Creative Arts & Music
There are diverse and dynamic contemporary artist and music scenes throughout the Outer Hebrides for you to enjoy - and Lews Castle College is at the heart of it all. Everyone needs the chance to relax in between studies - and how better to do so than enjoying the traditional music and creative arts of the Outer Hebrides?
The College has worked closely with the creative industries throughout the islands for decades and today our Art Courses, Music Courses and Fashion Courses work to celebrate our local culture heritage.
An Lanntair in Stornoway and Taigh Chearsabhagh in North Uist, our two main island arts venues, both emphasise Gaelic culture in their performing arts schedules as well as their exhibitions and installations. Nothing says college life like the buzz of a festival. The Outer Hebrides have plenty to choose from. The islands play host to the world-famous Hebridean Celtic Festival, held each year in July. The College are proud sponsors of the festival and each year our Music alumni perform as part of this annual celebration of Celtic music. The annual Eilean Dorcha Festival is held close to the Benbecula campus in Lionacleit.
An Lanntair regularly hosts concerts from exciting bands of all genres, so whether you’re looking to enjoy live music from household names or discover up-and-coming acts, there’s something here for you. The Isle of Lewis is also home to the UK’s most remote recording facility at BlackBay Studio, the perfect place to write, record or find musical inspiration.
If you’re looking to enjoy the local music on a night out, you’re in the right place. Stornoway has a dynamic live music scene, with the hugely-popular open mic nights on Thursdays at traditional bar, Macneills.
Looking to learn more about island history? Why not explore some of the interesting museums dotted around the islands. Museum nan Eilean is located inside Lews Castle and is home to six Lewis Chessmen. The Museum offers an immersive introduction into island life from prehistoric times to the present day and contains various Gaelic-led exhibitions and fascinating archaeological finds. There is also an archive reading room, open by appointment. Comunn Eachdraidh Nis/Ness Historical Society is home to an accredited museum and extensive local history archive. The museum showcases various exhibitions throughout the year in their gallery spaces.
If you’re near the North Uist campus, keep a lookout for seven sculptures commissioned by art hub, Taigh Chearsabhagh. The installations make up the Uist Sculpture Trail and merge creativity with the incredible landscape.
However you choose to express your creative side, you’ll find plenty of outlets all over the islands.