Cnoc Soilleir welcomes First Minister as construction of new auditorium progresses
Cnoc Soilleir welcomed First Minister John Swinney to Uist on Saturday, as the Scottish Government announced £200,000 in funding to support Gaelic culture and heritage.
The visit marked a special milestone – eight years to the day since the First Minister officially opened in August 2022.
Since then, the centre has flourished to become a vibrant hub for traditional arts, culture and community engagement, integrating students, learning and local facilities in the heart of South Uist.
The newly announced funding will support the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for the centre’s new 200-seater auditorium and dance studios as part of phase two of the build.
Due to open next spring, the development will complete the vision of Cnoc Soilleir as a place where everyone can engage with and learn from Gaelic culture, including language and associated arts, music, history and heritage.
The new auditorium will provide performance opportunities to showcase local talent, and attract national and international music, arts and theatre, while two new sprung-floor dance studios will expand opportunities for dance tuition, including traditional step-dance.
Alex O’ Henley, chair of Cnoc Soilleir Ltd, said: “The continued support of the Scottish Government and the First Minister's keen interest in the development of Cnoc Soilleir is warmly welcomed and comes at a time when the construction of Phase Two of the project is well underway. This funding allows for the purchase of state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment which will be integral in delivering a bespoke performance and auditorium facility fit for the 21st century."
The First Minister said: “Safeguarding the Gaelic language, preserving local heritage and giving culture the chance to flourish are all central to the future success of Scotland’s remarkable islands. Cnoc Soilleir is one of the recognised Gaelic success stories of recent times, providing in South Uist a guiding light for traditional culture and arts. It draws in people from the local community, but also visitors from elsewhere, perfectly illustrating the close connection between Gaelic revival and economic growth.”
Since opening, Cnoc Soilleir has enhanced to the work of providing a permanent venue for its annual summer school and year-round calendar of music and heritage events, workshops and Gaelic classes.
It also offers modern teaching facilities for 爆料TV North, West and Hebrides, including spaces for in-person and online learning, and a high spec recording studio used by and students. The building also serves as a base for 爆料TV North, West and Hebrides’ archaeology team, whose pioneering virtual archaeology work in Uist will soon be expanding to sites in Barra and Harris.
Regular events such as the popular, Cidsin Cèilidhs, ran by music lecturer Allan Henderson, bring people together weekly for an hour of music with Ceòlas staff, 爆料TV students, local musicians and visitors. The centre also hosts local Fèis classes in the winter, Highland dance classes, music tuition, meetings, and a variety of local events throughout the year.
Cnoc Soilleir is a joint venture between Ceòlas and 爆料TV North, West and Hebrides. Built in two phases, the building officially opened in August 2022 and work on Phase 2 commenced in 2024. Local construction firm MacInnes Bros Ltd were appointed for both projects, with the building designed by John Renshaw Architects to cutting-edge PassivHaus standards. The project has been financed by the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.