Chance for youngsters to come-and-try Gaelic arts

Paisley is paying homage to traditional Scottish culture with its annual Gaelic week.

Fèis Week, which takes place in the town this July, offers an intensive course of come-and-try workshops for young people.

These include instrumental tuition, singing, drama, dance and filmmaking – as well as the chance to work with some of Scotland’s leading traditional musicians.

It’s an opportunity for individuals to come together and develop skills in the Gaelic arts – song, dance, drama, and traditional music on a wide range of instruments.

The four-day event runs from July 18-21 at Paisley Grammar School.

Aimed at complete beginners to intermediate players between the ages of eight and 18, the aim is to give all participants something that suits their ability and the chance to perform as part of a larger group.

Youngsters can try their hand at the chanter/pipes, guitar, fiddle, accordion or the traditional clarsach – plus much more.

There’s a tutor’s ceilidh on the Wednesday evening and an end-of-week participants’concert on the Friday afternoon, which chairman Grant McFarlane says is one of the major highlights of the week.

The Gaelic week is organised by Fèis Phàislig – Gaelic for Paisley Festival – an arts organisation that provides traditional music experiences for young people across Renfrewshire.

Its aim is to inspire the next generation of children to play traditional music with some of Scotland’s top musicians and tutors.

For more information, visit www. feisphaislig.com