Molly Fisher’s take on long-distance nationalism in Coatbridge is on display at the ENU Degree Show
An Edinburgh Napier University student hopes she can bring her photography exhibition to her home town, after using it as inspiration for her work.
Molly Fisher’s project, The 33rd County, explores Irish diaspora and long-distance nationalism within the Lanarkshire town of Coatbridge – which is widely known for its historic links with Ireland.
Her images of locals expressing their Irish heritage are on display, alongside work from her fellow BA Photography students, as part of Edinburgh Napier University’s 2026 Degree Show.
The 23-year-old says studying in Edinburgh led her to see the cultural rituals she’d grown up with in a new light.
Molly said: “My style is documentary photography, working with people to tell their stories. I really enjoy getting to see into their world.
“In second year I did a study on football fans, then last year I did a project about an Irish dancer. When I came to do my final project, I realised that a lot of my themes overlap – that I had been reflecting experiences of growing up in my hometown.
“There were so many things that I only realised since I've been in Edinburgh aren't as normal as I assumed.
“I thought maybe there's something interesting here that I could dive into further.
“This project made me see Coatbridge in a different light, realising that it isn't the norm. I found myself looking for the strange little things that you maybe didn't notice before. I had to take a step back.
“I think it’s given me an admiration for people in the town, that people feel so strongly about their heritage.”
Molly’s final display, which is on show at ENU’s Merchiston campus between 29 May and 5 June, includes a custom-made book.
In it, a foreword written by local writer Des Dillon refers to a ‘cultural time capsule’ in Coatbridge, where people preserve ‘a version of Ireland that no longer exists’.
The images show individual and group expressions of Irish heritage, alongside reminders of Coatbridge’s post-industrial legacy of iron works and coal mining.
Molly hopes she can put her work on display in the town in future, to thank those who took part in her project.
She added: “People feel so strongly about their culture that they want to let you in and tell you their stories. They're often happy that someone is interested and cares.
“I got myself into things that were happening that I didn't know about. For example, there's an Irish music group that I didn't know about who play in my local hall.
“I found myself sitting in the corner of the room thinking I can't believe this is what I’m getting to do!
“I'm hoping that I can put on an exhibition in Coatbridge so that people can see it. I wouldn't have been able to make it work unless people had let me in, so I would like them to be able to come and have a look.”
You can find out more about the 2026 Edinburgh Napier University Degree Show, hosted by its School of Arts & Creative Industries, here.