The Arts - Na h-Ealain

The distinctive concentric and inter twining patterns created by the Celtic craftsmen were displayed in their jewellery, and their carved stonework, as well as finding their way into the wonderful manuscripts of the time, such as the Book of Kells and other religious writings. While the artefacts in museum collections mostly exhibit this Celtic heritage now, the Hebrides still maintains a thriving artistic community. Numerous painters, photographers and other artists have exhibited their work in An Lanntair, the independent art gallery in Stornoway and there is a strong tradition of music making and drama. Proiseact Naiseanta na h- Ealain Gaidhlig (The National Arts Project) has made an important contribution to the promotion of the Gaelic arts at local, national and international levels and continues to stimulate and bring together a wide range of artists and musicians.

A number of community organised arts festivals (fesian) take place throughout the islands where the emphasis is largely upon the provision of tuition, largely in Gaelic, in a range of artistic skills, from the traditional singing, bagpipes, clarsach (small harp), fiddle, tin whistle and accordion, to guitar and electronic keyboards. Many local youngsters attend these festivals in the summer months as well as performing at the competitive local and national Mod events, which are held each year.

With the increasing emphasis placed upon economic and political similarity between nations, both local people and visitors are coming to appreciate more and more the value of maintaining distinctive regional and minority cultures. In this respect, the Gaelic and Norse heritage of the Outer Hebrides is becoming a resource contributing to the creation of real employment opportunities, community confidence and a pride in a unique cultural identity.