SPRING FLING 2004 - MUSIC, DANCE AND ENTHUSIASM!

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig was the place to be for a 'Spring Fling' on the 21st & 22nd of February. A combination of some of Scotland's finest tutors coupled with a large group of highly enthusiastic participants made the perfect ingredients for a fabulous weekend of instruction and cèilidhs.

The tutors included Angus Grant (Shooglenifty), Dougie Hunter, Gregor Borland and Rae MacColl, teaching between them fiddle, accordion and step-dance. Participants were champing at the bit to get started first thing on Saturday morning with eagerness and laughter for the good times ahead. Some 28 students from all over the UK and Ireland travelled to this unique yearly event which is run jointly by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College in Skye and An Drochaid, Skye & Lochalsh Traditional Music Project.

Louise Mackenzie, Traditional Music Co-ordinator for An Drochaid said, "I am delighted to see people of all ages participating and enjoying this fantastic weekend. Nearly half of the participants live in the Skye and Lochalsh area and this is an excellent indicator of the talent and interest we have in traditional music and dance in the area."

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig runs short courses in Gaelic and music throughout the year. Contact Sìm Innes on (01471) 888240 or send an e-mail for further details.

For more information on An Drochaid contact Louise Mackenzie on (01478) 614003 or send an e-mail. The next mini-festival, similar to the format of Spring Fling, will take place in Plockton on the 27th & 28th March and will focus on Gaelic Choral Singing. Tutors will include Kirsteen Grant and Hamish Menzies.