A new Gaelic events space has opened in Stornoway town centre.
An Taigh Cèilidh, known as the Gaelic cafe, refurbished an empty shop on the opposite side of Church Street to accommodate its new Taigh Coinneimh with an official opening event on Thursday.
The original café and gift shop will continue as usual while the Taigh Coinneimh aims to host slightly more formal events, such as live music, cultural workshops, conversation circles, and storytelling.
Guests at the opening gave their thoughts on An Taigh Cèilidh’s plans, what it’s
done for them, and what they’d like to see. Among those who spoke were local MSP,
Alasdair Allan, the retired headteacher of e-Sgoil, Angus Maclennan, Stornoway’s
retired florist, Angela Quail, and members of An Taigh Cèilidh staff, Dylan and Hannah.
Dylan and Hannah also sang the Gaelic song favourite, Teann a-nall, leading the audience
to join in for the chorus.
Co-chair of the not-for-profit venture Magaidh Smith outlined future plans for An
Taigh Coinneimh, which include offering the space out for venue hire while Teàrlach
Wilson spoke about the journey to get to the opening of An Taigh Coinneimh, including
how the stories and memories of the ceilidh house in Leurbost in the mid-20th century
inspired the project.
An Taigh Cèilidh recently submitted an application to become a fully-fledged charity.
Charitable status will give members of the public an opportunity to subscribe to
a membership, with a range of benefits including discounts on tickets to events.
Magaidh Smith and Teàrlach Wilson formally open the new venue Photo: An Taigh Cèilidh
New Gaelic venue opens in Stornoway
22 April 2025