Across every generation, a nation’s spirit finds its voice through art. Paintings, stories, songs, and sculpture have long expressed the hopes, identity, and heart of a people.
This autumn, that living spirit will be celebrated in The Independent Artist Festival, conceived and organised by YES Stones and taking place at the Carsebridge Cultural Campus in Alloa.
The YES Stones movement began with the inspiration of Alison Rollo, an artist and gallery owner from Edinburgh whose creative spark has travelled far and wide. What started as the simple act of painting stones with messages of hope has grown into a nationwide collaboration of artists and supporters, each contributing their own expressions of pride, belonging, and kindness.
Today, Neil Haston and Lynne Dougan are the current guardians of that legacy —coordinating activities, nurturing connections, and helping the project continue to evolve. Their inclusive approach has united communities across Scotland in acts of creativity and care, raising over £9,000 for Scottish charities along the way.
In their current stewardship, Neil and Lynne embody a courageous and compassionate form of leadership, one rooted not in politics, but in people. They have created space for conversation, reflection, and understanding at a time when Scotland, like many nations, is re-examining what unity and identity truly mean. Through their gentle determination, they encourage dialogue that informs, connects, and uplifts, proving that leadership can be both principled and profoundly kind.
This new four-day festival gathers artists from every corner of Scotland — a collective of independent voices sharing what it means to love this land and its people. The programme features art exhibitions, storytelling, music, and conversations around four powerful themes: Freedom, Kinship, Peace, and Creativity. Together, they form a portrait of Scotland that is as heartfelt as it is diverse.
Across the world, art often becomes the mirror of a nation at a particular moment in its story. Whether in times of change or quiet reflection, artists respond to the mood of their people — giving colour and form to shared hopes and questions. For Scotland, this festival arrives at a time when many are asking what independence truly means, not only in politics, but in spirit. What does it mean for a nation to define itself through its creativity, compassion, and imagination?
Resonate Together is honoured to host and be one of the charities supported through this event. It is a privilege to see art being used as a bridge between creativity and community — an expression of love for Scotland in its fullest, most generous form.
The Independent Artist Festival runs from 31 October to 3 November at Carsebridge. Come and experience the art, the stories, and the heart of a nation in motion.
Angela Watt
CEO – Resonate Together
Carsebridge Cultural Campus, Alloa
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