5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Musicians to hold tribute to victims of historic tragedy
More than a century after the shipwreck claimed the lives of 200 Lewis men, Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis and fiddler Duncan Chisholm (pictured) will pay them a moving tribute.
The evening will be held during the Blas festival, the annual celebration of Gaelic culture.
Fowlis (below) said: 'Working on creating a commemorative piece about the Iolaire tragedy has been the most profoundly moving project for both Duncan and me.
'Since the original commission of An Treas Suaile (The Third Wave) in 2018, ahead of the 100-year commemoration, we have continued to research the stories of the men who were on board the Iolaire, the ship which sank desperately close to Lewis shores in the early hours of January 1, 1919. This event will be an evening of conversation with music and song from our original production.'
On December 31, 1918, the servicemen had arrived by rail at Kyle of Lochalsh, ready to board the ferry SS Sheila, owned by David MacBrayne Ltd.
The HMY Iolaire (Gaelic for eagle) was then sent across the Minch to assist in taking the men home. In the early hours of New Year's Day 1919, the vessel ran aground on the Beasts of Holm, just 20 yards from the shore, less than a mile from Stornoway Harbour. More than 200 men lost their lives, with every village on the island losing loved ones.
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The Isle of Lewis had already suffered greatly during the war with over 1000 men, of the 6712 who went to war, dying during the conflict.
Calum Alex Macmillan, chief executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, said: 'More than a century later, the loss of the Iolaire remains one of Britain's worst maritime disasters. An Treas Suaile commemorates those who lost their lives and their families who were left behind. It is a privilege for Blas to host this special and moving musical work at this year's festival.'
This year, Blas will host around 25 concerts and cèilidhs, with a strong focus on collaboration and partnerships with small arts organisations throughout the region.
Since its modest beginnings with just three venues in Strontian, Clashmore, and Strathpeffer 21 years ago, Blas has delivered more than 1350 events featuring 5550 performers and welcoming an audience of more than 130,000. It has contributed at least £8.4 million to the local economy since it began.
Other artists performing during the festival – from September 5 to September 13 at venues across the Highlands – include Dàimh, Lauren MacColl, Arthur Cormack, Ingrid Henderson, Ruairidh Gray, Flook, Norrie MacIver, Mischa Macpherson and Eabhal.
An Treas Suaile will be performed in Kyle on September 8 and in Ullapool on September 9, as well as at the Nairn Book and Arts Festival on September 4
