Fèis Alba 2005, a high quality training opportunity for young musicians, organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal, the National Association of the Fèis movement, will take place from Monday 4 to Friday 8 July 2005. It aims to give young people aged 16-25 the opportunity to learn more about a range of key skills that will be of use to them as they develop their skills as aspiring semi or fully professional musicians. The Fèis is funded by the Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund, The Highland Council and Skye & Lochalsh Enterprise.

The Fèis will again take place in Plockton High School Hostel. The hostel and the facilities at the Traditional Music School of Excellence provide an ideal venue for the event, and participants will benefit from expert tuition from a number of well-known traditional musicians including Ingrid Henderson, Iain MacFarlane and Anne Martin.

This year Cèilidh Trail participants from Skye and Lochalsh and Lochaber will attend the Fèis before heading out and about to perform in their local areas. The aim of the Cèilidh Trails is to offer employment and professional development opportunities to local young musicians and work with local organisations and businesses to develop the cultural tourism potential of the area.

Fèisean nan Gàidheal Development Officer Nicola Marshall said “Fèis Alba is the ideal training opportunity for young musicians participating in Cèilidh Trails. It provides participants with the opportunity to learn essential skills and get used to working and playing together as groups. If last year’s event is anything to go by the participants should have a great week.”

The Fèis will be rounded off with a public performance in Plockton Village Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 7 July which will give participants the opportunity to put their new and improved skills to the test in front of a live audience.

Following Fèis Alba the Cèilidh Trails will visit various venues and events throughout Skye & Lochalsh and Lochaber. For more information please contact skyeceilidhtrail@feisean.org  or lochaberceilidhtrail@feisean.org  or visit the Fèisean nan Gàidheal website - www.feisean.org