Buain Returns to Skye for Two Free Days of Gaelic Arts

The Buain Gaelic Arts Gathering will return to the Isle of Skye on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September, expanding to two days for the first time. The free event takes place at Kilmuir Hall in Kilmuir, with registration required through the Creative Scotland website.

Now in its fourth year, Buain is aimed primarily at Gaelic arts practitioners, producers and organisations, while several activities will also welcome the local community. The programme brings film, music and discussion together with a heritage walk, community dinner and ceilidh.

Gaelic film and music open the conversation

A screening of Sailm nan Daoine will place Gaelic psalm singing at the centre of the gathering. Made by Skye filmmaker Rob MacNeacail, the film considers community, family and the resilience involved in keeping a language alive. A participatory psalm-singing session will follow, and local residents are invited to attend this part of the programme.

Composer and performer Pàdruig Morrison will discuss how his upbringing and inherited knowledge of Gaelic traditions shaped his music. His contribution will also explore the influences behind Buin, his debut album released in 2026.

The two-day format gives participants more room for conversations between scheduled sessions. Creative Scotland describes those informal exchanges—during walks, coffee breaks and shared meals—as a central part of the gathering’s role in connecting Gaelic artists and cultural workers.

Discussions range from ceilidh culture to youth arts

Facilitated sessions will examine several areas of Gaelic cultural work. Brian Ó h-Eadhra will lead a discussion about support for ceilidh culture, while Flòraidh Forrest will consider how Areas of Linguistic Significance affect Gaelic arts.

Other sessions will cover theatre with Sean MacLeòid, Gaelic literature with Anna Mhàrtainn, and youth arts with Sophie Stephenson and Eòin Cumming of Fèis Rois. The organisation will also share how its music, creative and conversational activities give people opportunities to use Gaelic, including work supported through the Youth Music Initiative.

Anna Mhàrtainn will lead a guided walk through the surrounding area, drawing on local stories and heritage. The programme will close with a community dinner and ceilidh, bringing professional participants and residents together at Kilmuir Hall.

Registration, bursaries and travel planning

Attendance is free, but advance registration is required through Creative Scotland. The published event information does not specify daily start or finish times, and no accessibility arrangements are listed, so prospective attendees should check the registration page for the latest practical details before travelling.

Fifteen bursaries of up to £350 each remain available for Gaelic arts workers. They are intended particularly for freelancers, self-employed practitioners and people who need help with travel, accommodation or care costs. Applicants must have Gaelic fluency at B1 level or above under the stated Comasan Labhairt ann an Gàidhlig assessment framework.

Creative Scotland is encouraging public transport and shared travel where possible as part of its plan to reduce the gathering’s carbon emissions. Anyone seeking a place or bursary support should use the event registration page, where the application information and current attendance details are provided.

Source: Creative Scotland News