20 January 2011, Starts: 16:30, Ends: 18:30

The Moray Firth as a region for historical study

Talk by Dr David Worthington, UHI Centre for History

UHI Executive Office, Inverness, or via videoconference

Description:

Fernand Braudel wrote at the outset of his epic work on the Mediterranean that "an historical study centred on a stretch of water has all the charms but undoubtedly all the dangers of a new departure". The work in question is considered today, however, to have been one of the major contributions to history written in the twentieth century. To what extend might it be possible to adapt Braudel's approach, bring it into line with current writing on regional histories and into a Scottish context, and initiate a research, conference and publication project on the history of the communities living around the Moray Firth? The coastline and hinterland from Wick to Kinnaird Head has occasionally been the primary focus of historical study, for instance, in the 1994 work of Iain Hustwick. However, more comprehensive work is surely overdue. This lecture will seek to outline some potential "charms" and "dangers" in pursuing such a project in 2011. Dr David Worthington will present his free lecture on 20 January from 4.30 to 6.30. The event will be video-conferenced and links are available across the partnership. To book a place or enquire about the possibility of v/c links in your area, please contact Paul Ellison on 01463 279344 - paul.ellison@uhi.ac.uk