The Gaelic Society of Inverness will perform their Annual Event for 2006 on 26th May in the Spa Pavilion, Strathpeffer at 7.30pm. 

Though this year there are a couple of significant changes in the Society's musical event, the tried and tested formula of gathering together some of the nation’s best talents to perform material relating to a particular theme remains the same. The chosen theme this year is ‘spirituality’ in the Gaidhealtachd, a topic which encompasses a vast amount of really beautiful material. Performers have been invited to choose the material they would like to perform at the event. With a view to helping in the choice of material and providing focus for the evening, spirituality has been defined as ‘the quality of being concerned with deep, often religious, feelings and beliefs, rather than with the physical parts of life’.

Being held on the 26th May is a new departure for the Gaelic Society event. In previous years it has been held in late winter but to make it easier for the great numbers who travel some distance for the event, it has been moved until later on in the year. Another innovation is the event’s flitting from the Eden Court in Inverness to the Spa Pavilion in Strathpeffer. This move has been occasioned by the building work associated with the former’s re-development. The Spa’ facilities and comfort make it a very suitable alternative to the usual venue for the event.

A tremendous array of talented people has agreed to take part in the event. Singers Kenna Campbell, Maighread Stewart, Gillebride MacMillan and Donnie Murdo Macleod are to appear. They will be joined by the Dingwall Gaelic Choir, Malcolm Jones and a ‘house-band’ which includes Mairead Green, Jenn Butterworth and Gillian Frame. Also appearing will be fiddler Mairi Campbell and piper Iain MacInnes who have been performing together very successfully over recent months. The winner of last year’s Glenfiddich Championship, fiddler Sarah Naylor has also confirmed that she can perform. So also have three students from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Sìneag MacIntyre, Catriona Watt and Norrie MacIver.

According to Society Secretary, Anne Souter, a great evening of entertainment is anticipated and, if anything, the change in the event’s timing and location will make it even more special than usual. “Strathpeffer is a beautiful place to spend a May evening and the Spa Pavilion has great character to complement its superb facilities. Add to this the terrific programme arranged for the evening and a cordial ‘fàilte’ from the Society and a very pleasant and entertaining night is assured.”