Dozens of children enjoy Fèis fun during musical weekend on Mull

More than 60 children aged between 3 and 18 got the chance to try out traditional Scottish music instruments over the weekend as the successful Fèis Mhuile event was held on the island.

Bakkafrost Scotland was one of four members of Mull’s aquaculture industry to sponsor the event, which saw as many as 64 local youngsters receive tuition from a range of musical experts.

Fèis Mhuile – which is Gaelic for Mull Festival - has been a much-loved part of island life since the 1990s and the weekend of music also saw performances put on for the public’s enjoyment.

Bakkafrost Scotland Area Manager for Mull Hamish Maclean said: “The Fèis Mhuile weekend was another resounding success and saw so many local children get the chance to receive tuition from leading musicians.

“Aquaculture is part of the fabric of life on Mull and it is important to us at Bakkafrost Scotland that we embrace our communities by supporting great cultural initiatives like this.”

Part of the larger Fèisean nan Gàidheal body which organises similar events across Scotland, the Mull Fèis offers many of the island’s youngsters their first taste of Scottish music.

Seven accomplished musicians provided tuition in the fiddle, accordion, pipes, keyboard, Gaelic song, guitar and drums, with even complete beginners able to take part.

Alan Palmer, member of the Fèis Mhuile organising committee and Financial and Commercial Manager for local business Inverlussa Marine Services, said: “The majority of traditional musicians in Scotland have probably been through the Fèis movement at some time in their youth, and a lot of them have gone on to be full-time musicians.

“We also know that immersion in cultural activity can help bolster the resilience and wellbeing of communities and individuals. Participation in the Fèis not only increases skills in young people but also builds their self-esteem, confidence and a sense of identity.”

Mr Palmer, himself an accordion player, added: “We normally get about 45 kids, mostly from the Mull schools but also some from the high school in Oban. However this year, we have had a large increase in participants due to the Fèis’ popularity, and welcomed 64 kids, including some from the Morvern peninsula and other parts of the mainland.”