The collapse of the open coast coaling industry in East Ayrshire profoundly altered the lives of those that depended on it, and left behind a deeply scarred landscape. Compose the Environment was a ground-breaking musical project seeking to re-engage Coalfield communities with the regeneration of the land that surrounds them through the power of music.
Over an eight-week period, Compose The Environment brought together pupils from Lochnorris Primary School with Sir James MacMillan and music education specialist Naheed Cruickshank to play and develop new music that forges connections to the landscape that surrounds them. The initiative culminated with pupils playing the music they composed - joined by a trio of professional musicians including violinist Gordon Bragg, cellist Christian Elliott, and flautist Lee Holland - in a special performance at Barony Hall.
The project was a collaboration with the Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership, and was supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.
