Fèis Rois is continuing to strengthen Gaelic language, music and cultural opportunities across the Highlands and beyond with an extensive programme of Gaelic activities taking place throughout the year for all ages and abilities.
From local conversation circles in Dingwall to online sessions attracting participants from around the world, the art organisation’s expanding Gaelic programme reflects growing enthusiasm for Gaelic language and culture both within Scotland and internationally.
Weekly Gaelic learner conversation classes, Cearcall Còmhraidh, continue to take place on Thursday mornings in Dingwall, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for people developing their confidence in spoken Gaelic. Alongside this, Fèis Rois also hosts monthly online Cearcall Còmhraidh sessions which now attract a global audience, connecting Gaelic speakers and learners from across different countries and time zones, from Cornwall to Canada, and Moray to Malta.
Andrew Bolton, a Cearcall Còmhraidh participant, commented: “Thogadh mi anns a’ Chòrn, ach tha mi a’fuireach anns a’ Bheilg. ‘S e cothrom glè mhath a th’ ann an Cearcall Còmhraidh a bhith a’ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig agus ag èisteachd rithe. Gu sònraichte, ’s e cothrom cudromach a th’ ann do dhaoine a tha a’ fuireach fad air falbh a thighinn còmhla tron a’ Ghàidhlig”
“I was raised in Cornwall, but I live in Belgium. Cearcall Còmhraidh is a great opportunity to use Gaelic and listen to it. It is an important opportunity for people who live far away to come together through the Gaelic language”
Natalie Naudi from Malta added: “Tha mi a’ fuireach ann an Malta agus tha e gu math cuideachail a bhith a’ bruidhinn Gàidhlig air loidhne agus tha na seiseanan le Fèis Rois a’ toirt misneachd dhomh.
“I live in Malta and it is very helpful to speak Gaelic online and the sessions with Fèis Rois give me confidence to do so.”
Community social events remain an important part of the Fèis Rois calendar, with the next Taigh Cèilidh Inbhir Pheofharain night planned for Friday 26 June, bringing people together through music, language and traditional ceilidh culture.
The Dingwall-based arts organisation enables people of all ages to access, participate in and enjoy the traditional arts and Gaelic language through a diverse programme of activities and this month alone sees two dedicated events for young Gaelic speakers.
A new after-school music club for Gaelic speaking young people from P6 to S6, Club Ciùil Inbhir Pheofharain, will run on Fridays throughout June. The free sessions will take place in Robertson House in Dingwall, with plans to develop the club into a regular part of the weekly classes programme from the new academic year.
Sophie Stephenson, Gaelic Officer, Fèis Rois, said: “Arming young people with a wide range of musical skills is so important and two projects we have coming up focus on developing their performing and professional recording skills; our Gaelic residential weekend and Caithream na Cruinne, a new songwriting project.”
The next Gaelic residential weekend for young people from P7 to S4, takes place at Badaguish Outdoor Centre from 19 to 21 June. The weekend will combine music, group-work, recording, drama and film-making in a fully immersive Gaelic environment. Previous residential events have created outstanding films, including Òran, which has been nominated at this year’s FilmG Awards. Thanks to support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Fèis Rois is able to make this a ‘pay what you can’ event making it as accessible as possible.
Caithream na Cruinne, for people aged 14 to 25, aims to encourage creativity and new Gaelic songwriting talent among younger generations, with the support from Gaelic mentors including Mary Ann Kennedy and Gillebride Macmillan. It’s a unique opportunity to work closely with these musicians to develop, record and perform original material. Designed to support and celebrate contemporary Gaelic songwriting, the programme offers creative guidance, industry insight, and a supportive space for participants to grow in confidence as artists.
Sophie Stephenson, added: “It’s fantastic to see such a wide range of people engaging with Gaelic through our activities – from complete beginners attending local conversation circles to young musicians, families and online participants joining us from around the world. Gaelic is thriving in many different spaces, and we are proud to be creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect with the language and culture in ways that are creative, social and accessible.”
For more information about upcoming Gaelic activities and events, visit feisrois.org or follow Fèis Rois on social media.