HELENSBURGH'S Hermitage Park will be lit up next week to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of St Columba.

The park's pavilion and locations around the park will be illuminated by projections and lights featuring artwork and sounds that explore the life and cultural legacy of St Colmcille as part of the Year of Colmcille, 1500.

Four other locations across Argyll and Bute - McCaig's Tower in Oban, The Queen’s Hall in Dunoon, near the Egg Shed in Ardrishaig, and at a site still to be revealed on the Isle of Bute - will also be lit up at 7pm on Tuesday, December 7, with artists in Northern Ireland also holding events on the same evening.

Eleven artists in total have received funding from Duais Dìleab Chaluim Chille/The Colmcille Legacy Award - a national scheme hosted by the Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS) in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Argyll and Bute Council.

Illuminations will mark the birth date of St Colmcille on December 7, 521 AD, and celebrate the artistic achievements of all of those supported by The Colmcille Legacy Award.

Jo McLean, chair of CHARTS Argyll and Isles, said: “The Colmcille Legacy Award Scheme in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the council has produced tremendous results and we are delighted to be able to highlight the achievements of Gaelic artists and Gaelic partnerships through Illuminations alongside Colmcille 1500 participants in Northern Ireland.”

Councillor Robin Currie, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, added: “Gaelic is fundamental in the history of Argyll and Bute and we are committed to promoting it and the many notable St Columba Trail sites in the area.

"It’s fantastic to see so many Gaelic artists represented through the Colmcille Legacy Award.”