E-ceilidhs bring communities together during lockdown

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have boosted community spirit with online events during lockdown. Local music has been to the fore, with regular e-ceilidhs brightening up weekends. There is a wealth of musical talent in the islands and thousands of viewers from across the globe – island roots are far-reaching! – have been enjoying artists such as Rosie Sullivan, Norrie “Tago” Maciver (Skipinnish), Willie Campbell and Iain “Costello” Maciver, to name a few.

Due to lockdown, many of the islands’ usual musical activities – lessons, concerts, group rehearsals and the like – have had to be halted. However, musicians are still working away at home and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar wanted to tap into this and provide a way of entertaining and engaging with communities.

As well as online e-ceilidhs, where local artists perform, there are opportunities for island musicians, particularly young musicians, to participate by recording music at home and submitting it to regular online sessions.

E-ceilidhs are set to continue in the coming months and viewers can tune in to Facebook Live on the Eilean Siar e-ceilidh page or through the website.