Carrying Stream Festival
Edinburgh
11th to 18th November 2026
Follow this link for the full list of events.
Hamish Henderson - An Artist's InspirationCarrying Stream Festival/Fèill Sruth an Eòlais 2026(Sun 15 Nov: 2pm)
In this new film, artist Charles Nasmyth looks at the man behind the legend and asks who was he, really? Why was he inspired to paint his portrait?
Perthshire-born Hamish Henderson was a colourful character. Multi-talented, he was the only British soldier well enough versed in Italian to take the surrender of the fascist armies in Italy in 1944. He also helped Jewish children to escape Nazi Berlin. He went on to help found the School of Scottish Studies and recorded hundreds of songs and ballads from rural Scotland, preserving them for posterity.
Growing up under influences
from all shades of society left Hamish free to navigate
Britain’s class-based culture without feeling out of
place in any company. Paradoxically, he didn't let his
socialist internationalism stand in the way of a
passionate belief in self-determination for Scotland. He
didn't raise Scotland above its merits, but valued the
country for what it really is. In this film, Fife artist
Charles Nasmyth meets many of Hamish's friends and
collaborators and explains why he felt so strongly that
Hamish should be commemorated in a painting.
Share with friendsVenueNetherbow TheatreScottish Storytelling Centre43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR |
Book your tickets for this event at this link.  Quote from Wullie Hershaw from the film, included in this trailer; "You know, the carrying stream, if it dries up, it becomes a stagnant pool." Edinburgh Song Session Note that there is an overlap between the end of this event and the beginning of the Edinburgh Song Session. If you want to enjoy both, you are strongly encouraged to stay for the whole film, and for any discussion there is afterwards, before making your way down to the Canons' Gait - it's only about 150 metres. The song session is easygoing about people coming and going, and has been given an extension, allowing it to carry on for a while after its normal 6pm finish. |
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Carrying Stream Festival is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1742246890452045
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Page last updated Thursday 29 October 2026