BLOG | Learn in Uist: "It was a year that really shaped and refined my playing style"

Former UHI student Seonaidh MacIntyre reflects on his year studying music in Uist ahead of EDF Festival homecoming.

This weekend, the EDF Festival in Uist welcomes home one of its most celebrated local musicians – Seonaidh MacIntyre, founding member of award-winning band Trail West.

As the band marks 15 years of performing together, Seonaidh’s return to Uist is a full-circle moment rooted in the very place that shaped his musical journey.

Born and raised in Lochcarnan, South Uist, Seonaidh’s path to national acclaim began with UHI, where he studied for an HNC in Music from 2008 to 2009.

For him, choosing to learn in Uist wasn’t just about convenience – it was about deepening his musical connection with the culture, language and community that continue to inspire his music.

Reflecting on his decision to learn in Uist, Seonaidh (34) said:

“Studying in Uist was a no brainer for me, 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' so much to learn about music and language just by speaking to people in Uist and engaging with the local community who are genuinely really supportive of traditional music and naturally have really great knowledge of it.

"Having completed the HNC course at the Benbecula campus, Seonaidh’s professional music career took off as he joined Skipinnish, performing regularly with them. The following year, he became a founding member of award-winning band, Trail West, who this year are celebrating 15 years of performing together.

“The tuition was excellent, and I thank the year I had with Iain MacDonald for pipe and whistle lessons, it was a year that really shaped and refined my playing style, as well as broadened and deepened my view on tradition.

“The various modules on the course prepared me well for many of the eventualities that music threw at me, especially the knowledge I gained in sound recording, which is essential in today’s music scene. It’s just one of the many practical skills I gained when I chose to learn in Uist.”

Over the last 15 years with Trail West, Seonaidh has released five albums and earned major recognition within the traditional music scene, including two Scots Trad Music Awards; 'Live Act of the Year' in 2023 and 'Original Work of the Year' in 2024 for Seonaidh’s self-penned song Ar Cànan 's ar Ceòl.

The band has played at many of Scotland's premier venues and have two sold out shows at Glasgow's famous Barrowland Ballroom in September this year. In December they will perform at Hoolie in the Hydro in the OVO Hydro, playing to 14,000 trad music fans in their third appearance at the event.

A keen ambassador for the island, Seonaidh is quick to encourage others to embrace the opportunity to learn in Uist:

“Go for it, you won't regret and I'm certain you'll make memories that you'll never forget. I still think about my year at UHI in Uist often and with fondness.

“If you choose to learn in Uist you'll experience a few good cèilidhs and see first-hand what it is that makes Uist and its community so special.”

As someone who has continued to champion Gaelic culture and traditional music on some of Scotland’s biggest stages, Seonaidh is a strong advocate for the unique learning environment UHI provides. To him, Uist is more than a place of learning, it’s the cultural heart of his music and there is no better place to learn in Uist.

Trail West perform on Saturday at EDF 2025. Tickets on sale now.

For more information about studying music in Uist, visit: Learn in Uist - UHI North, West and Hebrides