centre-piece of the show tracing Scotland's music at home and abroad.

"Is it in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself".

Composer Laura McGhee said: "We feel it would be in keeping with the spirit of the evening that a Scot was given the opportunity to recite the words from the Declaration of Arbroath, to remind us all that every single Scot has a voice which should be heard.Even in a time of 24-hour media and sound bites, the voice of the people still counts".

Applicants should record and send MP3s to absuite@yahoo.co.uk together with contact details including age, home town and reason for applying to be the 'Voice of Scotland'.