A GROUP of asylum seekers and refugees visited a Scottish national park to help with inspiration for a concert with Gaelic folk rock group DLÙ in March.
Members of The Glasgow Barons visited Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park on Tuesday to learn about the impact of the climate emergency, Scottish identity and the benefits of connecting with nature.
The group is made up of people from countries including Ukraine and Iran who had little experience outwith Glasgow since arriving in Scotland.
Rangers guided the group along forest trails from Balmaha, demonstrating the importance of Scotland’s rainforests for nature and climate while capturing sounds and colours of their environment for inspiration.
Artistic director of The Glasgow Barons Paul MacAlindin said: “Musicians in Exile have been sharing their musical voices across Scotland’s communities over five years and sang about our climate crisis at COP26.
“Now, for the first time, we’re connecting directly with Scotland’s natural heritage to see, first hand, how the world is changing on our doorstep.”
Chief executive of the national park Gordon Watson added: “It is always hugely rewarding to see people enjoying, valuing and helping us look after the national park, and particularly in this instance where it’s something the group haven’t had a chance to experience before.
“Removing barriers to help people from all backgrounds to connect with nature within the National Park is a key objective in our National Park Partnership Plan.
“Seeing this group reap the benefits, while also helping them to talk about the impact of the climate emergency on nature with their community, has been a brilliant project to be involved in.”
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Since 2018, Glasgow Barons has seen more than 60 musicians take part in the Musicians in Exile community project.
The forthcoming performance, inspired by their visit to the national park, will take place on March 16 at 7.30pm as part of the Govan Music Festival.
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