Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain 2006

Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain, the Gaelic Medium Fèis, opened its doors on Monday 10th July to a total of 89 participating children. Children aged from 5 to 17 travelled from as far as Berneray, all over North & South Uist and Eriskay to Daliburgh School in South Uist. They were joined by a number of children from Fèis Spè, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh and Lewis.

This years Fèis enjoyed a wealth of well known musicians. The talented tutors were both home grown, from nearby islands and from further a field in the Highlands. Tutors were as follows; Catriona MacPhee – Singing, Ruairidh Nicholson and Kenna Campbell – Drama, Calum Anthony Beaton and Cailean Gordon – Pipes and Chanter, Alex Mac Donald and Lynne Houston – Accordion, Griogair Lawrie – Tin Whistle and Group Work, Tommy Mac Donald and Maria MacInnes – Keyboard, Kathleen Graham – Clarsach, Catriona Steele and Linda MacLeod – Highland Dancing, Coll MacDonald – Fiddle and Group Work, Kate MacDonald and Sorcha Monk – Art, Michaelina MacLellan – Games & Stories, Mary Galbraith – Media Skills, Magnus Graham – Guitar, Morag MacSween – Hebridean Dancing, and Angus Carruthers and Angus John Mac Donald – Shinty.

Following the days tuition at the school, the Fèis organized further entertainment in various venues across South Uist. The local community and visitors enjoyed various evening events throughout the week beginning with a lively music session on Wednesday night in Lochboisdale Hotel welcoming a mix of local and visiting talent. This was followed by a joint cèilidh/dance with Stoneybridge dance club in Stoneybridge Hall where all the tutors and Billy Mac Phee performed.

Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain closed on Friday night with a fabulous evening finale entitled ‘Ceilidh na Cloinne’.  The children’s stunning artwork was on display outside the school and inside the talented children took centre stage to display the some of the skills they had been learning throughout the weeks Fèis with the help of their excellent and hardworking tutors.

Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain has been funded by Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Comann na Gaidhlig, Western Isles Enterprise, Community Economic Development, Crofting Community Development Scheme and Uist and Barra Sports Council.