The seventh 5 Latha was held between 2-7 April at the Gearrannan Blackhouses, Isle of Lewis with 12 participants taking part in a wide choice of activities, all delivered through the medium of Gaelic.
The group visited Harris Tweed weaver Rebecca Hutton, in Northton, Isle of Harris, where they learned about the industry and how her business works at each stage; design, manufacturing and selling. The participants had the opportunity to use some of Rebecca’s tweeds as part of craft activities where they made a variety of cushions, hearts, keyrings and pouches for music equipment.
On Wednesday the group visited Donald Macsween, Air an Lot, in Ness. They worked on a variety of crofting tasks, including preparing the barn for the imminent spell of lambing, and had the opportunity to meet 9 two-day old piglets.
Each day Norrie Maciver (Skipinnish) and Ian Smith (Trail West) lead music and song workshops with the group and they learned a number of pieces related to the subjects that are part of the fèis week.
As the end of the week approached, the participants went on a trip out of Miavig, Uig with Seatrek. They saw a number of different seabirds and were able to land on Pabbay and walk around the island learning about the history of the local area.
Fèisean nan Gàidheal Development Manager Calum Alex Macmillan said, “It has been an excellent week at the Gearrannan Blackhouses, the seventh time we have held 5 Latha. The aim of the week is to provide participants with an opportunity to live in a Gaelic speaking community where they have to opportunity to use and develop their language skills through a number of activitities which are lead by a number of talented individuals. We are indebted to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for the funding support that allows us to organise 5 Latha and also to the Carloway community who give us such a warm welcome each year.
The annual 5 Latha cèilidh was held in the Carloway Community hall on Thursday 5thApril with over 90 in attendance with performances from participants, tutors, supervisors and members of the local community.
5 Latha 2019 will be held between 8-13 April.
