Taigh Dhonnchaidh

Taigh Dhonnchaidh music centre in Ness has received local lottery funding new equipment.

The £800 from Western Isles Lottery will provide new keyboards and an electronic drum kit to add to the instruments used by the children and teenagers using the facility.

Taigh Dhonnchaidh once belonged to Duncan 'Major' Morrison who taught music across the island and bequeathed his family home to Ness Historical Society in 1998.

His wish was for the preservation of local, traditional music and culture for future generations, following his death.

Each Easter the venue hosts a fèis - a Gaelic music and cultural festival - offering tuition instruments as well as Gaelic singing, drama and art. Instrumental classes run throughout the school term. In addition, various ceilidhs, storytelling evenings and other community events are held throughout the year and the premises is also the base for the Ness Melodeon Band.

Mary Duff, secretary of Taigh Dhonnchaidh, said: “We are delighted and grateful to receive this funding from Western Isles Lottery. The funds will enable us to update our musical equipment and help us to provide even more opportunities for our young people. Having a facility like this, which relies entirely on volunteers, it is essential that we gain funding throughout the year.”

Janet Paterson, of Western Isles Lottery said “Taigh Dhonnchaidh is a great asset to the Ness community and long may it continue to play its part in the music scene. We hope the new equipment will be well used and particularly enjoyed by the older teenagers within the community.”

This brings the total amount raised by supporters in the Ness and Westside Area to £14,000. Proceeds currently being raised will be distributed to Shawbost Community Council who are planning to provide picnic areas in Shawbost, Bragar and Dalmore this summer.

Funding boost for Taigh Dhonnchaidh music centre

22 February 2020