Fèisean nan Gàidheal is delighted to have had a very busy Summer with fèisean and community events happening across Scotland. In the first week of the holidays there were fèisean taking place at Fèis Chataibh (Sutherland), Fèis Eilean Na Hearadh (Harris), Fèis na h-Òige (Inverness), Fèis Thiriodh (Tiree), Fèis Tìr an Eòrna (North Uist) and Fèis Eige (Eigg). In the second week, between the 10th and the 14th of July there were fèisean at Fèis Bharraigh (Barra), Fèis nan Garbh Chrìochan (Ardnamurchan) and Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain (South Uist). Following on from that fèisean took place at Fèis air an Oir (Bettyhill), Fèis Phàislig (Paisley), Fèis Eilean an Fhraoich (Stornoway), Fèis Thròndairnis (Trotternish) and Fèis Arainn (Arran). Between the 31st of July and the 4th of August there were fèisean at Fèis an Rubha (Point), Fèis Lannraig a Tuath (Cumbernauld) and Fèis Lochabair (Fort William).
After a few quiet years of Covid regulations putting a stop to many fèis events, we are really happy to see the Fèisean growing again with really high numbers of participants. After a few years’ hiatus, we are delighted that Fèis an Iar Thuath will hold their first event on Saturday 2nd September in Achiltibuie Hall. We are looking forward to Fèis Spè (Badenoch and Strathspey) and Fèis a’ Bhaile (Inverness) in October and Fèis Thatha (Aberfeldy) will be holding an event in November.
The Fuaran project is also running at the moment with a group of six singers, ages 16-25, recording in Cromarty at the end of August. Fuaran is a heritage initiative established by Fèisean nan Gàidheal to encourage a new generation of Gaelic speakers and singers to actively engage in the research and collection of Gaelic songs in their local area. The singers will have the opportunity to record with a professional team and will also attend workshops with Julie Fowlis, Eamon Doorley and Ewen Henderson.
With support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Colm Cille fund we will be working with partners in Ireland to arrange an exchange visit for Gaelic speaking children aged 14-18. The cultural exchange will involve various musical and language workshops as well as informal music sessions and performances.
