Cnoc Soilleir phase 2 to start on site
Work set to start on the next stage of Uist’s landmark Gaelic arts and culture venue.
Almost two years to the day since the main building was officially opened by then Deputy First Minister and now First Minister John Swinney, the green light has finally been awarded to phase two of Cnoc Soilleir, Uist’s landmark Gaelic arts and culture venue.
As a joint venture with UHI Outer Hebrides and Ceòlas Uibhist Ltd, Cnoc Soilleir has already hosted a wide range of educational and entertainment events, from ceilidhs and concerts to conferences.
The second phase of construction is expected to begin in the very near future, with local contractors MacInnes Bros picking up the contract to build the 200-seater auditorium.
The facility has been designed specifically for music, dance and performance and is expected to be complete by the spring of 2026, fully and finally implementing the original plans for the centre.
Alex O’Henley, Ceòlas and Cnoc Soilleir Ltd board director says: “This is excellent news for Ceòlas, the island of South Uist as well as the wider Uist community and economy. As Ceòlas has grown there has been an identifiable need for a bespoke performance and auditorium facility to give young Gaelic musicians and dancers a platform to showcase their talent to the world, as well as providing a much-needed resource for the local community. It’s been a long and sometimes painstaking journey to get to this point, but thanks to the generous support of our partners, we have taken a giant step towards making that long cherished dream come true.”
The project will keep to its original environmental promises, with the new extension built to meet the same stringent Passivhaus low energy standards as the existing building. The auditorium will be kitted out with state of the art performance and production equipment and technologies, suitable for teaching as well as showcasing local and wider talents.
A statement issued to mark the new phase said: “From inception, Cnoc Soilleir has been fortunate to benefit from significant support and funding contributions from key partners including the Scottish Government, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (CnES), Bord na Gaidhlig and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) – all of whom recognise the transformational impact that a completed Cnoc Soilleir facility will have on the Uist economy and community, the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic language and culture and as a key contributor to the National Gaelic Plan.”
Michael Foxley , UHI NWH, and Cnoc Soilleir Ltd Board Chair commented: “Heartfelt thanks to all our teams and supporters for all their hard work. We now want to ensure that Cnoc Soilleir becomes a beacon for the Gaelic language and culture as well as for learning in South Uist, the region, Scotland, and internationally.”
Uist nominees line up
Gaelic Singer of the Year
Chaidh sgioba beòthail agus tàlantach ainmeachadh airson 21mh Duaisean Ceòl Traidiseanta na h-Alba aig MG ALBA a tha a’ taisbeanadh na tha de thàlant ann an saoghal ceòl traidiseanta na h-Alba.
Fans of the genre were able to vote for who they think deserves to take home each prestigious award, with the winners announced at the annual glittering awards ceremony at Caird Hall in Dundee on Saturday 2nd December 2023.
Le cànan is ceòl aig cridhe nan eilean, chan eil iongnadh ann gu bheil a leithid as na h-eileanan air an ainmeachadh airson na duaisean urramach a tha seo. Tha na duaisean seo a’ sealltainn an luach a thathar a cuir air na tha a h-uile duine air a’ gheàrr-liosta air a choileanadh fad bliadhna.
Le ath-bheothachadh drùidhteach air a’ ghnè, a’ ruighinn luchd-èisteachd nas fharsainge le fèisean is tachartasan ùra a’ tighinn am bàrr bliadhna às deidh bliadhna, tha na duaisean – air an cur air dòigh leis a’ bhuidheann ‘Hands Up For Trad ‘– a’ seasamh mar theisteanas air tarraingeachd leantainneach an t-saoghail.
From new events and festivals making history to the country’s best bands and composers, the successful nominees represent the past, present and future of a world traditional Scottish music and are located all over the country.
Dreams come true in new BBC Alba documentary
There are many different ways to approach one’s 90th birthday celebrations but flying a spitfire might not be on every octogenarian’s wish list.
For Uist pilot and author Bill Innes, that was exactly the birthday treat he had in store.
Since first seeing a Spitfire fly overhead in Glencoe in 1940 when he was just seven years old, Bill has “dreamt of roaming the clouds in such a thrilling machine”.
BBC ALBA’s new documentary, Bill agus an Spitfire, follows him as he sets out to realise this life-long ambition.
Bill was born in Kinlochleven, but when tragedy struck the family, he and his younger brother were brought to Uist to be fostered by the Bowie family in Howbeg. A keen academic, Bill went on to study at Glasgow University, but never lost his fascination for aviation. As a student, he was selected to join the RAF Air Reserve Squadron and to his delight, when the time came for him to do National Service, he was accepted for pilot training in the RAF.
Bill went on to achieve his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, a job he loved and found exciting and fulfilling. Over the course of his career, he had flown classic British planes such as the Viscount, Comet, Vanguard and Trident, but never got behind the controls of a Spitfire – until now.
Bill is a regular visitor home to Howbeg, where he stays across from the old Bowie family home where he was raised. He has fond memories and many stories of Uist and the kindness of the people who cared for him and his younger brother. A well-known presenter and reporter on Gaelic radio and TV, he has written several books and edited the much acclaimed edition of Donald John MacDonald’s poetry Chì Mi, which won the 1999 An Comunn Gaidhealach Mod Award for best book.
Bill agus an Spitfire premieres on BBC ALBA and iPlayer on Christmas Day, Monday 25 December at 8.30pm.