The late Charles Kennedy was a man passionate about Fort William and Lochaber. His untimely death, earlier this year, rocked not only politicians of all parties, but those who knew him and those who didn’t but admired the tough stance he often took in parliament.
So it’s only fitting that his work has been recognised by the community to which he was so close, with a new annual lecture being dedicated to him. On Friday, November 20, Jim Wallace, Baron Wallace of Tankerness, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords, will give the inaugural Charles Kennedy Memorial Lecture during Lochaber Ideas Week 2015.
The lecture entitled A Highland Style of Politics: How Charles Kennedy’s Highland heritage shaped him, his politics and his life, will take place at the West Highland College UHI, Fort William, between 5pm and 7pm, and will debate whether or not the residents of Lochaber draw on the influence of a Highland culture and, if they do, what this brings to them, as people, as a workforce and as politicians. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception, with an informal business and political networking session.
Willie Rennie, MSP, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: “It is wonderful that Lochaber Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead by organising this lecture to remember Charles Kennedy. I know that Charles greatly valued the good relationship with the chamber.
“Charles leaves a lasting legacy for the Highlands with his work, especially on vital transport links, and also a lasting legacy for the nation with his opposition to the Iraq War, his pro-European stance and his voice against independence.
“His impact on the nature of our politics with his affable and respectful style will be missed. Jim Wallace, our former deputy first minister and now Liberal Democrat leader in the House of Lords, will deliver a fascinating lecture.”
Anne Widdop, vice-chairwoman of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, who is organising Ideas Week, said: “We felt it was a fitting and lasting tribute to Charles Kennedy to establish an annual lecture. I would like to think he would have approved and be delighted that his legacy is celebrated with a lecture and debate and that this is hosted in Lochaber – a place he was passionate about and worked tirelessly for.”
Lochaber Ideas Week runs from November 16-21. It is an annual event that celebrates business, education and community in the region. It runs in parallel with Global Entrepreneurship Week and Scotland’s Towns Week. There will be a number of educational workshops, competitions, discussions, inspirational talks and networking opportunities.
Highlights include an opportunity to learn more about 21st-century crafts when top designer Corrine O’Hagan reveals more about making her distinctive handmade teddy bears and cloth dolls, a Dragons’ Den-style evening, Dragons’ Glen on Thursday, November 19, when local entrepreneurs pitch to four dragons for a chance to win £7,500, and a glitzy dinner on Friday, November 20, at which the guest speaker will be designer and professional golfer Christian Macleod.
For the full programme and further information, visit www.lochaberchamber.co.uk/ partners/lochaber-ideas-week-2015. All events are ticketed, with a range of pricing including many FREE tickets. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/ worldwide/lochaber-ideas-week