Over the last few months, as Covid19 restrictions have eased, we have been tentatively opening up our activities. One of these activities is the Uist Golden Years Ceilidh Club.

The ceilidhs have been fantastic and uplifting events that bring people from different generations together to enjoy our amazing Uist musical heritage – piping, fiddle, accordion and singing, as well as dancing of course.

Funded by the Coop, the monthly ceilidhs are a joint effort by Tagsa Adult Support Services, Chloe Steele Music, Sgoil Lionacleit students, and other local guest musicians, who come along to play for us. 

Chloe brings along some pupils from the school and Tagsa Community Transport helps to bring participants to St Mary’s Parish Hall at Griminish, or the Church of Scotland. Other folk are dropped off by family or taken along by friends who often stay for the excellent music. Some respite carers have brought clients along too. These ceilidhs are open to everyone who wants to come, either to play music, sing, or just sit and listen. Refreshments are provided, in the form of both sweet and savory food (lots of home baking!), tea coffees and juice. 

Tagsa’s Support Worker Deborah says:

‘The music that has been played is wonderful, as it brings back memories to people, and they want to sing along, or even dance sometimes. I have seen people who are sometimes very lonely sit beside old friends or new acquaintances and have a really good time, becoming animated and happy. The students too, have really come out of their shells, and become more self-confident over the months. Some of them were very shy to begin with’.

And a comment from Chloe:

“It is really special to be collaborating on this community event with Tagsa Uibhist. There is nothing I am more committed to than community music making in Uist. These cèilidhs provide our young, talented musicians with the opportunity to play music with other individuals for the elderly generation in our community. This is helping them to develop key skills required for the music industry and the world of work. The intergenerational element of this event plays a huge role in the survival of our island’s culture. Chloe Steele Music”