New projects announced.
The original manuscript of a Gaelic love song written during the
Battle of the Somme is to be housed at a new cultural centre.
North Uist Historical Society will receive £165,000 of Scottish
Government funding to convert Carinish Old School and showcase
items from its collection, many of which are currently kept in
storage.
These include an original copy of Gaelic love song “An Eala Bhàn”
(The White Swan). The song was written by a former pupil of the
school during the Battle of the Somme and performed by local
musician Julie Fowlis at a commemorative service at the Thiepval
Memorial in France to mark the centenary of the Battle in 2016.
It will be available for centre visitors to view.
Other items include historical artefacts from St Kilda, war
memorabilia from local soldiers and press cuttings, posters and
photographs from Gaelic rock band Runrig. The centre will also
operate as a tourist information point and offer tours to the
site of the Battle of Carinish and the ruins of Trinity Temple.
A further £200,000 will be made available to support the
construction of an auditorium for Gaelic lectures and music
events at Cnoc Soiller in South Uist.
Deputy First Minister and Gaelic Secretary said:
“Protecting and promoting the Gaelic language can attract
tourists into the country, grow the economy and contribute to
community wellbeing. This funding will enable people to learn
about Uist's Gaelic heritage from the Middle Ages up to modern
day.
“To support the growth of the Gaelic language, we have allocated
an additional £5.7 million for Gaelic in the draft Budget for
next year.
“The Scottish Languages Bill will also create a system to enable
all parents to apply for Gaelic early learning and childcare
services and introduce measures to strengthen the provision of
Gaelic education.”
Musician Julie Fowlis said:
“I am delighted that North Uist Historical Society has been
awarded this funding support. The organisation and the wider
community have collected and made safe hundreds, if not
thousands, of precious items pertaining to cultural life in North
Uist and the wider Island community. It is only right and proper
that these artefacts are brought home to this building, which has
been at the heart of the community for decades.
“It was a great honour and privilege for me to be asked to sing
An Eala Bhàn by local bàrd Dòmhnall Ruadh Chorùna, at the 100
year memorial of the Battle of the Somme in Thiepval”.
Background
This investment is being delivered through the £4 million Gaelic
Capital Fund.
