The new Cnoc Soilleir music and cultural centre in South Uist has been officially opened in blazing sunshine by Deputy First Minister John Swinney.
The community complex will support Gaelic language learning, heritage, culture, music and dance.
Inside, the building hosts a bespoke recording studio, a library, exhibition space, and flexible communal space at the heart of the building suitable for events with an audience of up to 60 people.
The premises also serves as a community and visitor hub. The vision is to establish a place that promotes and celebrates Uist’s Gàidhlig cultural and heritage assets for the benefit of residents, students and visitors alike.
John Swinney said: “It is a privilege to open the new Cnoc Soilleir centre and I welcome their activity in supporting Gaelic and the economic prosperity this vital project offers the Uist community.
“We recognise the cultural, economic, educational and social value that Gaelic brings and the Scottish Government is committed to maintaining support for Gaelic and increasing the number of people using and learning these languages.
“Our aim is to create a secure future for Gaelic and Scots in Scotland and this will only be achieved by an increase in those learning, speaking and using the languages.
“The Cnoc Soilleir centre will play a vital role in achieving this aim.”
Earlier, Allan Henderson, Calum MacMillan and Joseph Nicholson piped Mr Swinney towards the entrance.
Cnoc Soilleir board member, Seonaidh MacDonald, made formal introductions and warmly thanked those gathered.
Former Ceòlas director Margaret Walker along with Sgoil Dhalabroig pupil Kirsty MacMillan assisted Mr Swinney in the ribbon cutting ceremony.
.
Pupils of Sgoil Dhalabroig singing the traditional Gaelic song, ‘Teann a-
A Hebridean dancing demonstration of Flora MacDonald’s Fancy completed a wonderful children’s performance.
Seonaidh MacDonald continued the formalities saying: “It is right and appropriate that at this auspicious Cnoc Soilleir opening event, we all pause to recognise the scale and scope of the achievement it represents, both now and for future generations.
“Cnoc Soilleir embodies, in a very visceral way, all that is good about our islands, Gaelic culture, our rich tradition and our hopes for the future.”
During the event Niall MacDonald played a tune he specially composed for Mr Swinney to celebrate this momentous occasion for the Uist community. He also presented Mr Swinney with a framed copy of the beautiful tune.
Following the formal opening guests were invited to enjoy a tour of Cnoc Soilleir and view the photograph exhibition by Michael Faint, poems by Niall Campbell with Gàidhlig translation by Martin MacIntyre.
Cnoc Soilleir centre officially opened by John Swinney
2 September 2022