Fèis fun as music returns to Mull

Young people on Mull will be taking part in a long weekend of traditional Scottish music from tomorrow until Sunday in the popular Fèis Mhuile which is returning for the first time in three years since Covid.

 

Fèis Mhuile - Gaelic for Mull Festival - a feature on the island since the 1990s, will be in Bunessan to the south of the island. Part of the larger Fèisean nan Gàidheal body which organises similar events across Scotland, the Mull Fèis offers island youngsters their first taste of Scottish music.

 

Seven accomplished musicians will offer tuition in fiddle, accordion, pipes, keyboard, Gaelic song, guitar and drums, with all instruments provided to ensure beginners can take part.

 

Tuition sessions are for young people aged three to 18 years.

 

Alan Palmer, member of the Fèis Mhuile organising committee and Financial and Commercial Manager for Inverlussa Marine Services, one of three event sponsors, said: 'The majority of all traditional musicians along the west coast have probably been through the fèis movement at some time or other and a lot of them have gone on to be full-time musicians.'

 

As well as Inverlussa, which has a fleet of 20 boats, mostly servicing the salmon farming sector, local salmon companies Scottish Sea Farms and Bakkafrost Scotland are sponsoring the event.

 

Scottish Sea Farms Area Manager for Mull and dad of three Andrew Macleannan said: 'Aquaculture is a key contributor to the community in terms of supporting charities and other good causes, providing jobs and investing in transferable skills, so supporting the Fèis is a natural fit.'

 

He added: 'It also introduces many children to a lifetime love of traditional Scottish music and gives the community a boost.

 

The funding will go towards the cost of running the fèis, helping reduce the price of attending the event and make it more affordable for families.

 

'It’s an event enjoyed by the community, with tutors also performing at public events over the three days,’ said Bakkafrost Scotland Area Manager Zane Pretorius.

 

'From a music session in local pub, the Argyll Arms Hotel, on the Friday, to a ceilidh on Saturday in Bunessan Village Hall, to a final concert on Sunday when the children get up on stage, there is something for everyone,' he added.

 

Saturday's dance at Bunessan Village Hall starts at 8pm, with tickets available at the door.

 

Caption: Having fun at a previous Feis Mhile

 

Photograph: Round and About Mull

 

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