The second Neil Gunn Lecture will take place on Friday the 3rd October in the vastly improved and refurbished Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. The Trust has been very fortunate that Lesley Riddoch, broadcaster extraordinaire and writer, has agreed to give the second lecture. The following is an indication of the direction the Lecture will take:

"Broadcaster, author and wind energy supporter Lesley Riddoch asks if the legacy of powerful writers like Neil Gunn is being used to open or close debate about the future of development in the Highlands and Islands. Currently a proposal to site 23 turbines in Dunbeath Strath, Gunn's birthplace and the venue for his famous novel 'Highland River', is dividing local opinion. Using insights gained on the Western Isles for the BBC Radio series and book 'Riddoch; on the Outer Hebrides' and from childhood summer holidays in her mum's native Wick, Lesley will try to reconcile strongly held views about the role of wilderness and wind energy in modern Highland lives."

Ann Yule (convenor) and Colin Ferguson (trustee) have had several meetings with Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport officials to organise the next Neil Gunn Writing Competition. This will be the 10th Competition since its inception in 1988. Details have not as yet been finalised, but the Launch of the Competition is at present planned for the autumn of 2008 with the Prize Giving in June 2009 - the year of 'Homecoming Scotland'. More precise details will appear on this website when arrangements are finalised.