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The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Singer issues rallying call for islanders to return home
He says the sight of dozens of abandoned homes and crofts littering the island, and a steady stream of people moving away and never coming back, is something that could be reversed if others experienced the same feeling of 'homecoming'. It's against the backdrop of predictions forecasting a further sharp decrease in the island population within two years. The most recent National Records of Scotland mid-year estimates from 2023 put the current population of the Western Isles at 26,030 - a decrease from the 27,684 recorded in the 2011 National Census. READ MORE: How HebCelt festival fights depopulation on Lewis and Harris Barra bucking population trends but faces future storm Highland depopulation revealed in new Census data Now he and his band The Tumbling Souls are to release a new single - Nowhere In A Hurry - that they hope will act as a clarion call for island folk to consider whether now is a good time to stay put or even think about going home. He said: 'Over Covid and afterwards, we had a surge of people coming on holiday and moving here, sometimes not for very long. "The theme of the song's chorus is really about people who are from the place staying here and protecting it. 'There's something of immense value in the people who were born and brought up here. "It's really difficult to put your finger on exactly what it is, but there's a personality, a spirit, that maybe we're at risk of losing. The islands are expecting to see a six per cent drop in population by 2028 (Image: NQ) 'The second verse is pretty literal, I was looking up at the stars and feeling completely insignificant. "Everything was silent and absolutely glorious, because the stars were so clear and incredible. A clear winter sky on Lewis puts me in my place. 'I had in mind the abandoned houses that we still see on the island, broken windows, overgrown with weeds, the former pride and joy of a family, the hub and heart of a wider family that maybe lived away. 'People who've been forgotten but preserved, treasure in forgotten photo albums.' Research published by NHS Western Isles last year projected the area to suffer a 6% population decrease by 2028 - one of the biggest population decreases in Scotland. Last December, a study by Biggar Economics also highlighted how 4.55% of homes in the Western Isles were long-term empty in 2022, compared to 1.70% in Scotland as a whole. Another music star, John Maher from The Buzzcocks, documented the phenomenon of abandoned buildings as a photographer in a series of acclaimed exhibitions and books highlighting the 'beauty and sadness' of forgotten structures. Willie Campbell, who was recently inducted into the HebCelt Festival Hall of Fame for his contribution to music and the community, left Lewis aged just 15 to pursue a career with hit indie band Astrid, living in Glasgow and touring internationally. But the vigours and temptation of life on the road, coupled with youth, resulted in him taking a break and going home, rediscovering his creativity, making a family and becoming a leading light in the island's rich songwriting community. He admitted: 'With the new track, Nowhere In A Hurry, in the first verse, I think I just sound a little bit weary and sad. I go through little bouts here and there of feeling really deflated, and then suddenly feel excited again because I'm in the middle of writing a new song. 'The chorus definitely gets a bit more specific. Lewis has always played a huge part in making me feel better about my life, that is, of course, after my teenage years, when I had zero interest in the culture and just desperately wanted to get away. 'I feel protective over it now, in a weird way, although I did leave for nearly 10 years. In short, it is a call for islanders to appreciate where they're from, and an invitation for others to return and settle here.' Nowhere In A Hurry is released on August 22 via Isle of Lewis based Wee Studio Records.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lulu to headline Hebridean Celtic Festival in her farewell tour year
Scots pop star Lulu is set to headline this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival with a performance celebrating her six-decade-long music career. This year's festival will take place from July 16 to July 19 in and around Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Known for her hit singles such as "Relight My Fire," "Boom Bang-A-Bang," and "Shout," Lulu will grace the main stage on July 18. Having rocked the crowd at Glastonbury last year, this will be Lulu's final year of touring. Skerryvore (Image: Supplied) Lulu said: "I'm looking forward to visiting the Outer Hebrides and performing at HebCelt in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis - see you in July." Joining her is the Celtic rock band Skerryvore who will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a performance on July 19. Accordionist and founding member Daniel Gillespie said: "This is a special year for the band as we celebrate 20 years of Skerryvore. "To headline the Saturday night at HebCelt means the world to us as we remember playing McNeils Bar all those years ago and dreaming of playing the main stage of the festival. Nina Nesbitt (Image: Supplied) ''We can't wait to see everyone on the island in July and have a very special show planned to celebrate 20 years." Other performers include "Mountain Music" star Nina Nesbitt and headliners Tide Lines. Nina, who has been supporting Snow Patrol on their sold-out UK and Ireland tour, will make her HebCelt debut. She said: "I'm looking forward to visiting HebCelt for the first time - it's always a pleasure to play for a Scottish crowd." The 2025 line-up also features Brit Award-winning Eddi Reader, Kassidy, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes, TRIP, Astro Bloc, Isla Scott, Laura Silverstone, Cassie and Maggie, Alasdair White & Keith Morrison, Ciorstaidh Beaton, Iona Mairead, and Fèis Eilean an Fhraoich. They will be joined by previously announced acts such as Beluga Lagoon, Lauren Collier, LUSA, El Sartel, Samba Sene & Diwan, The Tumbling Souls, Josie Duncan, Madison Violet, Elias Alexander, Cala, Trail West, Ruairidh Gray, Malin Lewis Trio, internet sensation NATI, and Gaelic TV icon Donnie Dòtaman. Michelle Shields, artist programmer and director at HebCelt, said: "This year's festival truly celebrates music across generations, from trailblazers like Lulu and Eddi Reader to the next generation of stars including NATI., Josie Duncan, and Lauren Collier. Read more: Going to a Scottish festival this year? Here's our pick of the best Five unmissable shows at this year's Glasgow International Comedy Festival Rip it up and start again? The future of Glasgow's UNESCO City of Music status Big screen talent announced for Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Irvine Welsh unveiled as headliner for Paisley Book Festival "Our Celtic roots are proudly represented with Skerryvore marking their 20th year and consistently one of our most requested acts by fans, Highland heroes Tide Lines, and festival favourites like Trail West, Cala, and The Tumbling Souls. "We're also thrilled to spotlight talents like LUSA and Elias Alexander, alongside live sensations Beluga Lagoon, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes and Kassidy. "There's truly something for everyone at HebCelt, including cult Gaelic star Donnie Dòtaman who lit up so many childhoods, and the talented young musicians from Fèis who once again are opening the Island Stage on Saturday afternoon. "This year's festival also has the strongest line-up of female performers any of us can remember, from our headliners Lulu, Nina and Eddi to the likes of Madison Violet who have just announced this will be one of their last shows, plus new and exciting talent such as Laura Silverstone, Iona Mairead, Ciorstaidh Beaton and Isla Scott. "We simply can't wait to welcome music lovers of all tastes to what promises to be one of the most eclectic, vibrant, and memorable festivals yet." A record 70 per cent of the acts this year are female-led or have female members. This aligns with the festival's pledge to Keychange, an international campaign addressing gender inequality in the music industry. HebCelt has had at least a 50:50 gender balance every year since 2014. The festival will also feature a special celebration of An Lanntair, a renowned arts centre in Stornoway, marking its 40th anniversary. Details will be revealed next month, including one-off performances and collaborations, live band ceilidhs, and the return of the beloved late-night festival club. HebCelt has been a key event in Scotland's cultural calendar since 1996, attracting music lovers from around the globe to the Outer Hebrides. The festival is on course to have helped generate more than £40 million for the local economy by its 30th anniversary in 2027. Earlier this month, Creative Scotland endorsed the festival, securing its long-term planning with a three-year funding package. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities, including three-year deals, can now apply.
