Cnoc Soilleir opens as £1.5 million announced to boost Gaelic language

First Minister John Swinney has officially opened the second phase of Cnoc Soilleir in South Uist – a cultural venue working to showcase and promote Gaelic arts and culture including music, language and dance.

Supported by £7.6 million in Scottish Government funding since 2017, Cnoc Soilleir is home to the joint venture partnership of Ceòlas Uibhist and UHI North, West and Hebrides, for their own activities and events, as well as providing facilities for a range of local and wider activities – including concerts, dancing, ceilidhs, conferences, seminars and community events for all age groups. It also serves as a focus for Gaelic arts across Scotland and on the international stage.

The centre was officially opened as the Scottish Government announced £1.5 million for local authorities working to establish Areas of Linguistic Significance. This funding will support selected local authorities to promote Gaelic language and culture. 

Continue reading - Supporting Gaelic culture to thrive - gov.scot

Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: 

"The completion of the extension marks a significant milestone in the development of Cnoc Soilleir and represents a major investment in the future of Gaelic language, culture, education and community sustainability in Uist. 

"As a founding partner, UHI North, West and Hebrides is proud of the role we have played in helping realise this vision and of everything that has been achieved through the partnership to date. The new facilities create exciting opportunities to expand learning, creativity, research, performance and community engagement, while strengthening Cnoc Soilleir's position as a nationally significant centre rooted in the language, culture and heritage of the islands. 

"We look forward to continuing to work alongside Ceòlas, fellow members and the wider community to ensure these completed facilities and the opportunities they present are fully realised for the benefit of Uist, the Outer Hebrides and the wider Highlands and Islands as Cnoc Soilleir enters this exciting new chapter."