A debut CD featuring talented local children has been launched by one of the popular and well attended Western Isles Fèisean.

Fèis Tìr an Eòrna, the Fèis in North Uist, have produced their first CD entitled ‘Bàrr an Eòrna’, and features Uist children who attend the Fèìs. Tracks include piping tunes, accordion waltzes, fiddle and clarsach tunes, traditional Gàidhlig singing and groupwork.

Fiona MacInnes, Fèisean nan Gàidheal Western Isles Support Worker, who co-ordinated the project, said: “I have felt very privileged to have been involved in this great project. It reflects the wealth and abundance of talent amongst the Uist children, and all those who will listen to it will no doubt agree with me. The Fèis movement has had a major impact on all the children, past and present, who have attended the Western Isles Fèisean, and this has been proved by the continuous improvement in their musical, singing and acting capabilities.”

Fèis Tìr an Eòrna committee chairperson, Alison MacInnes, said: “We are extremely pleased with this our very first CD, and we are very hopeful that the sales will greatly help our fundraising. The committee are very grateful to all the brilliant young artistes who performed for us, and also all those who assisted in the production of the CD.”

The Fèis, which took place in Paible school, North Uist, during the week 4 – 8 July, this year attracted a total of 150 participants. The Fèis gives the children, the opportunity to receive tuition in traditional music, Gàidhlig singing, drama and other traditional activities. As well as the Summer Fèis, classes are held throughout the year, and all this tuition helps them to keep their own culture and language alive.

Financial assistance towards the project was received from Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Scottish Arts Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

The Fèis Tìr an Eòrna CD can be bought in Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy; Ùrachadh Uibhist, Cladach Kirkibost or in the Comunn Gàidhealach Office in Stornoway. Mail order is also available by contacting Alison on 01876 500473. 

Gaelic version
 
A’ chiad clàr airson Fèis ann an Uibhist a tuath

Tha aon de na Fèisean trang anns na h-Eileanan an Iar, air a’ chiad clàr aca air a thoirt a-mach, agus cluinnear tàlant na cloinne ionadail air.

Tha Fèis Tìr an Eòrna, an Fhèis ann an Uibhist a tuath, air an clàr ris an ainm “Bàrr an Eòrna” a thoirt a-mach, agus ‘s e a’ chlann a bhios a dol chun na Fèise fhèin a tha a’ gabhail pàirt. Cluinnear cèol air a’ phìob, bocsa-ciùil, fidheall, clàrsach, a bharrachd air seinn Gàidhlig agus còmhlain-ciùil.

Thuirt Fiona NicAonghais bho Fhèisean nan Gàidheal, a bha a’ stùireadh a’ phroiseict: “Tha mise gu math mòiteil gun robh mi an luib seo. Tha e dìreach a’ sealltainn cho math ‘s a tha a’ chlann ann an Uibhist air ceòl ‘s seinn traidiseanta, agus tha mi cinnteach gun aontaich na dh’èisticheas ris an clàr rium. Tha obair nam Fèisean air buadh mhòr a thoirt air mar a tha clann na h-Eileanan an Iar, air tighinn air adhart ann an ceòl, seinn ‘s cleasachd.”

Thuirt cathraiche comataidh na Fèise, Alison NicAonghais: “ Tha sinne uabhasach fhèin toilichte leis a’ chiad chlàr seo, agus sinn gu math dòchasach gun dèan sinn tòrr airgid le bhith gan reic. Tha an comataidh airson taing a thoirt don òigridh a ghabh pàirt, agus don a h-uile duine eile a chuidich le bhith a’ cur an clàr seo ri chèile.”

Chaidh Fèis na bliadhna-sa a’ chumail air an t-seachdain ‘sa chaidh – 4 gu 8 den Iuchar - agus ghabh 150 pàirt ann. Tha an Fhèis a’ toirt cothrom don òigridh teagasg fhaighinn ann an ceòl traidiseanta, seinn, dràma agus cur-seachadan traidiseanta eile. A bharrachd air sin, tha clasaichean gan cumail air feadh na bliadhna, agus tha an teagasg seo air fad a’ cuideachadh ann a bhith a brosnachadh an cultair ‘s an cuid cànain.

Fhuair am pròiseact seo taic-airgid bho Fhèisean nan Gàidheal, Comhairle nan Ealan, Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean agus Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Gheibhear an clàr “Bàrr an Eòrna” ri cheannach bho Thaigh Chearsabhagh, Urachachadh Uibhist ann an Uibhist a tuath, agus ann an oifis a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich ann an Stèornabhagh. Cuideachd cuiribh fios gu Alison air 01876 500473 airson òrdachadh tron phost.