Commemorating Hebridean emigration 100 years ago

A series of commemorative events are being planned to mark the 100th anniversary of the sailing to Canada of the Metagama and The Marloch in 1923.

Ecumenical services in Lewis and Uist, the erection of plaques at appropriate locations and exhibitions are just some of what is being organised by Stornoway Historical Society to mark the centenary.

The Leaving Home Exhibition will open on Friday April 21 in Stornoway Town Hall for six weeks, telling the story of Hebridean Emigration from 1770 through to the 1923/24 emigrant departures on the

Marloch, Metagama and

Canada.

On April 21, at 6pm, pipe bands will play on No.1 Pier.

The exhibition will then move in June to Ionad Stoodie at Point on Lewis for a week then to Clan Macquarrie Centre in Borve, also Lewis, for three weeks in July before returning to Stornoway for Tattoo week starting on Monday August 7. That special week will also include craft fairs, continental market, fair and carnival. Dates are still to be confirmed for the exhibition’s visit to the Southern Isles.

During the summer Stornoway Historical Society will hold a separate Emigration exhibition in the Town Hall. This will tell individual stories of the ships and the men and women who emigrated.

The Tattoo week in August will start with the Tattoo

Metagama on the Lews Castle Green: Ten Pipe Bands led by the 78th Fraser Highlanders from Toronto, with mass bands and solo performances. Uist, Barra, Skye and Lewis Pipe Bands and also mainland bands will be there. A Mass Highland Jig is planned. Sambayabamba from Glasgow and Chinese Dragons from Inverness will be appearing while there will also be a mass Gaelic Choir, other music and a firework finale to look forward to.

Saturday afternoon will be Carnival Day with a mass band parade through Stornoway. A Grand Concert on Saturday August 12 will include performances from 78th Fraser Highlanders, Alyth McCormack with an Irish Band, Eleanor Macleod, Willie Campbell with School Group, The 1920s style Ragtime Dolls and there will be lots of dancing to be had.