Guthan-an-Iar

Guthan an Iar, a traditional Gaelic singing group in Uist - has won an award for excellence at an event which honours community projects in the artistic sector.

The Epic Awards are the premier awards for voluntary arts groups based in United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Guthan an Iar was set up by world-renowned Gaelic singer Gillebride MacMillan, with a view to keeping the oral song traditions of Uist alive.

The group is made up of local Gaels who bring traditional Gaelic songs from Uist - many of which are in danger of dying out - to the wider public through performances at ceilidhs and concerts.

Many of the members did not sing before Gillebride brought them all together, and others who did were not heard as often as they could have been.

The pooling of their collective talents helped to grow the group’s abilities. All the songs performed originate from Uist, and the group featured on the CD Gaoth an Iar, which showcased local songs sung by local singers in the local style.

Uist singing group receives excellence award

4 April 2016