A major centre for Gaelic language, music and culture in South Uist has officially opened its latest phase as £1.5 million of new funding is announced to help Gaelic thrive in communities across Scotland.
First Minister John Swinney officially opened the second phase of Cnoc Soilleir, a cultural and learning centre which brings together Ceòlas Uibhist and UHI North, West and Hebrides.
The centre has received £7.6 million of Scottish Government support since 2017 and provides facilities for concerts, dancing, ceilidhs, conferences, seminars and community events alongside its educational work.
Its role extends beyond South Uist, with Cnoc Soilleir intended to provide a focus for Gaelic arts and culture across Scotland while strengthening connections with Gaelic communities around the world.
The opening was accompanied by the announcement of £1.5 million for selected local authorities working to establish Areas of Linguistic Significance, allowing them to develop support for Gaelic language and culture around the particular needs of their communities.
John Swinney said:
“Gaelic language and traditional arts are a vital part of Scotland’s history, culture and identity, particularly in rural and island areas.
“It is vital we do all we can to ensure it can thrive for generations to come, and across the country, we are working to protect and promote Gaelic as an official language of Scotland and an important part of our heritage.
“Our £1.5 million funding for local authorities will support them to promote Gaelic in a way that best suits their communities, helping sustain the language and its traditions for the future.
“Cnoc Soilleir is a world-class beacon of arts and culture that will help to do exactly that.
“As a centre for learning, Cnoc Soilleir’s strong Gaelic ethos makes it a real asset for language and traditional culture, for the benefit of people locally and visitors alike.
“The most recent phase of its development will ensure it can offer even more events and activities in the area and provide a focus for the wider Gaelic diaspora around the world, while also encouraging tourism and the economic benefits that brings.”
For the people behind Cnoc Soilleir, the opening marks the culmination of an ambition stretching back more than a quarter of a century.
Alex O’Henley, Chair of Cnoc Soilleir Ltd, said:
“This is a momentous day for Cnoc Soilleir, the people of South Uist and our partner organisations as we formally mark the culmination of a 26-year-old community dream.
“We couldn’t have done it without the support of our community and our funders, especially the Scottish Government, and the challenge for us now is to ensure this world-class facility serves as a beacon of light which safeguards and celebrates our language, music and culture while ensuring the torch is passed on to future generations.”
For South Uist, the significance is greater than simply opening another building, with Cnoc Soilleir providing a permanent home where Gaelic can be learned, spoken, performed and celebrated as a living part of island life.
