Pròiseact nan Ealan and Murray International Language Centre, both in Stornoway, have collaborated on the production of a new Gaelic Karaoke DVD, to be launched this Friday (23 January) at Celtic Connections in Glasgow.  There are nine songs in the collection, including Eilean an Fhraoich, Hè mo Leannan and our own Fear a’Bhàta, with the sing-along words appearing on screen against a backdrop of Hebridean views, and a booklet with the songs in two languages. The songs are performed by Michelle Morrison (of Teine) and [ » read more ]

MG Alba, which in partnership with the BBC runs BBC Alba, the new Gaelic digital TV service, is also running a Gaelic short film competition, FilmG.  This is an entry with Uig connections, Am/Àite, written by Eric Macdonald, directed by Alasdair Macleod and featuring a few faces you might know. You can see other films and vote for your favourites at the FilmG website. Update, 9 Feb: Am/Àite won Best Screenplay for Eric Macdonald, and one of the best new voices for Maggie Smith!

Better late than never… last month CE Uig hosted a contingent from North Lochs Historical Society, who came for a tour of the museum, a cup of tea and a ceilidh.  They beat us 3-1 on the singing but we were delighted to have them.  Other societies and groups who would like to pay a visit to Uig are invited to get in touch. 

The first two are evidently the same excursion, to Tiumpan Head.  Thanks to Murdina for the photos and to Finlay and Katie Mary and others for the identification (click through for the detail) … still some gaps to fill.  These and a few others have been added to the Excursions Gallery.

From the Highland News, 30 August 1913; we’ve already had the fundraising concert and the domestic prizes: The West Uig and Bernera Crofters’ Show was held at Lochcroistean School on Wednesday the 20th August, under most favourable auspices, the day being sunny and warm and in every way pleasant for the great concourse of people who had assembled to witness the splended display of stock and work brought together. The judging commenced at noon, and th judges had an arduous task in awarding the prizes. [ » read more ]

Highland News, 22 March 1913: A most enjoyable concert in aid of the Uig and Bernera Cattle Show Fund was held in Valtos Public School  on Friday 14th inst.,  Mr Duncan Maclean Gisla presiding.  Despite the wintry weather there was a crowded house, parties having come from the Island of Bernera and as far west as Brenish.  While the audience was being admitted bagpipe selections were played by Mr Colin Macdonald of the College of Agriculture.  The Secretary read letters of apology from Mr WA [ » read more ]

From an Uig News series of articles about beachcombing, by Dave Roberts. The variety of things that washed up is quite incredible, and unexpected. In 1924, long before “The Politician” sank off Eriskay, “Saltier” (Malcolm Buchanan) from Brenish, disappeared for three days. He was eventually discovered down by the curing houses, sleeping soundly alongside a 40-gallon drum of extra strong whisky. It should have been diluted at two or three to one, but Saltier hadn’t bothered with that. Another drum was washed up at Husinish opposite the village [ » read more ]

From the Gazette, 22 July 1949: Football:– On Wednesday, 6th July, uig completed their home league programme when Harris visited Ardroil. The home team quickly went ahead from a well-placed shot from Mackay which gave the Harris goalkeeper no chance.  The Uig forwards were well supplied with the ball, and it was no surprise when Morrison, from close range, sent the team further ahead.  All Harris attacks were taken care of by an able Uig defence and if the forwards had been more willing to [ » read more ]

  The first tea-break on an outing from Uig to Harris; the stop was on the main road in the dip by the Leurbost road end.  Peter Smith on the melodeon.  Clockwise from the suit: 1. (in the suit) Angus Macdonald 11 Geshader (Anga) 2. Effie Mackenzie Earshader (Eiric Six) 3. Cathie Margaret Macleod 2 Enaclete 4. 5. Alasdair Macleod 14 Crowlista (Alasdair Dubh) 6. Murdanie Maciver 4 Geshader 7. Mary Macdonald Gisla 8. Murdanie Maclean 5 Aird (Murdanie Shoggie) 9. Finlay Maciver 4 Geshader [ » read more ]