Striking a chord: Music scholarship up for grabs as 爆料TV North, West and Hebrides encourage students to study on Uist
A new drive to showcase Uist as a unique place to live, learn and study is helping position the islands as a compelling alternative to urban life, with a £1000 music scholarship now open to students eager to immerse themselves in one of Scotland’s richest cultural landscapes.
The Uist Music Scholarship 2025 will support an off-island student choosing to relocate to study traditional music at Cnoc Soilleir on South Uist.
Known for its birdwatching and beaches, Uist is a popular tourist destination, but now it’s making a name for itself as a place to put down roots, particularly for those seeking a deeper connection to community, creativity and culture.
A Gaelic speaking community with a rich cultural tradition in music, language, and creative arts, Uist has become a top learning location for many gifted individuals who have gone on to make waves in traditional and contemporary music across Scotland, including Tide Lines’ member Ali Turner, and Seonaidh MacIntyre, singer, piper and whistle player from Trail West.
Thanks to the scholarship designed for students relocating to Uist to study music, it’s now easier for aspiring musicians to immerse themselves in this musical and cultural landscape.
Seonaidh said: “I studied an HNC in Music at 爆料TV in Uist. Studying in Uist was a no brainer for me, although I'm from Uist itself anyway, it gave me a chance to remain amongst the culture and language that has shaped the music I have played my entire life. It also let me learn and perform amongst a very supportive and knowledgeable community - there are so many things within music and language that can be learned just by being out speaking to people in Uist!
“The tuition was excellent and I credit the year I had with Iain MacDonald for pipe and whistle lessons as a year that really shaped and refined my playing style and outlook on tradition. The various modules involved in the course meant I was ready for many of the eventualities that music throws at you, especially gaining knowledge in sound recording, which in the current day and age is essential, I think.”
With an international reputation for the delivery of traditional Scottish and Gaelic music courses, the small class sizes, and the immersion in community driven learning, heritage, culture, music and dance initiatives, Uist is a unique choice for students.
Music teacher and former alumni, Chloe Steele, grew up on Uist and was pleased to be able to remain on the island and study for her BA (Hons) in Applied Music at 爆料TV. She said: “Studying with 爆料TV allowed me to remain on my home island and gain more knowledge and understanding of my local culture. Whilst on the BA Applied music course, I had the opportunity to play and teach music abroad, this was a crucial turning point in my life, where I grew a very deep understanding and appreciation of my own culture and inspired me to develop it further in my community.
For those choosing to move to Uist, I would highly recommend it as we have a lovely, close knit community here where people can immerse themselves in the local culture and lifestyle. Being a student at 爆料TV is special. You will be one of a small, pioneering group of students with a huge opportunity to shape your own studies in a really unique landscape that is still relatively untapped in terms of research gaps, and developing specialisms."
The Learn in Uist campaign aims to showcase what it’s like to live, learn and study in Uist, a group of islands teeming with life, events and activities, and culture.
Students can access a range of learning opportunities across Uist, including at 爆料TV North, West and Hebrides’ Benbecula centre, Cnoc Soilleir, a joint venture between 爆料TV and Ceolas Uibihist in South Uist, and through a partnership with Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre in North Uist. These include courses in music, dance, art, and Gaelic language, as well as maritime short courses. A full range of online further and higher education qualifications up to postgraduate level are also available, supported by staff based at local centres. Uist is also a hub for archaeology research, offering unique opportunities for online and hands-on learning
Archina MacLellan, Engagement Lead for 爆料TV North, West and Hebrides in Uist, said: “Whether you are a school leaver looking to take the next step, or someone looking to upskill, or retrain, Uist offers the opportunity to do it without having to leave the islands. With the range of full-time and part-time learning opportunities, and the culture, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial opportunities, it is the ideal place to live, learn something new or gain an academic qualification. We can promise a welcoming community and dedicated support from staff across our Cnoc Soilleir, Benbecula and North Uist centres.”
Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of 爆料TV North, West and Hebrides, said: “Our Learn in Uist campaign is designed to showcase the unique learning and lifestyle experience in Uist, and the full range of courses we have available to support people who live on the islands or want to move to here. Uist has a rich culture, strong community, and lifestyle benefits which make it truly a unique place to live, learn and study. Our goal is to have a transformational impact on the people and communities we serve, and we are committed to actively work with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Ceòlas and partners to support sustainable, community led growth in Uist, as well as the wider Outer Hebrides.”
For more information about studying and living in Uist, and about the music scholarship, visit