Scotland's Islands grow with branding by Redpath
Following a four-way credentials pitch, Edinburgh-based Redpath was appointed in early July to create a new branding mark and guidelines for a major initiative to showcase the "diverse and vibrant cultures" of Scotland’s island communities.
Aiming to address both social and economic objectives – and build from Highland 2007 and Homecoming 2009 – Scotland’s Islands has been developed through a partnership of the six local authorities with island communities – Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles, Highland, Argyll and North Ayrshire.
Between Spring 2011 and Spring 2012, the initiative will celebrate island cultures locally, bring new people and events to the islands, and take the best of the islands to the mainland and beyond.
The resulting mark seeks to celebrate both what distinguishes each island – and what brings them together. “With such a range of cultural influences and communities to represent” says Iain Lauder, creative director “it was obvious that we needed to use abstract colour and shape to convey their breadth and diversity. What connects them all is the fact that while they are all unique island communities, they are all also Scotland’s islands in the broadest sense.”
A suite of branding Guidelines has been developed for use by those taking part in the initiative, both on the islands and further afield.
“We’ve been delighted by the creativity, understanding, speed and professionalism with which Redpath have worked – and look forward to working with it – and them – as the project rolls out,” said Lisa MacLean, project officer, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Scotland’s Islands is a collaborative initiative supported by the European Regional Development Fund and other partners whose programme will include area funds to support a range of events, festivals and cultural activity within and across island groups; an Awards for All programme for projects by island groups; a programme of flagship events and a strong cultural programme throughout 2011/12.
Scotland’s Islands also aims to generate a major tourism impact.