Hebridean Celtic Festival 2007

Located off the north west coast of Scotland, incorporate the islands of Barra, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Harris and Isle of Lewis.; a group of islands each uniquely different.

The Festival centres on the main venue, a large marquee, capable of accommodating up to 5000, which is set in the scenic grounds of Lews Castle, Stornoway.

Location

The 'Castle' a Victorian mock Tudor castle was built in 1849 by Sir James Matheson of Jardine Matheson Company and is surrounded by a beautiful wooded area once believed to rival Kew Gardens for its richness in variety. Lord
Leverhulme granted the lands to the folk of Stornoway in 1923 and this saw the establishment of Stornoway Amenity Trust who now oversee the daily management of the Grounds and Croft lands within the Trust area.

In addition to the many complementary events in Stornoway, the'capital' of this island group, a variety of events are hosted by community groups around the islands of Lewis and Harris.

Language - Cànan

In the Western Isles,the Gaelic language is still very much the language of the community. In the last Census figures in 2001 the Western Isles had the highest % of Gaelic speakers in Scotland with 60% or 15,723 of the population over the age of 3 years able to speak the language. 24 of the area's 40 primary schools have Gaelic Medium Units where 542 children are taught through the medium of Gaelic for most of their primary education. Gaelic is compulsory as a subject for the first two years of secondary education, for all pupils, after which pupils are able to choose whether to continue studying it to Standard Grade and/or Higher level.