Gaelic features well in ‘For Argyll’ Awards
When ForArgyll.com announced the winners of the Argyll Awards, decided by public vote in twelve different categories, they can never have expected to be overwhelmed by the grass roots support for the Arts, and especially for Gaelic culture and traditional music. Neither might they have expected that that it would be the seemingly small and community led ventures that appear to be most appreciated by the thousands of Argyll residents and visitors who voted.
There was only one category (Best Arts Programme) that was specific to the Arts. Some categories relating to wildlife, the environment and some web related categories effectively ruled out music and the arts (even to the most enthusiastic and catholic arts voters!). The organisers found that all the finalists in the overall ‘Best Achievement for Argyll’ category represented traditional music and/or Gaelic culture, and that eleven out of fourteen possible winner and runner up positions were taken by the Arts!
Whilst not in any way decrying the efforts and impact of non –arts groups and individuals on community life and tourism, this overwhelming support by residents and Argyll visitors has led me to wonder, yet again, about the discrepancy between what people want and what councils, with a few notable exceptions, and government, seem inclined to support.
The fact that the Oban Royal National Mod won the best major event title with the most votes in any category may not have been a surprise, but many individuals and groups who have helped in the renaissance of Gaelic were also involved in the awards.
Joy Dunlop, the Gaelic singer, presenter and journalist was runner up in the Best Overall Achievement for Argyll Award. ( The winner was Helensburgh Fiddler Eilidh Steel.) Joy, the close runner-up, is from Connel, Argyll, and exudes talents ranging from singing to television presenting, dancing to award-winning Gaelic journalism. She was immersed in Gaelic culture from an early age which leading her to graduate with an honours in Gaelic Language and Culture from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. A multi-prize winning Gaelic singer and popular international performer, she combines her full time work Gaelic development work for An Comunn Gaidhealach with a regular stints on Gaelic TV and radio. She also writes a monthly column for the Gaelic newspaper An Gàidheal Ùr. Joy is also in great demand as a teacher, speaker and translator and can normally be found at most cèilidhs dancing up a storm and keeping the crowd on their toes. She is the Gaelic tutor and member of the Taynuilt Gaelic Choir, who have had medal success in the Mod under her tutelage.
Feis Ile, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, was joint winner of the Best Homecoming Event category. It was founded by the local people of Islay in 1986 to celebrate the heritage and culture of Isle of Islay and to provide a pan cultural and activity based series of events. Islay has a wealth of musical talent, which is very much in evidence at the ceilidhs. Mainland artistes are also brought to the island for the festival week. Since 2000 Feis Ile has been run in conjunction with the distilleries of Islay and Jura and Port Ellen Maltings. Each distillery has its own open day, putting on special events. Concerts, ceilidhs, children's shows, distillery open days, guided walks and sporting events – fishing competitions, golf, bowling and putting - there was something for everyone at this Homecoming event. Another year, another Feis Ile! The Last Tram Tae Auchenshuggle kept everyone dancing and there were sore feet but happy faces by the end of the opening concert! Sunday included a visit The Clootie Dumplings, who joined The Islay Fiddle and Accordion Band . Whisky enthusiasts packed the Ramsay Hall on the Monday and so it went on for the week, culminating in a The Gaelic Evening which highlighted the absolute wealth of talent on the island.
These sorts of festivals are an integral part of community life, as well as attracting much needed tourism to the isles. All of the organisers and the islanders are to be congratulated on their award. The 2010 festival will be on from 22nd to 30th May. More details at www.feis.streamlinenettrial.co.uk
The other joint winner was Fèis Cheann Loch Goibhle for their In the Footsteps of St Columba Ceilidh Trail. This concert tour ran over two weeks in Ireland and Argyll with young aspiring musicians. Ceilidh trails are well established in Nova Scotia and in parts of the Scottish Highland heartlands, but as far as Fèis Cheann Loch Goibhle knows, this is the first of this type of event to be put on in Argyll, and the first to combine young 18-20 year olds from Scotland and Ireland. Going to mainly small community venues the ‘In the Footsteps of St. Columba’ Ceilidh Trail gave a rare opportunity for many communities to hear music from around the Gaelic and Celtic world, and gave some up and coming young musicians the experience of playing and touring together. The musicians played at ten community venues, touring Ireland to sold out venues, and then returned for performances in Islay, Gigha, Cambletown, Kilmartin, and Tobermory. They finished appropriately, given that St Columba established the site in 563AD, in Iona Abbey. Fèis Cheann Loch Goibhle also runs an annual ten - school tour and puts on residential music and outdoor activities weekends. Their ‘sister’ organisation Fiddle Folk/Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop picked up the Best Community Initiative Award and the Best Arts Programme Award for their ‘Hands Across The Seas’ concert series.
Runners up for the Best Community Event for their pre- Mod ceilidh, and in the Best Arts Programme for their summer and winter ceilidh programme, was Meur Chruachain. This group, based in Taynuilt, is a branch of An Comunn Gaidhealach, and is in many ways typical of the best in community traditional and Gaelic culture. A largely ‘unsung’ committee (except in their immediate area) they have been putting on local ceilidhs for the last 80 years. Gaelic music, song, pipers, musicians and dancers are all involved. In the summer they put on weekly events, and in the winter ease off to monthly ones. Prices are kept to a minimum and local and visiting musicians play for the joy of putting back something into the community, and to give locals and visitors some fun at the same time as helping to promote and retain the Gaelic language and culture. Any money raised goes back into the local community and helps promote other events. More information from Moira Dunlop at sometimessnoozie@hotmail.com
A profile of all the Arts winners can be found at www.fiddleworkshop.co.uk
More about the Awards at www.forargyll.com