Book fest reminds Iowans of Scottish heritage

IOWA CITY - From Celtic music and culture clubs to how the town of Waverly got its name, Iowa has plenty of connections to Scottish culture.

With Scotland dominating headlines with its recent vote on independence, University of Iowa English Department lecturer Anne Stapleton says this is a good time to highlight those connections.

'This has been such a remarkable period in world history and global politics because of the focus on Scotland with the referendum,” she said. 'A celebration of Scottish culture seemed in order.”

Several events this week in conjunction with the Iowa Book Festival will do just that.

Alan Riach, professor of Scottish literature at the University of Glasgow, will visit UI as an Ida Beam Visiting Professor. Riach was an active participant in the debates around Scottish independence, both on BBC Radio and in print. He will give free lectures in Iowa City this week.

'He talks about the arts of resistance and the arts of independence,” Stapleton said. 'He talks about why the arts and culture of Scotland matter, and the ways in which music, literature and arts make individuals and cultures unique.”

The week will culminate with a celebration of the legacy of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, who published the popular 19th century Waverley novels.

Towns named for the books are peppered around the Midwest, including Iowa.

In recognition of the bicentennial of 'Waverley,” the first of the novels, a celebration of literature, music and dance will take place Sunday at The Englert Theatre, complete with live performances of Scottish fiddling, bagpipes and highland dance.

Performers include local Scottish culture club H.A.G.G.I.S. (Hawkeye Area Grand Gaelic Isles Society) and Jeremy Kittel, master Scottish fiddler from New York City, and award-winning professional Scottish bagpiper Robert Gray. Also a physician, Gray is studying macular degeneration at UI.

'We'd just like to showcase Scottish literature and art and Iowa's fascinating connections with them,” Stapleton said.

If you go

‘Why Scottish Literature Matters'

'What: Lecture

'When: 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday

'Where: 304 English-Philosophy Building, University of Iowa

'Cost: Free

‘Reflections on Scottish Literature, Nationalism, and the Recent Referendum and Elections'

'What: Literary and musical performance

'When: noon to 1:15 p.m. Thursday

'Where: Congregational Church, 30 N. Clinton St., Iowa City

'Register at: http://icfrc.org. Registration preferred; walk-ins also welcome.

'Cost: $14 for lunch for non-members; free if not eating

‘Scottish Poetry and Paintings: Politics and the Arts of Resistance'

'What: Lecture

'When: 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Thursday

'Where: 304 English-Philosophy Building, University of Iowa

'Cost: Free

‘Celebrating Sir Walter Scott's Legacy in Iowa'

'What: Literary and musical performance

'When: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday

'Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City

'Cost: Free