Kicking off Heb Celt week with a specially comissioned concert focusing on the work of the renowned local artist, Alasdair White. This special event, inspired by Kevin MacNeill’snovelTheStornowayWay,delves deep into the essence of what it means to live in the Hebrides. Alasdair reflects, "One of the meanings I ascribe to this is that sometimesremoteplacescanbemistaken as parochial or of little importance to a wider cultural landscape. However, those very places are driving forces behind heritage and identity on a global scale. Growing up in Lewis gave me the benefit of perspective because this island is, by nature,outward-looking
IalsothinkthatLewisanditsmusicareof singular importance to Scotland’s musicalheritageandmybeliefinthishas only been reinforced by a lifetime of travel. Indeed, I wouldn’t have a career without my ties to Lewis and in many ways I have spent my playing life trying to, in a small way, contribute to the musical tradition of my home. This concert is therefore a rare opportunity to share some original compositions in my hometownvenueandI’mdelightedtobe joined by my illustrious longtime musical friends Aaron Jones (Bouzouki), Ewan MacPherson (Guitar/Mandolin), and JamesMacKenzie(Pipes/whistles)”
Whether you ' re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, our Ceilidh promises to be a delightful experience for all. Ceilidhs at An Lanntair during the HebCelt Festival are truly special - known for their vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, where locals and visitors alike join in traditional Scottish dancing accompanied by live music. The lively ambiance brings together people of all ages for a night of pure fun and cultural celebration!
Admission:£8
*Admission to our Wednesday night ceilidh is included in Alasdair White tickets
THURSDAY 18 JULY, 7.30pm
Thisdynamicquartetbreathesnewlifeinto American folk and Old Time traditions, weaving roots music with fresh arrangements and original compositions. With an ensemble featuring fiddle, clawhammer banjo, double bass, guitar, wooden flute, and harmonious vocals, their performances radiate joy and energy, offering everything from high-octane tunes tosoulful,tendermelodies.WaywardJane's latest album, The Flood, showcases their distinctive sound honed over eight years. Recorded at Heriot Toun in the Scottish Borders,thealbumisacollectionoforiginal songs and tunes that blend American folk influences with the essence of the UK/Scottish traditional music scene. The twelve tracks range from heartfelt love letters to dark soundscapes, touching on globalsorrowsandcalminglullabies.
Engineered by Graeme Young and mastered by Sam Proctor, the album is a testament to the band's musical evolution.ThemembersofWaywardJane Dan Abrahams (guitar, double bass, vocals), Sam Gillespie (vocals, guitar, wooden flute), Rachel Petyt (fiddle, vocals), and Michael Starkey (5-string banjo, guitar, vocals) bring a rich tapestry of influences to the band. Dan, alsopartofDowallyandTheFooBirds,isa versatile multi-instrumentalist. Sam, from The Brothers Gillespie, excels in acoustic guitar, flute, and vocals. Rachel, a key figureinEdinburgh’ssessionscene,blends Scottish folk with gypsy jazz and old-time music. Michael, with a love for American stringband music, also plays in the duo HannahRead&MichaelStarkey.
Whether you ' re a pro on the dance floor or just giving it a go, our Ceilidh is sure to offer an enjoyable experience for everyone!
Admission:£8
*Admission to our Thursday night ceilidh is included in Wayward Jane tickets
FRIDAY 19 JULY, 7.30pm
Hailed as "Scotland’s pre-eminent singersongwriter and a national musical treasure" (SingOut USA), has spent the past 50 years crafting an unparalleled legacy in music. Known globally for his iconic song 'Caledonia' and his contributions to the soundtrack of 'Last of the Mohicans,' MacLean's influence spans continents and generations. His performances have graced prestigious venues from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Sydney’s Opera House Over the decades, MacLean's work has garnered widespread acclaim, earning him two Tartan Clef Awards, induction into the Scottish Music Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, an HonoraryDoctorate,andanOBE.
His songs, covered by artists like Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, and Ronan Keating, continue to resonate deeply. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, MacLean's weekly broadcasts from his Old Schoolhouse in Butterstone have reached over 4 million viewers across 70 countries, cementing his status as a global folk icon. His enduring popularity and innovative spirit ensure that his music remains a vital part of Scotland’sculturalheritage
DougieMaclean
FRIDAY19JULY
11AM-NOON
Bring along the young ones an companyofsomefinemusicia willbeasurprise!Thisfabulou provides the ideal opportunity onestoexperiencetheirfirstfe Thisfree,un-ticketedconcertf arriveearly!
Na h-Òganaich are delighted to perform once more at the HebCelt Festival this summer. When they formed the group in 1971, they included songs written by the Melbost bard, Murdo Macfarlane. Margaret and Donnie Macleod and Noel Eadie never expected the amazing following of fans they had, young and old, from all over Scotland, Europe, Canada, and the United States. Their win at the National Mod in 1971 caused quite a stir, with their use of harmonies and innovative treatment of Gaelic songs sung in a style that changed the format of traditional singing. In 1972, they won the Pan Celtic Festival, and their popularityspreadthroughperformanceson many television programs, recordings on Decca Beltona, and theatre appearances. Forvariousreasons,theyceasedtoperform as a group seven years later, each continuingintheirprofessionalfields
However, thirty years later, nostalgic fans persuaded them to perform at the CCA in Glasgow,allowingnewgenerationstohear them live. The group re-recorded their songsontheCD“GunStad”andappeared in a documentary for BBC Alba and at CelticConnections.AtHebCeltin2015,they delighted audiences, with their concert recordedasthefastest-sellingshowinthe festival’shistory!
They appeared at the 100-year Iolaire Commemoration concert in Stornoway last year and are thrilled to be part of HebCelt 2024. They hope their loyal fans and welcoming new fans of the future will haveagreatnightatAnLanntair.Thetitle, “Gun Stad” (Without Stopping), seems quitefitting!
The first, historic single malt whisky from the Isle of Harris. Like the iconic Harris Tweed cloth created here for generations, our first historic whiskyiswovenfromthehands of island people and the place we call home, intimately intertwining to produce an elegantspiritofcomplexityand character. This special connection between people andplacecontinuestothisday with every drop of The Hearach created by Isle of Harris hands here in the Outer Hebrides. Our recipe uses spirit matured in ex-bourbon casks, oloroso and finobutts.
BUTH SHOP
Explore a wide range of products and gifts that celebrate the rich culture and artistry of the Outer Hebrides. Our shop offers something for everyone, including stationery, homeware, jewellery, clothes, crafts, cards, books, music, toys, and art.. and some festival accessories for your weekend! When you shop with us, you're not just taking home a piece of the Outer Hebrides; you're also supporting An Lanntair's mission as a charity. Profits from our shop go towards promoting the Arts and Culture of the Outer Hebrides, helping us continue to inspire and connect our community through creativity and tradition.
