Ceolas visit to Aberdeen

Ceolas visit to Aberdeen

Ceolas outreach visit to Aberdeen on Friday 23rd April at the Blue Lamp confirmed that local people connected to the Uists and Benbecula are delighted to be in each other’s company for these occasions. Rona Lightfoot, described as a one woman ceilidh, hosted the evening in her own inimitable fashion which was greatly enjoyed by all- the concept of a “hole in the bucket” took on a completely new meaning by the end of the evening!!

Iain MacDonald Ceòlas’ artistic director opened the evening on the pipes and then accompanied the musicians for the rest of the evening. The dance music was supplied by Ally MacKenzie from Fort William, on the accordion and Coll MacDonald from Skye on the fiddle. Coll’s solo demonstrated his growing talent- keep watch!! A Ceòlas evening would not be complete without singers and although Mairead Stewart was grounded in Qatar due to volcanic ash, Donnie Murdo MacLeod from Lewis and Uist Mod Medallist Sineag MacIntyre’s performances were world class. The evening was crowned by young Jarlath Henderson from Armagh playing the Uilleann pipes.

The audience represented by all age groups from teenagers to seniors created a tremendous atmosphere. Margaret Walker and Lena MacLellan, Ceolas directors took the opportunity to introduce first year students from the University to long term residents hailing from the Isles.

The University’s Celtic Society was in attendance and able to advertise their Ball on the 7th May. It was great to see Kirsty MacLeod, from North Uist and a mean fiddler herself, so active in the Celtic Society. The support of Mr Norman Binnie and the Gaelic Business Club’s (CGNG) contacts were invaluable in making the Ceòlas event happen; Aberdeen City Council’s Gaelic Advisor Mairi Morley and the donations from AJ Campbell of Survialcraft.com and A MacCuish of FG Burnett.co.uk were also most appreciated by Ceòlas.

Ceòlas’ visit to Aberdeen was unanimously agreed to have been a very enjoyable event with new links and contacts made between local people within the area as well as with folk from the Uists and Benbecula.