Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is to feature modern representations of the ancient bardic tradition of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in a unique collaboration with a west coast artist.

As a pilot project, the first five portraits of bards painted by Ullapool based Andrew Ward will be installed on MV Isle of Lewis, the Ullapool/Stornoway ferry, to coincide with the celebration of the Royal National Mod in Stornoway.

The exhibition, which will be based in the ships forward lounge, will be opened by the artist himself who will be accompanied by writer, film maker and art historian Timothy Neat.

Andrew Ward said: “The transmission of culture is as important as the culture itself. The idea behind the paintings is to convey the inspiration and creative force of the Gaelic bards through modern painting, connecting the present day with the pre-Christian Gaidhealtachd. Installing the portraits on the ferry creates a social sculpture - art outside of the gallery for all people. The aim is to generate new insights, to inform and transform – in conversation, work, education and daily life. The ferries are a symbol of movement and change on the surface of the unconscious, the sea. The bards are a living tradition rooted deep in our past, deep in our unconscious. They have always been and still are a voice for the people, describing who we are and where we come from.”

Caledonian MacBrayne’s Head of Communication and Customer Care Hugh Dan MacLennan said: “The company has a splendid tradition of involving itself with the environment in which it operates and also the various cultural strands from Ardrossan to Stornoway. We are delighted that we are in a position to mark the Royal National Mod’s presence in the Outer Hebrides through the display of Andrew’s work and we await with interest feedback on his interpretation of the work of some of our most famous bards.”

The official opening of the display of Andrew ward’s work will be held on Wednesday, October 19, on the Stornoway ferry leaving Ullapool at 10.30 and returning at 16.30. The work will remain on display on MV Isle of Lewis for a number of weeks.

The Wednesday morning sailing will be accompanied by music and bardachd.

Sponsored by Tomatin Distillery and Art Intervention, with the support of Caledonian MacBrayne.