Ullapool arts project inspires chain reaction in battle against coronavirus; An Talla Solais initiative brings Wester Ross community together

A SMALL arts project originally set up to help people living with dementia has grown to become a symbol of hope uniting a Ross-shire community facing one of its biggest challenges in generations.

A paper chain project giving people living in isolation during the coronavirus lockdown something creative to do could now spawn a unique piece of public art to be pieced together once the crisis is over.

It started life at the An Talla Solais community art gallery in Ullapool as a project for the Dolphin group which was set up to offer an outlet for people living with dementia.

Peter Haring, director and chairman of An Talla Solais, said: "Five years ago dementia seemed to be a huge issue and we wondered if there was anything we could do as a community based arts centre."

Starting weekly sessions the project quickly grew under Anne-Marie Quinn, Dolphin Project coordinator.

Hailing her work, Mr Haring said: "We think it has made a big difference to the people taking part and also gives respite to carers who can sometimes carry a really heavy burden. By the number of people involved, I personally think it has been a fantastic thing."

He said: "When coronavirus happened we were thinking about what we could do. We didn't want to let people down who were coming to these sessions."

The idea of taking the project online saw the wider community start to get involved and so the idea of a paper chain – which may be linked once the crisis is over – began.

Mr Haring added: "Loads of people have said it's nice to have something to do. Every week we will change the theme. So we have had Angels in the North and puppets and rag dolls. It's nice and simple and innocent and it's reaching lots of people. What we are thinking is that we can have an exhibition when it is over. The challenge is getting through this to some sort of normality."

A weekly activity is posted on social media and through an email which people can sign up to.

Anne -Marie Quinn told participants: "Once we are all able to be out and about again we hope to gather your artworks and celebrate what has happened behind closed doors. In the meantime we are wishing you well, whatever this time is bringing you. One day we hope our paperchains might meet each other!"

Find out more at www.antallasolais.org/paperchain

What have you been doing during the lockdown? Share pictures and stories by emailing hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk

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