Visualisation of Cnoc Soilleir. Image: John Renshaw Architects (2015)
Ceòlas rounded off a successful summer school last week with the launch of a major fundraising drive to finance the development of a dedicated centre for Gàidhlig music, dance and culture in South Uist…
Working in partnership, Ceòlas and Lews Castle College UHI are seeking to establish a purpose-built venue for training and education in music, dance and Gàidhlig.
Cnoc Soillear – named after the Daliburgh site identified for the project – will cost an estimated £6.5 million to build. It is expected 96% of the capital required for the development will come from various government and agency funds.
However, in order to demonstrate community support for Cnoc Soilleir, £250,000 will have to be raised from individuals and businesses.
Ceòlas is inviting groups and individuals to become patrons of Cnoc Soilleir by donating £500 towards the project. If 500 donations of £500 are received, the quarter of a million target will be met.
Singers performing at the Ceòlas crossover demonstration last week.
Ceòlas launched what has become known as the Cnoc Soilleir Capital Funding Campaign at the Ceilidh Mhòr which rounded off the summer school hosted last week.
A very encouraging response was received and – at the time of writing (Tuesday 12th July) – ten donations of £500 have been received, with many more people requesting further information.
Smaller donations are also welcome. All donations received will be held in a ring-fenced account and can only be used to progress the building development. Patrons will be issued receipts and should the project not go ahead, full refunds will be issued.
Everyone who becomes a patron of Cnoc Soilleir will receive a plaque on the ‘wall of fame’ within the new building and free entry to special events hosted at the venue.
If you would like to become a patron of Cnoc Soilleir, please e-mail cnoc-soilleir@ceolas.co.uk or telephone 01878 700 154.
Ceòlas has grown from a week-long music and dance school established in 1996 to become a leading international Gàidhlig culture, heritage and arts organisations.
Lews Castle College UHI runs an acclaimed and popular BA Applied Music course – among others – from its campus at Liniclate, Benbecula.