Caledonian Canal ceilidh trail grand opening ceilidh

An iconic Highland heritage attraction is the venue of the grand opening ceilidh for the Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail.

Historic Scotland’s Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit will host the ceilidh on Monday 17th July from 8pm-10pm.

Organised by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service Traditional Music Project in partnership with British Waterways Scotland, the Ceilidh Trail has been made possible with funding from the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council.

Featuring at the grand opening ceilidh will be the Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail Band including lead musician, David Bowen from Inverness on accordion and trainee lead musician, Hannah Phillips from Beauly on clarsach and electro harp.  The five Students musicians are Karen Ferguson from Dunlop in Ayrshire; accordion and snare drum, Rachael Campbell from Inverness; fiddle and Highland dancer, Alison Buchanan from Barra and Glasgow; Gaelic singer, piper and clarsach, Anne Nicol from Oyne in Aberdeenshire on fiddle and keyboards, and percussionist Ross Anderson from Midlothian.

Margo MacLennan, The Highland Council’s Traditional Music Co-ordinator said: "The Grand Opening Ceilidh promises to be a night to remember with exhilarating entertainment in spectacular surroundings overlooking Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness."

James Munro, Historic Scotland’s Urquhart Castle Manager said: “Historic Scotland are delighted to be involved in the Grand Opening of the 2006 Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail and look forward to welcoming everyone to not only the Opening Ceilidh but also the Informal Music Sessions at Urquhart Castle every Monday afternoon during this exciting event.”

Tickets are priced at £8 / £7 concession for Friends of Historic Scotland and are available from Urquhart Castle Visitor Centre, Drumnadrochit 01456 450551 and Highland Council Service Point Drumnadrochit 01456 459050.