Next week, the haunting beauty of Gaelic psalms and sacred songs will fill the air of Lewis and Harris, offering locals and visitors a rare glimpse into one of Scotland’s most treasured traditions.
Dr Frances Wilkins, senior lecturer in Ethnomusicology at the Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, will visit the islands from 18 to 20 June to share the fruits of her years of research into the sacred songs of the Hebrides.
Since 2018, Dr Wilkins has been meticulously documenting these rich spiritual traditions, capturing the voices, stories and melodies that have been handed down through generations in the Gaelic-speaking communities.
In a series of free public talks, Dr Wilkins will be joined by local singers, some of whom contributed to her project.
Their live performances will breathe life into the history she presents, allowing audiences to hear the power and poignancy of these songs exactly as they have been sung in homes and churches for centuries.
The programme begins on Wednesday 18 June at An Taigh Cèilidh in Stornoway at 4pm, where an intimate talk will be accompanied by live singing.
On Thursday 19 June, the focus shifts to Comunn Eachdraidh Nis in North Dell, Ness, with a morning talk at 11.15am and an evening presentation with singing at 7.15pm.
Friday offers two further opportunities.
A lunchtime talk and singing session will take place at Carloway Hall at 12.30pm, followed by an evening event at Leverburgh Community Association in Harris at 7.30pm.
These events complement the touring exhibition Seinn Spioradail: Sacred Soundscapes of the Highlands and Islands, co-curated by Dr Wilkins and heritage designer Ronan Martin from Skye.
The exhibition, which runs at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis until the end of October 2025, allows visitors to explore the sacred song traditions through sound recordings, film, artefacts and an interactive digital archive.
For Dr Wilkins, returning to Lewis and Harris feels like a homecoming.
“I am delighted to be returning to present the research I have been doing on the sacred song traditions of the Islands,” she says.
“The psalms, hymns and spiritual songs are such an integral part of the heritage of the Hebrides and it has been a privilege to have the opportunity to learn more about the tradition.”
She adds:
“It will be wonderful to see some of the contributors to the project again and hear their singing.
“I hope that the events will be of interest to both residents of the Islands and visitors.”
Dr Wilkins will be joined by Mary Stratman, a research assistant on the project, and there will be opportunities for the audience to ask questions at each event.
Adding to the unique atmosphere, photographer Oliver Wilkins will also be on hand at some of the events.
He will offer visitors the chance to have their portrait taken using the historic tin-type photographic method.
His pop-up studio will be open at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis on the afternoon of Thursday 19 June.
These events promise not only to educate but to touch the hearts of all who attend, as the living tradition of Gaelic sacred song continues to inspire.
