Last night saw the regular Wedneday night mini-ceilidh at the Lochaber Homecoming Hub (in Lochaber College) and the feedback, once again, was brilliant :
"We're from Bradford, Yorkshire, this is our first time in Scotland, we've been very lucky to come to the 'homecoming', the weather has been Scottish and this visit so far great. Thanks for the welcome and a most informative and enjoyable evening".
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"Our first day in Fort William. By surprise we went for Lochaber College and had a pleasant evening with sing and dance. Keep up the good thing! Visitors from Holland.
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"Our first time in Lochaber to follow the trail of ancestors that emigrated to Canada before 1815.........to celebrate them and those that have remained. Thanks you for your warm hospitality. So enjoyed the music and dance at the college.........thanks for inviting us.
Visitors from BC, Canada
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"We're from NZ and are currently travelling around the UK - tonight has been one of our favourite nights so far! We are so glad we found out about it and have been very impressed with the performers and have had a brilliant time! Thanks very much!"
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"Arrived a bit late because I was coming back from climbing Ben Nevis. However, what I heard, saw and experienced this evening was really great. I would like to thank all the performers. It was a great way to relax after a really exhausting day. Cile mhath agus tapadh leibh! Clan Cameron Australia visitor.
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A brilliant time had by all. Thanks for the invite a great evenings crack. Hope to be back!"
Visitors from N. Ireland
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and the one I like best, from a European visitor:
"This is my second time here, I really advise someone else to come.....
I will be back (if possible). I believe it is a hard work for the people involved but it is an amazing result. Well done and all the best for your future."
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These mini-ceilidhs will be taking place every Wednesday throughout August - come along at 7.30pm to share the craic!
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Gaelic Night at the Homecoming Ceilidh
Working late last night I wearily left my office at Lochaber College, only to hear the unusual sound of an accordian and general merriment drifting up the stairs.
Down in the foyer the weekly Homecoming Hub Ceilidh was in full swing. I was easily persuaded to join in. Before I knew it I was part of a slightly shambolic 'strip the willow' set that comprised Scots, Portuguese, English, American and German dancers. I am not sure we would have won any awards but we had good fun!
After the set by accordianist Jimmy Smith, and more music from Kevin and Deidre on pipes and fiddle, there were performances of gaelic song and music and Scottish dancing by local youngsters; Hannah and Catherine from the Junior Lochaber Choir, Emma and Carchie from the Nevis Dancers and the musical brother and sister Hannah and Alasdair.
The kids were great - not easy standing up in front of 40 or so grown ups you don't know, so thanks to them and to Eilidh Shaw from Commun na Gaidhlig for organising the evening, along with Margert Boyd. The Homecoming Hub is a genuine, authentic Highland experience - organised by locals who want to show visitors their culture, and it is all put on by volunteers. They are also raising money for local charities with a raffle and I won the booby prize of a bottle of Irn Bru!
To find out more about events in Lochber with a cultural and historical theme go to our events listing.
Friday, 17 July 2009
Walk into History
The Outdoor Capital have just produced a guide called 'Walk into History' which highlights 8 walks of varying difficulty that all have an historic, cultural or industrial theme. These include 2 routes around cleared villages, a beautiful trail near Castle Tioram and an easy walk from the Old Fort in Fort William to Inverlochy Castle. You can pick up a leaflet in many locations around Lochaber or view an online version here.
Thursday, 16 July 2009
The volunteers behind the Lochaber Homecoming Hub are doing a fantastic job in organising the events for our Homecomers and locals alike, giving up their own time, for no reward. Well, when I say they are not rewarded, I mean financially. But receiving comments like these, which were made at the Mini-Ceilidh/Burns Supper last night at the Lochaber College, makes all the time and effort worthwhile ...
An e-mail from Trevor, Margaret, John (16), Tom (15) and Rachael (12) -
Just a short note to say thank you for the "mini ceilidh" on Wednesday 08/07/09 at UHI Millennium Institute - we loved it! What a very talented bunch of young musicians. Great to see such variety - singing, accordion, fiddle and drums. Also the highland dancing was a real treat. The evening was a very enjoyable mix of younger and more mature performers and it was nice to join in the "Strip the Willow" with both locals and those from further afield. Thanks again for organising a lovely evening.
"Al' the best til' next time."
and these on the night -
"What a treat"
"The Lochaber Burns Supper will have to improve!!! (local reflecting on the speed of last night's event)
"Robert - we love you and would like to take you home to Montreal"
"Well organised, superb 'haggis' + talented musicians"
"My heart is in the Highlands, even more so after to-night" .
"This was great! We enjoyed the event - thank you from the American Chamber Orchestra"
"Very nice to be here and part of this festivity, as a tourist from Holland".
"Hey! great to be back in Scotland - have just walked the West Highland Way" (Aussie)
"Nice to have a look inside real Scottish life" (German visitors)
"Thank you for the event" (Swiss visitors)
"Great and entertaining programme - thanks" (Florida)
"Had a lovely time, all so friendly" (England)
"Very interesting; warm hosts! (Canadians)
Mini-ceilidhs will take place between 7.30 and 9.30 pm each Wednesday throughout July and August at Lochaber College. Just come along and join in the fun!
An e-mail from Trevor, Margaret, John (16), Tom (15) and Rachael (12) -
Just a short note to say thank you for the "mini ceilidh" on Wednesday 08/07/09 at UHI Millennium Institute - we loved it! What a very talented bunch of young musicians. Great to see such variety - singing, accordion, fiddle and drums. Also the highland dancing was a real treat. The evening was a very enjoyable mix of younger and more mature performers and it was nice to join in the "Strip the Willow" with both locals and those from further afield. Thanks again for organising a lovely evening.
"Al' the best til' next time."
and these on the night -
"What a treat"
"The Lochaber Burns Supper will have to improve!!! (local reflecting on the speed of last night's event)
"Robert - we love you and would like to take you home to Montreal"
"Well organised, superb 'haggis' + talented musicians"
"My heart is in the Highlands, even more so after to-night" .
"This was great! We enjoyed the event - thank you from the American Chamber Orchestra"
"Very nice to be here and part of this festivity, as a tourist from Holland".
"Hey! great to be back in Scotland - have just walked the West Highland Way" (Aussie)
"Nice to have a look inside real Scottish life" (German visitors)
"Thank you for the event" (Swiss visitors)
"Great and entertaining programme - thanks" (Florida)
"Had a lovely time, all so friendly" (England)
"Very interesting; warm hosts! (Canadians)
Mini-ceilidhs will take place between 7.30 and 9.30 pm each Wednesday throughout July and August at Lochaber College. Just come along and join in the fun!
Hello and welcome to the Lochaber Homecoming Hub blog. 2009 is the year of Homecoming throughout Scotland when Scots the world over are encouraged to come home and celebrate all that makes Scotland great.
The Outdoor Capital of the UK have a page on their website dedicated to the Homecoming with links to Homecoming events, where Homecomers can stay, where to find out more about their ancestors and more.
The Lochaber Homecoming hub – which is located within Lochaber College UHI - aims to provide a place where locals and visitors alike, can come to find out what is going on across Lochaber, particularly in relation to the events and activities that have been set up for our ‘Homecoming’ visitors.
During each week day afternoon, 1pm – 2pm, there will be a set activity, such as talks on local history, craft displays, lectures and even a chance to see how butter is made! On Wednesday evenings between 7.30pm – 9.30pm a mini ceilidh is held in the college foyer.
All events are FREE and places are on a first come first served basis. For more information, call into the college or check out the Outdoor Capital's What's On section here.
The Outdoor Capital of the UK have a page on their website dedicated to the Homecoming with links to Homecoming events, where Homecomers can stay, where to find out more about their ancestors and more.
The Lochaber Homecoming hub – which is located within Lochaber College UHI - aims to provide a place where locals and visitors alike, can come to find out what is going on across Lochaber, particularly in relation to the events and activities that have been set up for our ‘Homecoming’ visitors.
During each week day afternoon, 1pm – 2pm, there will be a set activity, such as talks on local history, craft displays, lectures and even a chance to see how butter is made! On Wednesday evenings between 7.30pm – 9.30pm a mini ceilidh is held in the college foyer.
All events are FREE and places are on a first come first served basis. For more information, call into the college or check out the Outdoor Capital's What's On section here.
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