Young musicians hit the professional ceilidh trail
Some of Lochaber’s best young musicians have been given the chance to take part in a professional tour.
The young people involved will learn the skills required for a career in the music industry as part of Fèisean Lochabair Cèilidh Trail’s 2019 summer tour which started last week. Concerts
The Lochaber musicians, aged between 16 and 19 years, received training in the run-up to the tour as they arranged and rehearsed their sets for gigs, including sessions, concerts and family ceilidhs.
This year’s six participants are all students in either sixth year at high school or embarking on music courses with the University of the Highlands and Islands.
The Cèilidh Trail, supported by Fèisean nan Gàidheal, was first organised by Fèis Rois in 1999. Since then it has grown to see Cèilidh Trails supporting young musicians across Scotland, from Ross-shire to Glasgow.
Traditional guitarist Lauren Byrne is this year’s co-ordinator and was herself given a boost in her then-burgeoning music career in the Lochaber Cèilidh Trails of 2013-2015.
She said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for these young musicians to get a taste for what touring as a professional musician is like.
‘There is also a focus on learning Lochaber tunes and Gaelic songs. The mixture of gigs ensures there’s something for everyone to come and enjoy what these fabulous young musicians have to offer.’
For tour venues and dates visit www.facebook.com/ Fèisean-Lochabair-CèilidhTrail