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Hebridean youngsters are putting aside their x-boxes and switching off Facebook to learn traditional music skills the old fashioned way.

 

Organisers behind a series of Gaelic arts and cultural festivals are surprised to discover that - despite the temptation and popularity of electronic games - there is strong demand in the number of children wanting to learn Gaelic song, music and shinty.

 

In recent years there has been a downward trend in numbers attending a fèis which is a volunteer organised five day festival.

 

But the first of the community events in the Western Isles calendar shows a 20% rise in the number of youngsters keen to learn the fiddle, chanter, accordion, guitar, harp, keyboard, dance, drama and art.

 

At the start of the summer holidays, Sir E Scott school in Harris had nearly 80 children going back to classes - more than attend during term time.

 

Similar numbers attended the Fèis Tìr an Eòrna, in North Uist which held a ceilidh on the machair to celebrate its 25th anniversary while the Barra Fèis, commencing on Monday, is always popular.

 

Around 6,300 young people are expected to take in the summer fèisan across Scotland - organised by local volunteers with help from the Fèisan nan Gàidheal parent body - getting the opportunity to learn about traditional Highland music, language and culture.

 

Fèisan development officer Shona Macmillan says many youngsters are eager to attend.

 

She says they come back to school to learn traditional musical skills from experience tutors in a fun setting, topped off by showing off their new-found expertise in a concert at the end of the week.

 

Ms Macmillan said they’ve just started the holidays yet the “first thing they do is come back to school.”

 

She added: “Its strange. You would not expect them to want to come back.

 

“Usually they would be in the house playing the x-box or just staying indoors but the fèis gives them a chance to learn new things.

 

It includes instruction on “a variety of instruments as well as singing while Harris Tweed crafts is very popular this year.

 

“They learn a whole load of new skills they may not have to the chance to get pick up outside the fèis.”

She pointed out many fèis participants go on to make a career in traditional music.”

 

Fèisean dates

7 -11 July - Fèis Bharraigh, Castlebay School, Barra.

 

14t -18 July - Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain,  Iochdar School, South Uist

 

21 - 25 July - Fèis Eilean an Fhraoich, Stornoway Primary School,  Lewis

 

28 July - 1 August - Fèis an Rubha, Point School, Lewis

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youngsters tune up for fèisean events                   6/7/14

Clarsach class at Fèis na Hearadh