Western Isles prepares for Dìleab concerts
Plans are gaining momentum for the Dìleab concerts which will take place throughout the Western Isles in November and December.
The Harris event will take place on Friday November 9 and will feature pupils from Sir E Scott and their showcasing of the themes of land struggle and protest and politics.
On Thursday November 15, Sgoil Lionacleit will host their Dìleab concert based on the theme of the impact of war on our islands.
On November 30, Castlebay Community School will host a concert on the theme of emigration.
The final concert will take place in Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais, hosted by the Nicolson Institute and presented by well-known broadcaster and former pupil, Alasdair Fraser, on Friday December 14. This concert will be the school’s commemoration event marking 100 years since the Iolaire disaster, which had a devastating impact on the school and the wider community.
This concert will feature the school’s traditional orchestra, choirs, soloists, psalm precentors and performances from pupils across the Western Isles, including the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band.
Willie Campbell will also be showcasing new songs commissioned by the comhairle’s education department, featuring the four themes of Dìleab, at each of the four concerts.
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal will record the concert on December 14 and this will be broadcast as part of their series of programmes remembering the Iolaire tragedy.
Commenting on the final concert, which will take place on December 14, Frances Murray, rector of the Nicolson Institute, said: ‘It is so important that the current generation of pupils continue to be aware of the huge effect that the First World War in general and the Iolaire tragedy in par-
ticular had on the island. We are delighted that the many talented musicians in the school will be involved in this fitting commemoration of those lost.’
Councillor Angus McCormack, chairman of the Education, Sport and Children’s Services Committee, said: ‘Given that this is the Year of Young People and it is coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Iolaire tragedy, it is highly appropriate that our young people across the Western Isles are working on projects relating to the war.
‘I would like to commend the work done by the pupils and staff in collaboration with the comhairle’s Multimedia Unit, on important topics such as emigration and the impact of the war on our communities.
‘Having already had a taster of the musical elements which will see young people showcase their talents alongside well-known local artist Willie Campbell, I know that those fortunate enough to secure tickets for the events on are in for an absolute treat.’