Ministerial opening planned for Cnoc Soilleir

A new chapter in the Gàidhlig heartland of South Uist opens on Thursday September 1.

 

Deputy First Minister John Swinney will be heading to the Uists this week to attend the official opening of phase one of Cnoc Soilleir on September 1.

 

The Cnoc Soilleir building is designed to provide a home for the joint venture partners UHI Outer Hebrides and Ceòlas Uibhist Ltd.

 

Cnoc Soilleir is a bespoke setting for Gàidhlig language learning, heritage, culture, music, dance and archaeology. The building sprang to life in July with the vibrant Ceòlas summer school where 100 participants delighted in rich cultural experiences.

 

Enrolment for UHI Outer Hebrides classes will start in the next few weeks and students will be warmly welcomed.

 

Visitors from near and far have commented on the high quality finish and the stunning beauty of the location. A donated piano has already been put to good use by young musicians keen to practice during the holidays. A range of children's cultural activities have also been popular over the summer and there is clearly an appetite in the community for cultural activities for all ages.

 

Seonaidh MacDonald, the latest and independent director of Cnoc soilleir, said 'the key focus of Cnoc Soilleir will be to enable the growth of Ceolas and UHI Outer Hebrides and how jointly the organisations will make Uist a desirable place to live within a strong economy'.

 

Cnoc Soilleir phase one has been funded by Scottish Government, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and donations from individuals. The design team, implementation team and contractors worked tirelessly during lockdown to ensure the progress and successful completion of this state-of-the art energy efficient building.

 

The Cnoc Soilleir project would not be at this stage without the significant voluntary input and support from members of the community of Uist and everyone is welcome to the official opening event. Anyone wishing to attend should be on site by 10am.

 

Photograph (January 2017): An architect's drawing of the Gaelic culture centre at Cnoc Soilleir, meaning ‘Hill of Bright Light’, on South Uist © John Renshaw Architects 2016.

 

T05_Ceolas_01_no_Architects’ concept drawings of the proposed building in Daliburgh © John Renshaw Architects 2016