Celebrate spring with free events at St Cyrus this May

To start off, the picturesque Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) reserve is hosting the opening of the Arthoos local art exhibition on Sunday, 7 May. The opening will also include music and refreshments. Arthoos is a group of artists, writers, poets, musicians, and designers, set up to share what they create with each other and the public. The exhibition takes place from 10am to 4pm.

Theresa Alampo, SNH’s St Cyrus reserve manager, commented:

“We’re really excited about all the wonderful events at St Cyrus this May. They’re something new and different for the reserve – and they’re all free! We hope plenty of people will come out and join in, inspired by all the wonderful art, as well as to enjoy the beauty of the reserve.”

There are many more free events throughout the week, including:

Tuesday, 9 May from 10 am-4pm – Art Exhibition
No booking required. Drop in event. All ages.

Wednesday, 10 May from 2-4pm – Drawing workshop
Local artist Susan A Wilson leads a workshop looking at perspective, still life, figurative and abstract drawing. Booking required. For ages 16 and above.

Thursday, 11 May from 2-4pm – Glass painting workshop
Local artist Helen Frances Graham leads a workshop on glass painting. Join her to create a beautiful painted glass object to take home. Booking required. Suitable for age 16 and above.

Friday, 12 May from 10am-2pm – Textural art workshop
Local artist Sheila Moir leads a workshop on textured art works, imaginatively using different materials to create eye-catching pieces. Booking required. For ages 16 and above.

Saturday, 13 May from 12:30-1:30pm – Tai Chi
Local artist and Tai Chi instructor Jamie Stuart leads a beginners’ session of Tai Chi. Booking required. All ages.

Saturday, 13 May from 2-4pm – Glass painting workshop
Local artist Helen Frances Graham leads a workshop on glass painting. Join her to create a beautiful painted glass object to take home. Booking required. For ages 16 and above.

Sunday, 14 May from 10-11am – Tai Chi followed by Art Therapy (book one or both)
Local artist and Tai Chi instructor Jamie Stuart leads a beginners’ session of Tai Chi. Booking required. All ages.

Sunday, 14 May at 11:30am-3pm – Art Therapy, Coastal connections
A unique opportunity to reflect and connect with nature, other people and the different parts of ourselves. Facilitated by art therapist, Alison Wren. No prior experience or skill in art required. Booking required. For ages 16 and above.

For more information or to reserve spaces at events, call the reserve office on 01674 830736. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. All events take place at the St Cyrus Visitor Centre.

St Cyrus reserve is one of the most picturesque sections of coastline in north-east Scotland. It boasts the magnificent sandy sweep of Montrose Bay, towering volcanic cliffs, yellow dunes, and a spectacular wildflower meadow that supports a number of rare plants and insects.

ENDS

MEDIA QUERIES

For more information, contact SNH press & public relation officer, Dominic Shann on 01463 725 157 or dominic.shann@snh.gov.uk (Fri & Mon) or the main Inverness press office on 01463 725 022.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

To reach St Cyrus from Montrose, head five miles north on the A92 coastal road. St Cyrus NNR is signposted on the right, immediately before the Northwater Bridge over the River Esk. Follow the single track road for 1.5 miles to the car park and visitor centre. The nearest bus stop is in St Cyrus (1.5 miles) on the Aberdeen - Montrose bus route.

St Cyrus is one of more than 50 national nature reserves in Scotland. These are special places that look after some of the best of Scotland’s nature on behalf of everyone who lives or visits Scotland, and they provide unique opportunities to visit, enjoy and learn more about Scotland’s nature. For more information, see www.nnr-scotland.org.uk