Isola reflects on the idea of the island as an existential condition. The images were photographed at the opposite ends of Europe, in the Western Isles of Scotland and the islands of the Northern Aegean, acknowledging the fact that John’s life is defined, respectively, by his family origins in the Greek island of Chios and the Scottish island of Arran, where he now lives. Resonating with the etymology of the word ‘island’, the series was begun in April -May 2020, in a period of enforced isolation on Arran during the first coronavirus lockdown in the UK. The detachment afforded by living through this period led the artist to begin reflecting on the experience of living between islands and on his own transnational identity as an islander and photographer. This has since led to find parallels between islands at the edges of Europe to the point where, in this work, they merge to become the Island that defines John’s experience and imagination as a European. Entry to our exhibitions is free but it does cost us money to bring them to Dunoon Hall. We would appreciate any donations to help us keep providing our exhibition program in the future.

Alasdair Taylor (1936 – 2007) was born in Edderton in the Highlands of Scotland and studied at the world-famous Glasgow School Art (GSA) from 1955 to 1959. In 1973, writer and artist, Alasdair Gray, wrote that Taylor was as “a lyrical painter: a painter whose colour, like a musician’s sound, makes sombre and radiant feelings without showing (as many painters do and all writers must) details of the social life causing them.” Making and creating was central to Alasdair Taylor’s being. A prolific painter and sculptor, regarded by peers and art critics alike as being touched by genius, Taylor shied away from the commercial side of the art world. This exhibition commemorating what would have been Alasdair’s 90th birthday, presents a remarkable collection of work, ranging from paintings to sculptures and sketchbooks. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through Alasdair Taylor’s artistic evolution, from his early days in art school in the 1950s to his passing in 2007. Entry to our exhibitions is free but it does cost us money to bring them to Dunoon Hall. We would appreciate any donations to help us keep providing our exhibition program in the future.

The Demarco Archive is a comprehensive record of continuous contemporary and collaborative artistic practice from the second half of the 20th century into the present day. This exhibition highlights the seminal work of Joseph Beuys, one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, and his collaborations with Richard Demarco on the Cowal Peninsula. Beuys, a professor at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, was a founding member and lifelong supporter of the German Green Party. His visionary concept of social sculpture sought to integrate art with society and the environment. Beuys’ visits to Argyll, facilitated by Demarco, were part of this mission, with plans to plant 7,000 oak trees as an extension of his groundbreaking work. His ideas on social sculpture have since been widely explored, shared, and developed through artistic practice, pedagogy, activism, and writing. A pivotal figure in Scotland’s cultural landscape, Richard Demarco co-founded the Traverse Theatre and played a key role in shaping the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Through the Richard Demarco Gallery, he introduced artists from across Europe to Scotland, fostering exchanges that profoundly influenced a generation of Scottish artists. This exhibition offers a rare insight into the legacy of Beuys and Demarco—two visionaries who redefined the role of art in society. Entry to our exhibitions is free but it does cost us money to bring them to Dunoon Hall. We would appreciate any donations to help us keep providing our exhibition program in the future.

Language Art, Altered and Handmade Books in Scotland Dunoon MOCA collaboration About Dunoon MOCA: Established in 2022 by artists and curators Kathy Bruce and Alastair Noble, Dunoon MOCA is a small, artist-run gallery dedicated to text-based art, visual poetry, and book arts. In addition to exhibitions, the gallery hosts public events such as poetry readings and book signings, fostering a space for creative dialogue. This collaboration between Dunoon MOCA and Dunoon Burgh Hall offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolving nature of the artist’s book—blurring the lines between literature and visual art, tradition and innovation. Entry to our exhibitions is free but it does cost us money to bring them to Dunoon Hall. We would appreciate any donations to help us keep providing our exhibition program in the future.

Simon Yates of Touching the Void returns to Dunoon Burgh Hall, with his new talk ‘Pleasure and Pain’! ‘Touching the Void’ mountaineer Simon Yates is a veteran of over eighty expeditions to high and remote mountains around the globe. Now in his sixties, he is showing no signs of slowing down! This is his story of the last decade, of new adventures and climbs in the far north and south, along with summits in South America, Central Asia and the Himalayas. In 2023, Simon travelled with legendary British mountaineer Mick Fowler to attempt the unclimbed north face of Patkhor in Tajikistan. Their trip ran smoothly until the first evening on the mountain when they both contracted food poisoning from their freeze-dried food. After some debate, they continued, but this was just the beginning of a series of events that would see them run out of food, retreat below the summit in a storm, and Simon taking a bone-breaking 100m fall during the descent. After two days of lying on the glacier waiting for a helicopter, rescuers finally arrived but were unable to carry Simon down. Somehow, he would need to summon the energy for the painful three-day walk to safety.

Details coming soon!

For reasons outwith his control, Fred had to cancel his 2025 Edinburgh Fringe shows and his Autumn Tour - “Fred MacAulay: No podcast - LIVE”. Now, thankfully, due to reasons completely within his control, he is now preparing to hit the road in 2026 with the 2025 show repackaged and updated and simply called “GOOD EVENING!”. So what happened? Simply put: Fred suffered a freak accident and then an unrelated prostate cancer diagnosis. Is there humour in either of these? In the words of a famous Scotland footballer “Maybes Aye, Maybes Naw”. Now in the fourth decade of his comedy career, Fred MacAulay still loves being on stage doing what he does best...quite simply it's STAND-UP and his appetite for performing is as strong as it was all those years ago when he took a massive side-ways step from a career as an Accountant and Company Secretary into the world of entertainment. A career which has taken him all over the world (apart from South America) (and some other continents) where he has worked in television and radio. But it’s always been and always will be as a stand-up that Fred wants to be remembered. It's because of stand-up that he’s been asked to do all the 'celebrity' things that he’s done. He might talk about some of them, but he's more likely to talk about what is current - having been a guest on the famous Radio 4 News Quiz show for almost 18 years he has some previous in this respect. And as a family man he'll no doubt be talking about the latest stage of that aspect of life...grandchildren. "I can remember the joy of having our kids just after I'd embarked on my career in comedy... what a great source of material they were! I mean, that wasn't the main reason for having kids ... but I hope the same applies to the grandkids!" Fred hates the word ‘celebrity’ yet he’s done Celebrity Mastermind (twice) and Celebrity Masterchef (once) and who can forget his Celebrity Fame Academy for Comic Relief (Answer: hopefully everyone). Asked twice to do ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ Fred said No! “I’m waiting for the Scottish version... “So You Think You’re A Celebrity, Get The Out Of Here!” Asked for a snappy quote for publicity, Fred sent this: “I really hope that a lot of people come out to see this tour. I think it’s the best show I’ve done since the last one.”

Step into Dystopia, where Beldon Haigh, President Blame and the indefatigable Helen Raiser lead a renegade prison-band of traitors, tyrants and delusional demagogues including Touchy Trump, Polonium Putin and the ineffably sequinned and quiffed Kim Jong Elvis. Together, they drag us on a gloriously unhinged journey from darkness into blinding floodlights, from austerity to imaginary abundance, and from fear-ridden obedience to something dangerously resembling hope.

Jazz concert with Lorne Cowieson, trumpet and flugelhorn player of national reputation, who comes to Dunoon with a seven piece band. More details to be confirmed.

SOAP are a multi-award-winning cover band from Dunoon, Scotland. Since forming in late 2015 they have been gigging constantly throughout Scotland with regular slots in their hometown and around Argyll. The band has had notable support slots with the likes of Brownbear, 80’s pop giants ABC and internationally renowned pipe & drum act Clanadonia. The band have performed at well known venues such as the famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, The Clutha Bar in Glasgow , The Bungalow in Paisley and Live in Loch Goil. The band features Kenny McLay (Vocals/Guitar), Callum Newall (Drums), Liam Somerville (Guitar/Vocals), Liam McCabe (Bass) and John Stuart (Keys) In 2018 they created Stay Fresh Music Festival which has raised more than £44k to date and given support to local bands and charities. They were recently longlisted for The Scottish Live Music Awards ‘Festival Of The Year’ This special event is to celebrate a decade of the band, featuring special guest and lots of songs never previously performed, in a setting like you’ve never seen them before. The band are delighted to have support from local musician Zucchini. John them for their big party!

What is Qi Gong? Qi Gong is designed to slow the nervous system down. You will learn the main principles of this ancient practice for restoring balance and harmony between the body and mind. Learn about your energy system and how to recover a calm and focused state of being. Qi-Gong is about the balance of tension versus relaxation and circulating energy in the body. Through practice, you can retrain your brain to release old habits and stored up emotions to recover your natural, balanced state. Master Collette has studied and taught Tai Chi and Qi-Gong for almost twenty years. Each week you will be guided through specific movements and principles that you can use every day. These sessions are accessible for all ages and levels. Collette has kindly asked that session proceeds are made as a donation to Dunoon Burgh Hall – you can book online or pay at the cafe on arrival.

Get ready for a spectacular night of music, charisma, and pureshowmanship as James Frew brings the magic ofRod Stewarttothe theatre stage like never before. With over 12 years of experience and more than 150 performances every year, James has earned his reputation as one of the UKs most sought-after tribute performers. Backed by a sensational live band, he recreates the unmistakable sound, swagger and spirit of Rods greatest hits in a full-scale theatre production thats as close as it getstothe real thing. From the iconic voice and stage presencetothe humour, storytelling and crowd-pleasing charm, this isnt just a tribute its a complete live concert experience. Whether youre a lifelong fan or simply love timeless rock and pop classics, youll be singing, dancing and swept up in the atmosphere from the first note. Dont miss your chance to experience this electrifying show book your tickets now and be part of an unforgettable night of music, memories and feel-good entertainment.

It is the most joyful show I have seen (so far) ...... tells an important story with the lightest of touches and doesnt put a foot wrong The Scotsman Deiseil: Dancing in Time is a powerful exploration of how stepdance, Scotlands percussive dance, was lost... and how its revival became woven into a lifelong friendship. Experience a compelling journey across centuries of tradition told through fiddle, feet, Gaelic song and story, in an immersive performance which draws you in to the heart of our heritage. Deiseil (pronounced jay-shal) means ready in Scottish Gaelic. So be ready for a mesmerising reflection on how issues of culture, identity and connection still resonate through society today. This is groundbreaking new work from award-winning director Gerry Mulgrew (six Fringe Firsts), dancer Alison Carlyle and musician Amy Geddes. The show is a collage of live music, dance, song, spoken word and recorded material. About Deiseil Airson Dannsa Alison Carlyle (dancer) and Amy Geddes (musician)first worked together in 1998 as founding members of pioneering group The Scottish Stepdance Company. Its groundbreaking and critically acclaimed work (seamless interleaving of music and stepdance... powerful percussive force The Irish Times) explored the relationship between music, dance and Gaelic song. Alison Carlylelearnt from Cape Breton dancers as stepdance was reintroduced to Scotland in the mid 1990s, and has been at the forefront of its development here for over twenty years. In 2019, Alison also co-wrote, choreographed and performed Step+, a piece commissioned by Glasgow Cathedral. Amy Geddes plays fiddle and viola, sings and step dances. As a musician & educator, Amy is widely recognised as a leading light in the world of contemporary Scottish Fiddle. As a founder member of Pathhead Music Collective, she was part of the driving force that led to them receiving a coveted Creative Places Award in 2013. She was nominated tutor of the year at the Trad Awards in 2015. All Edinburgh Theatre 5 Stars ★★★★★ Julia Amour Dance, dance, its work to be dancing is the joyful conclusion. The triumphant truth of his credo can be seen in this unique and inspiring piece. Fringe ReviewExciting Work Donald Stewart Vibrant, expressive and filled with joy....This is a brilliant piece of creative art that deserves to go to the far corners of Scotland.

Join us for an epic night of music and mayhem with the marvelous Hugh Reed and the Velvet Underpants, supported by 70's Glam Rock band Electric Wytch. Festival favourites Hugh Reed and the Velvet Underpants have toured with The Fall, Half Man Half Biscuit and supported Mogwai, Simple Minds, Belle and Sebastian and The Alabama 3. They have been firm fan favourites at ButeFest, Doune the Rabbit Hole and Belladrum. Following local TV appearances his band The Velvet Underpants were invited by Deborah Harry of the band Blondie to support her on 11 dates throughout Britain. This culminated in Hugh and Debs doing a live duet of Waiting for the Man, which can be watched on YouTube. Deborah also faxed Lou to tell him about Hugh. Hughs debut album Take a Walk on the Clydeside was released receiving a lot of radio play not just in UK but also throughout, Europe, America and Canada. Hugh describes himself as multi talentless and is seen in a cameo role in the coolest film of the nineties Trainspotting More recently he acted in the Jackie Chan movie 12 Zodiacs as a butler and has also appeared many times on CCTV Chinese TV in many acting roles, living for a time in Beijing, China. Hugh returned to Scotland in 2020, after recording his album Ni fa feng le ma? (R U Crazy? -in Chinese) Hugh Reed will be supported by Dunoon's brand new Glam Rock outfit Electric Wytch, playing Bowie, T. REX and the best of 1970's style Glam Rock n Roll. Hugh Reed and the Velvet Underpants Id rather have a bottle in front of me than a full-frontal lobotomy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXpNtTGVP k (Video location, Temple Bar, Beijing)

Enjoy painting and drawing with like minded people in our weekly drop in sessions which will provide a relaxed atmosphere for beginners and the more experienced. Bring your art materials or borrow some from our supplies. There won’t be a tutor but there will be some help and advice on hand. No need to book – just drop in and stay as long as you like between 11am and 3pm on Thursdays!

The best of Scottish comedy is coming to Dunoon on Friday 29th of May, as Cowal Comedy Club presents a night of top quality stand up in the Burgh Hall. Headlining the show is Stuart McPherson - host of the Some Laugh podcast, star of BBC's Scot Squad and with a multitude of other TV and radio credits to his name as both writer and performer. You'll absolutely love Stuart's brand of comedy, as the reviews can testify: Elegantly crafted, full of ludicrous description and hilariously ratcheted-up. (The Scotsman); 'if you've never seen his stand up, it's time to make that right' (The Times). Opening the show is Chris Rutter, a former BBC New Comedy Award contestant who regularly appears at top comedy clubs such as The Stand and Monkey Barrel Comedy. He was recently chosen by the Stand to be one of their Stand 5 a group of up-and-coming acts who the famous club have chosen to make their debut at the Edinburgh Fringe. Our final act is Shannon Brooke, an Australian comedian who has wound up in Edinburgh - via Berlin! A champion roast battler who is known for storytelling and silliness, Brooke is looking forward to making her Dunoon debut. The host for the evening will be Dunoons own Roddy Gordon, who is resident compere at Blackfriars Comedy Club in Glasgow and was nominated for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award as part of Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2024. The best of Scottish comedy is coming to your doorstep dont miss out, buy a ticket today!

Join Amy and Alison for an exciting Stepdance or Fiddle workshop to explore the fundamentals of this traditional style of dance and music, before our evening performance of Deiseil: Dancing in Time, with Amy Geddes & Alison Carlyle Learn to create rhythms with your feet and to play tunes for this percussive dancing. We will focus on pulse, beat and rhythm, using tunes and steps to explore the fundamentals of music and dance. As well as separate sessions for musicians and dancers, everyone will spend time learning together, creating a deeper understanding of how the dance is part of the music. A joyful exploration of how to talk to each other with our instruments and feet. Workshop 1: 3.30pm - 5pmStepdance: suitable for beginner upwards dancers wear comfortable shoes, hard soles ideal. Adults and accompanied children aged 5 and up welcome Workshop 2: 3.30pm - 5pmPlaying for Stepdance:Fiddle workshop suitable for intermediate to advanced fiddle players Workshops are followed by Amy & Alison's show about stepdance, Deiseil: Dancing in Time, which is on at 7.30pm at Dunoon Burgh Hall, tickets available here.