Festivals teaching traditional Gaelic music, song and dance are to be expanded as a result of a new funding package from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
£180,000 will be awarded over three years to Fèisean nan Gàidheal, the national association of Gaelic arts tuition festivals, to match funding already provided by the Scottish Arts Council, The Highland Council and the European Social Fund. The fèis movement introduces young people to Gaelic language through its song, music, drama and dance, and 37 festivals (feisean) currently take place across the country. Fèisean nan Gàidheal was formed in 1989 and is funded by membership fees, public sector grants, sponsorship and sales. HIE has in the past funded core costs with an annual grant of £15,000. The new funding will be used to support the volunteers and tutors, develop an instrument bank, make IT improvements and set up a development fund for local projects.
Published: 08-09-2003