Fčis Passion is Still Growing Across Scotland
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Fčis Passion is Still Growing Across Scotland
The economic impact of the fčis movement is Ł2m annually, according to a report for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The summary findings of the ‘Economic and Social Impacts of the Fčisean’ were announced at Fčisean nan Gŕidheal’s annual general meeting in Ullapool today (Friday September 24).
The summary findings of the ‘Economic and Social Impacts of the Fčisean’ show that 49 posts were sustained in the Highlands and Islands alone through the movement which is responsible for organising traditional music, dance festivals and events. The study also suggests a significant impact in the region’s ‘fragile areas’, contributing earnings of over a quarter of a million pounds within them.
HIE announced three-year funding of Ł540,000 to Fčisean nan Gŕidheal in September 2009 to allow the agency, along with other sources, to support the development of the popular traditional arts movement across the Highlands and Islands and further afield.
The report estimates that since the very first Fčis Bharraigh in Barra in 1981, the number of fčisean in Scotland has grown to 42 in 2008, of which 35 were held in the Highlands and Islands. The continuity and growth has led to many former fčis students becoming tutors and providing the next generation in turn with future job opportunities.
Around 13,000 young people participate in activities supported by Fčisean nan Gŕidheal across Scotland. Social, artistic and linguistic benefits are the prime motivations of those who organise fčisean in local communities.
The report highlights that a range of local people who having been regular fčis participants have progressed into training and careers, including Catriona Watt, who won the BBC Young Traditional Music award in 2007 and the acclaimed Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis.
Head of Community Growth at HIE, Neil Ross, said: “The report highlights the range of social impacts the 42 Fčisean which took place across Scotland in 2008-9 had on its communities, over and above the economic impact. The evidence from contacts with local groups confirms that fčisean are important in encouraging the use of the Gaelic language and generally strengthening Gaelic culture across the Highlands and Islands. It delivered a whole range of workshops and classes including Cčilidh Trail events, cultural trips abroad and concerts.”
The fčisean provides a feedstock of talented performers for the creative industries which is one of Scotland’s key sectors supporting the tourism economy and work opportunities in fragile and remote areas. The Blas Festival which is organised by Fčisean nan Gŕidheal saw a 27 per cent increase in people attending last year compared to 2008 with an audience of 12,000. This year’s Blas festival took place from 3-12 September across the Highlands.
Chief Executive of Fčisean nan Gŕidheal, Arthur Cormack said: “There has never been a time when more young people have been skilled in playing musical instruments and singing songs. This report highlights that the fčis movement has been a major success story bringing hard economic benefits to the Highlands and Islands as well as other areas across Scotland, which is important in tough economic conditions. However, the social and linguistic benefits are also extremely important and I believe that interest and ability in traditional Gaelic music in Scotland has grown exponentially over the past 30 years. I am certain the success of so many fčisean throughout the land has been the main driver behind this growth and has helped enormously in raising awareness of traditional music and the Gaelic language.”
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