New 'Our Freedom: Then and Now' exhibition and 'Oor Freedom Song' comes to The McKechnie Institute
To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a new exhibition opened on Saturday 29 November at the McKechnie Institute in Girvan, as part of the 'Our Freedom: Then and Now' programme.
The programme, led by Future Arts Centres, aims to encourage communities to reflect upon the end of the Second World War, whilst exploring the key concept of freedom. The initiative is supported by the UK Government through Arts Council England, and in partnership with Libraries Connected.
To support the overarching programme, South Ayrshire Council's Destination South Ayrshire team has worked alongside pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School, local writer and performer, Simon Lamb, musician Davie Hunter, and Lorna and Ritchie Conaghan of the Girvan and District Great War Project to deliver a poignant exhibition to commemorate the war.
The exhibition hosts an array of emotive material including an inspiring 'Untold Stories' project, led by The Girvan and District Great War Project. Pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School designed the artwork which is on display, in addition to composing a heartfelt and uplifting song with the support of Davie Hunter, titled 'Oor Freedom Song'. The song and an accompanying music video, produced by The Iris, also features within this unique exhibition.
The exhibition will be open to the public until Saturday 14 February 2026.
South Ayrshire Council's Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "To be able to mark the 80th Anniversaries of VE and VJ Day in this manner is an honour for South Ayrshire Council and I'm delighted that the Girvan community has played such a pivotal role.
Councillor Clark, whose portfolio includes museums and cultural services, continued: "I'd like to thank everyone involved for the tireless work and dedication that has gone into developing such a poignant exhibition, which I have no doubt will be a fitting tribute to those who fought and sacrificed themselves during the Second World War.
"I would encourage everyone to visit the exhibition at the McKechnie Institute, which will host a wealth of stories of our local history."
South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor William Grant, said: "The Second World War impacted every part of Scotland, resulting in many of us having a connection to the war in some way. As a result, it's important for us all to understand the significance of the 80th Anniversaries of both VE and VJ Day and I'm proud that our young pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School have been supported and encouraged to be involved in such a special occasion. To produce a song is a lasting memory which I am sure will play a part in the curriculum for years to come."
More information about the exhibition and opening times for the McKechnie Institute in Girvan can be found here: https://destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/whats-on/our-freedom-song-and-exhibition/
You can also find out more about the Our Freedom: Then and Now programme at: https://ourfreedom.org.uk/
