Fèis Mhuile, the Gaelic music, song and dance tuition festival for young people in the Isles of Mull and Iona is all set for a very busy year of activity, which will see a lively programme of tuition events and workshops delivered across the whole area.

Traditionally the Fèis which is based in the village of Bunessan, has attracted young people to a number of consecutive days tuition in a wide range of Gaelic musical tuition, including song, dance, accordion and fiddle. However, with the support of the Scottish Arts Council National Lottery fund, and working in partnership with the Oban-based Fèis Latharna, the Fèis Mhuile committee are about to embark on an ambitious series of workshops.

At the recent Annual General Meeting of Fèis Mhuile in Bunessan, local artist Anne Baxter was elected as chair for the coming twelve months.

She said: 'I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to the coming year with a great deal of anticipation. I am delighted that a strong committee of volunteers has come forward, representing communities from both the South and the North ends of Mull. With the additional funding support made available to us through the Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Fund, we aim to deliver a large year-round programme of traditional Gaelic music tuition, with the seven local primary schools plus Tobermory High School acting as a focus. It is pleasing that we have made the link with our neighbours, Fèis Latharna in Oban as many of our young people attend school there through the week. Many parents from the Ross of Mull and Iona are keen that they get a chance to continue their tuition whilst they¹re away from home.'

As well as these developments, the Fèis committee have pledged to continue running the concentrated period of Fèis activities in Bunessan. Anne Baxter went on to say: 'As well as developing our year round tuition throughout the island, we aim to boost our Fèis. The new committee has decided that in order to give the island wide classes a chance to develop and bear fruit, we will hold our main Fèis one year from now during the February long weekend in 2005.'

She added, 'In addition to these exciting developments, we have been fortunate to receive an additional amount of money from Fèisean nan Gàidheal, the umbrella organisation for the Fèis movement in Scotland, to employ a local person on a part-time basis to help the committee organise the Fèis and its activities. I would be delighted to hear from anyone on Mull who may be looking for such a post and has the skills required to help us out.'

Anyone who is interested in working with Fèis Mhuile or has any questions about their current or future plans are encouraged to contact the chair, Anne Baxter on (01681) 700431.

Fèis Mhuile is currently funded with assistance from Fèisean nan Gàidheal, The Scottish Arts Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Argyll and Bute Council.