Gaelic music and culture to the fore at national nature reserves

The SNH Ceilidh Trail Partnership with Fèis Rois will see Gaelic musicians deliver traditional Scottish music and songs at some of Scotland’s most stunning natural landmarks.

These National Nature Reserves (NNRs) showcase some of the best of Scotland’s superb nature, plants, animals and landscapes.

Each summer Fèis Rois runs the National Ceilidh Trail in which a group of budding young (aged 16-25) musicians tour Scotland performing traditional music and Gaelic songs.

Through this opportunity, the young musicians gain paid summer employment and the experience of being touring artists. They use their Gaelic language skills to deliver bilingual audience interaction and, for those not fluent in the language, learn how to introduce their sets bilingually.

Events take place on:

• 20 July: Beinn Eighe NNR;
• 21 July: Knockan Crag NNR;
• 1 August: St Cyrus NNR;
• 9 August: Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR;
• 9 August: Forsinard Flows NNR (duplicate date/different musicians);
• 11 August: Falls of Clyde NNR;
• 19 August: St Abb's Head NNR.

Nick Halfhide, SNH’s director of operations, said: “Many of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians and singers have drawn their creative ideas from nature and we are certain that our reserves will supply an equal measure of inspiration this summer. There is a strong link between Gaelic, the land, and place-names, and we are delighted to support these events across Scotland to celebrate those associations.

“These events will also help develop young musicians looking to gain experience and expertise in the traditional music industry bringing high quality music performances and welcome visitors to communities across the country during the peak tourism period.”

Seven traditional music performances feature in the ceilidh trail initiative of events on SNH’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs).

Three of the events also highlight the work of Scotland’s Natural Larder. This joint initiative led by SNH aims to make connections between a well-managed natural environment and the provision of good quality, healthy food.

These take place at Beinn Eighe on 20 July; Knockan Crag on 21 July; and Forsinard Flows on 9 August.

They involve demonstrations, tasters and discussions and the aim is to provide knowledge, skills and inspiration in the use of food from nature. Attendees use venison from the reserves as well as local plants and seaweeds, and sustainably sourced local seafood. 

In addition, Scotland’s Natural Larder will be promoting a series of bilingual recipe cards as well as the new Gaelic guide to responsible foraging. SNL is a partnership of SNH and BASC Scotland.