Scotland’s Islands Fund assists groups in the Highlands
The Scotland’s Islands Fund has grant-aided a number of community projects in Skye, Raasay and the Small Isles – the first of which takes place in Portree this coming weekend.
The Fund has assisted the Isle of Skye Pipe Band with the cost of staging a two day Festival to mark their 50th anniversary and enabling them to invite participation by other bands from different islands to help celebrate achieving this milestone in the Band’s history.
Peter MacDonald, of the Skye Pipe Band said: “The grant secured from Scotland’s Islands Fund helped to enhance the programme for the anniversary weekend so that it will be one of the highlights in Skye’s calendar of events during 2011.”
Other projects which have been assisted by Scotland’s Islands Fund in the Skye and Raasay include musical events based around the new village hall on Raasay, a series of talks by the Islands Book Trust, conferences and related events to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Sorley Maclean and the 125th anniversary of the passing of the 1886 Crofting Act.
Lochaber has also received funding from Scotland’s Island for events both in Fort William and the Small Isles. These include the International Celtic Conference of Celtic Congress (Scotland), being held in Fort William from July 25-30th 2011. This event promotes the Celtic languages of the nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man and showcases poetry, dance, history and culture from each of the areas. There is also a special programme offering the opportunity for young people to come together and enjoy sharing their backgrounds and cultures.
On 1st October, Fèis Chanaidh takes place, a day of cultural events involving the local Canna Community and visitors to the island. Followed by a week long Ulpan for all members of the Canna Community. The event will comprise musical sessions, instrument playing, storytelling and Gaelic language teaching. The day event will be open to all and visitors will be encouraged to bring their own musical instruments and to participate.
Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of Highland Council’s Administration said: “It is vital that we support our fragile island communities and therefore welcome this additional funding being made available to our island community groups. This in turn allows exciting, additional attractions for both residents and visitors to enjoy over the coming weeks and months.”
-ends-