Fèis fun as traditional music continues to thrive on the Isle of Mull
A group of 64 youngsters on Mull got to enjoy a long weekend of traditional Scottish music recently as a popular celebration continues to build momentum from it’s post-Covid return in 2022.
The popular Fèis Mhuile – Gaelic for Mull Festival and a feature on the island since the 1990s – returned to Bunessan in the south of the island on February 7 to 9.
Part of the larger Fèisean nan Gàidheal body which organises similar events across Scotland, the Mull Fèis offers many of the island’s youngsters their first taste of Scottish music.
Seven accomplished musicians provided tuition in the fiddle, accordion, pipes, keyboard, Gaelic song, guitar and drums, with all instruments provided to ensure that even complete beginners can take part.
Alan Palmer, Fèis Mhuile organising committee member, said: "The majority of traditional musicians in Scotland have probably been through the Fèis movement at some time in their youth, and a lot of them have gone on to be full-time musicians."
Alan, who is also commercial manager for local business Inverlussa Marine Services, one of four aquaculture focussed event sponsorsm added: "We also know that immersion in cultural activity can help bolster the resilience and well-being of communities and individuals. Participation in the Fèis not only increases skills in young people but also builds their self-esteem, confidence and a sense of identity."
Alan, himself an accordion player, joined the established committee, comprising Jennifer and Andy Johnston, in 2020 to help out having moved to Mull ten years ago from his native Skye, which has its own Fèis tradition.
He added: “We normally get about 45 kids, mostly from the Mull schools but also some from the high school in Oban.
"However this year, we have had a large increase in participants due to the Fèis’ popularity, and welcomed 64 along, including some from the Morvern peninsula and other parts of the mainland. We split the age groups so there’s a Fèis beag – or small festival – for nursery age up to Primary Two, focusing on arts and crafts, games and Gaelic song.
"Then, from Primary Three all the way through secondary, there are two days of classes, where they receive tuition on their two choices of instrument."
In addition to Inverlussa, which has a fleet of 24 boats, mostly servicing the salmon farming sector, local salmon companies Scottish Sea Farms, Bakkafrost Scotland and TSL Contractors, also involved in large aquaculture infrastructure projects, are also providing vital sponsorship for the event.
Scottish Sea Farms Area Manager for Mull and dad-of-three, Andrew MacLeannan, said: "Aquaculture is a key contributor to coastal communities in terms of supporting charities and other good causes, providing jobs and investing in transferable skills.
"Farming local means supporting local, so sponsoring the Fèis is a natural fit. It introduces many children to a lifetime love of traditional Scottish music and gives the whole community a boost."
TSL Contractors Business Development Manager Naomi Knight, said: ‘My own children enjoyed attending the Fèis when they were younger and we are delighted to help support the event. It’s great to see the positive impact aquaculture companies can have in our local communities.
"The funding awarded will go towards the cost of running the Fèis, helping reduce the price of attending the event and make it more accessible and affordable for families."
Bakkafrost Scotland Area Manager for Mull, Hamish Maclean, added: "The Fèis Mhuile weekend was another resounding success and saw so many local children get the chance to receive tuition from leading musicians.
“Aquaculture is part of the fabric of life on Mull and it is important to us at Bakkafrost."
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