A new tour sharing the incredible story of the people of the North-West Highlands, told through young people native to the area, begins in August with organisers confident the two-week tour will be the highlight of the summer of 2007.

Ùrachadh (meaning ‘renewal’ or ‘refreshment’) organised by Taigh na Gàidhlig Mheal’nais, draws from the heritage of the areas of Dùthaich ic Aoidh and Assynt in North-West Sutherland, home to the bàrdachd of Eòghann Robertson and Rob Donn, and of pioneering collectors Joseph and Patrick MacDonald.

Ùrachadh will use material from the School of Scottish Studies and more recent recordings combined with a stunning audio-visual display, showcasing some of the finest young traditional musicians and singers in the North Highlands; taking the audience through the story of the people of this oft-forgotten corner of the Highlands.

The story is one common to all Gaels: a story of turmoil and of disruption, but of a people drawing strength from a shared heritage and common language. This tour celebrates the enduring spirit of the people and of the language which defines them, an especially poignant celebration given that the tour draws from an area acutely affected by the Highland Clearances. It is the celebration of renewal which forms the essence of Ùrachadh.

Taigh na Gàidhlig Mheal’nais chairperson, Angela Mackay said, “When we first heard about the Highland Year of culture, we felt it was important that we do something which would highlight the music, song and history of our area.’

“It was important to us that we conveyed our history and our culture in a way which is meaningful and authentic. We also thought it was important that we use local performers to whom this music really means something. It is significant that the rehearsals for this tour took place in Strathnaver, scene of the infamous Strathnaver Clearances.”

One of the musicians involved in the project, nearly all of whom are based in the Gàidhealtachd, Carol-Anne Mackay, piping tutor and musician with band, Dòchas said; “I was really excited when I heard about this project. I feel passionate about my area and it’s great to see so much happening here in traditional music and with the language - I am delighted to be part of Ùrachadh. I am also pleased that this tour will allow us to share our music with a wider audience – hopefully it will also inspire others to make use of the amazing wealth of music and song from the North-West’

Producer Donald William Stewart was impressed by the commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm of the performers: James Graham, Gaelic singer from Lochinver, Rhona Sutherland, fiddle player from Brora, Catriona MacLeod, singer and accordionist from Strathnaver, James Ross, piano player from Wick and Carol-Anne Mackay, piper and accordionist from Strathy.

‘It was an honour for me to be invited to be involved in this project – I have often been up to Dùthaich ic Aoidh recording Gaelic speakers, and have been involved with Taigh na Gàidhlig’s recent dialect survey, alongside Dr Seumas Grannd. For me, what is really encouraging and exciting is that the last century of the show culminates with song and tunes written by the band members themselves - not only is it going to be interesting but it’s going to be a good cèilidh!’

With sponsorship in the form of bottles of Clynelish Malt Whisky Dr Stewart is right – this has all the ingredients of a fine night of entertainment which is what celebrating the Year of Highland Culture should be all about.

The Ùrachadh tour runs from the 7th to the 18th of August, and will cover Caithness, Ross-shire, Inverness-shire, Skye, the Western Isles and Sutherland.

Ùrachadh tours from the 7th- 18th of August across the following:

Dunbeath Heritage Centre, Caithness
Tuesday the 7th August
8.00 pm

An Lanntair, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Thursday 9th August

Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula
Friday 10th August

Aros, Portree, Isle of Skye
Saturday 11th of August

Macphail Centre, Ullapool, Ross-shire
Monday 13th August

Farr Hall, Farr, Inverness-shire
Tuesday 14th August

Rogart Hall, Sutherland
Wednesday 15th August

Lochinver Hall, Sutherland
Thursday 16th August

Durness Hall, Sutherland
Friday 17th August

Skerray Hall, Sutherland
Saturday 18th August

Website and further information: www.urachadh.org.uk