North coast communities celebrate music, language and culture with Fèis Air an Oir
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Communities across the north coast came together last week to welcome the return of Fèis Air an Oir.
The feis was split into three age brackets; Fèis Bheag Bhiodach for children aged 0-4; Fèis Bheag for P1-P3 age; and Fèis Mhor for those aged from eight to 18.
Organiser Mhairi Magee said: “We had a family ceilidh dance in Tongue Village Hall on Monday night which was well attended. The tutors played and the people danced all night.
"On Tuesday, The Ben Loyal Hotel Bar was packed with musicians for an informal session which tutors, participants and others from the area who came along to join in."
The following night, a sell-out crowd of almost 200 people attended the tutors’ concert at Strathy Village Hall.
Ms Magee added: “It was great for those who came along to see musicians locally, as normally they would have to travel a fair distance to see them in concert. This concert definitely inspired the children as the week went on.”
At 4.30pm on Thursday, a football match took place between the tutors and pupils, which the latter won.
The children were given a chance to perform in front of an audience of family and friends on Friday afternoon at Farr High School Gym Hall, to show off what they had learned throughout the week.
Later the same evening, an informal ceilidh dance was held in Strathy Village Hall with Addie Harper and Friends.
Mrs Magee added: "We expected all the feis kids to be tired out by then but we were surprised when lots of them arrived and were standing in their dancing position waiting for the music to start from the beginning.
Children also enjoyed access to North Coast Leisure Centre, along with some other fringe events happening such as Gaelic conversation classes and events at the Library.
Overall, 51 children took part at the main Feis, 18 at Feis Beag and 12 at Feis Beag Bhiodach. A few adult classes were also held, with around 20 participants.
Mrs Magee reserved special thanks for the community.
She said: "We had a lot of support from the community, Patricia, Eilidh and Lyndsey Munro especially, helping us at the school in Bettyhill. And all the tea makers in Tongue and Strathy."
Fèis Air an Oir has been made possible with funding and support from SSE Strathy North Joint Community Fund, Feisean nan Gaidheal and the Bettyhill Renewable Community Fund.
