Ceòlas provides a unique opportunity to experience the living tradition within a vibrant Gaelic landscape. The organisation seeks to celebrate, promote and nurture traditional music, language, culture and heritage, collaborating with local, national and international communities who have shared interests.
Mu Cheòlas
About Ceòlas
In our work, we:
- Encourage both economic and social development by engaging with the local community, attracting visitors and creating opportunities.
- Maintain and strengthen links between South Uist and Cape Breton, and continue to engage with other Celtic diaspora.
- Provide high quality tuition from professional world class artists and thus ensure excellent learning and teaching for all.
- Share our expertise in networking and facilitating event promotion for other organisations in the arts such as theatre, music, dance and film.
Since its establishment in 1996 by Hamish Moore with support from Pròiseact nan Ealan, Ceòlas has grown from a week-long music and dance school to become one of Scotland’s leading Gaelic culture, heritage and arts organisations. Ceòlas is a key driver in the island’s social and cultural resurgence and is committed to promoting a vibrant Gàidhlig culture for future generations.
Cnoc Soilleir
Cnoc Soilleir is an exciting joint venture between Ceòlas Uibhist and UHI North, West and Hebrides. Located in the Gaelic heartland of South Uist, Cnoc Soilleir helps promote and celebrate the community’s Gaelic cultural heritage.
The first phase of Cnoc Soilleir was opened to the public in September 2022 and has since begun to make a mark on the local and wider scene as a creative focus and lively venue.
Ar n-Obair
Our Work
Ar Luchd-obrach
Our Staff Team

A respected and familiar figure across the islands, Peggy Ann plays an active role in community life, championing the everyday use of Gaelic and fostering intergenerational connections through cultural activities. She has volunteered on many local committees, including the local Fèis Tìr a' Mhurain committee and Daliburgh Parent Council.
In her recent appointment as Interim Operations Manager, Peggy Ann is honoured to step into a leadership role. She looks forward to guiding the organisation’s development and strengthening its impact in the community.

Her passion for music and culture led her to study Audio Engineering at the SAE Institute in Glasgow, followed by a BA (Hons) in Gaelic and Education from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. A qualified Gaelic primary teacher, Lauren Anne has taught in schools across Lewis and Uist, sharing her love of language, music and heritage with younger generations.
Lauren Anne is deeply committed to promoting Gaelic arts and education, bringing creativity and cultural authenticity to every project she undertakes, ensuring that our traditions continue to thrive for future generations.

A pioneering figure in Gaelic arts, Iain co-founded Fir Chlis, Scotland’s first Gaelic theatre company, before embarking on a distinguished musical career. He spent nine years touring internationally with the acclaimed folk band Ossian, and also performed with Wolfstone and The Battlefield Band during the 1990s. His recording credits include The First Harvest, a duo album with Glenfinnan fiddler Iain MacFarlane.
Beyond music, Iain has an extensive background in theatre and film. He performed with companies such as 7:84 Scotland, contributed to landmark productions including Bill Bryden’s The Ship, and appeared as both actor and musician in various film projects.
As a producer, Iain has shaped the sound of contemporary Scottish traditional music, working on albums for leading artists such as Julie Fowlis, Kathleen MacInnes, Blazin’ Fiddles, Dàimh, and many others. His contributions were recognized in 2012 when he was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame.
A dedicated educator, Iain has taught at universities and festivals worldwide, including Limerick University, Boston College, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and several campuses of the University of the Highlands and Islands. He has served as Artistic Director of Ceòlas for many years, continuing to inspire and nurture the vibrant musical and cultural life of the Hebrides and beyond.

Her professional journey began with the renowned Tobar an Dualchais project, preserving and sharing Scotland’s oral heritage. She then spent 16 dedicated years with Comunn na Gàidhlig, where she worked extensively with young people across Uist, encouraging them to use Gaelic through a wide range of creative, sporting and cultural activities.
Mary Ann has a deep passion for Gaelic music and song, reflected in her long-standing involvement with the Ceòlas committee and her commitment to fostering strong cultural connections with Cape Breton.
Beyond her professional work, Mary Ann is an active volunteer, serving as a youth coach at Southend Football and Community Club. Her dedication to language, culture, and community continues to inspire those around her.

A highlight of her musical journey was performing at the renowned Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton. Yvonne’s passion for Gaelic language, music, and culture runs deep. She received the Gaelic Award for Biggest Contribution to Gaelic Language in Glasgow for her work with families, helping them access events and opportunities to speak Gaelic naturally in the city. Through her role at Ceòlas, she hopes to further develop her Gaelic skills and find inspiration to pick up her pipes once again, continuing her lifelong connection to Scotland’s vibrant traditions.

Her passion for early years education led her to become manager of Cothrom Òg nursery, part of Cothrom – a vital community hub in the Middle District. Under her leadership, the nursery was elevated through her strong belief in Gaelic immersion, helping many of the islands’ families grow in confidence and fluency in the language.
Ceiteag’s commitment to arts and culture began early; at just 19, she started as an Art Tutor at Fèis Tìr A’ Mhurain and has supported the Fèis ever since, valuing the opportunities it offers children and its role in strengthening Gaelic. She served as chairperson of the local Fèis committee for over 10 years, before stepping down this year to dedicate her time and energy to her new post at Ceòlas.
Now serving as Gaelic Plan Officer, Ceiteag is delighted to help Gaelic grow and thrive from Eriskay to Berneray. Outside of work, she enjoys attending local dance clubs and inspiring creativity through popular children’s drama workshops. Married with three daughters, she lives in Bornais, continuing to champion community and culture at every opportunity.

Through working at Ceòlas, he has become hugely passionate about Gaelic language and culture and has been inspired to take up step-dancing and Gaelic singing, performing with Còisir Ghàidhlig Bharraigh (Barra Gaelic Choir).
Dreuchdan-bàna
Our Vacancies
Come and work with our small team in Cnoc Soilleir, South Uist!
There are currently no vacancies.
Ar Bòrd-stiùiridh
Our Board

Isabell took up the position of chair of the Ceòlas in 2023. Isabell has been on Ceòlas’ board of directors for several years and has a huge passion for Gaelic language, music, song and heritage.

Gaelic Ambassador of the Year in 2016, Alex was the first Gaelic Officer at the Scottish Parliament between 2000-2002 establishing and normalising the use of the language in all aspects of the Parliament’s working life.
After graduating from Glasgow University he worked as a field officer in the Southern Isles for the Historical Dictionary of Scottish Gaelic before entering broadcasting as a bilingual sub-editor, newsreader at the BBC, and was the first presenter of the acclaimed European current affairs programme, Eòrpa. In recent years Alex has balanced his work commitments with running the family croft on his native South Uist.

‘S e neach-ciùil, sgrìobhadair-ciùil, tidsear agus croitear à Griomasaigh a th’ann am Pàdruig Moireasdan. Tha e na phàirt dhen chòmhlan Beinn Lee a tha air a thoirt gu bhith cluich air feadh Alba agus anns an Roinn Eòrpa. Fhuair Pàdruig PhD aig Oilthigh Mhaigh Nuad ann an Èirinn, a’ coimhead air mar a tha ceòl Gàidhlig agus ceòl tradaiseanta agus ceòl clasaigeach a’ tighinn còmhla. Tha e air sgrìobhadh airson iomadh buidheann clasaigeach agus tha e air a’ chiad clàr tradaiseanta a thoirt a-mach fon ainm aige fhèin, le puirt agus òrain Ghàidhlig ùra air an sgrìobhadh a tha a’ meòrachadh air àite, fearann, eachdraidh, agus cànan nan Gàidheal. B e neach-deireannach a bh’ann ann am farpais Neach Ciùil Òg Tradaiseanta na Bliadhna aig BBC Radio Alba ann am 2020, agus fhuair e duais tosgaire òg na bliadhna aig Duaisean Gàidhlig na h-Alba 2017. Tha Pàdruig air a bhith ag iomairt airson taigheadais agus brosnachadh na Gàidhlig thairis air na bliadhnaichean, ’s e cuideachd a’ cumail air obair a’ chroit ann an Griomasaigh — tha e an dràsda na chathraiche air Caidreachas Cruitearachd na h-Alba.


'I am delighted to be involved with the work of Ceòlas, especially at this time with the 30th anniversary of the organisation. So much has happened since Ceòlas and the summer school started. It's fantastic to see the progress and work that has been done and also what is to come - not just in Uist or the mainland but around the world. Without mentioning the great excitement for the new facilities in Cnoc Soilleir. None of this would be possible without the help of the community and staff that have done incredible work. It is great to be working with such a capable team.'


Micheal was an edit producer at both the 2025 World Snooker Championship and UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. Up until October 2025, this work was done as an employee of Nemeton TV Scotland (August 2020 - June 2023) and Sunset+Vine Scotland (July 2023 - October 2025).
Since April 2023, Micheal has been a freelance radio presenter for the BBC programmes ‘Piping Sounds’ on BBC Radio Scotland and ‘Crùnluath’ on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. Micheal has a strong background in piping, having graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2018 with a First Class Honours degree in Scottish Traditional Music - Piping. He is a member of Scottish traditional band Beinn Lee, who have released two studio albums and have played at venues across Scotland and in Europe.
Since going freelance in October 2025, Micheal has continued his work with Sunset+Vine Scotland, presenting and commentating on BBC ALBA’s football and shinty coverage. Micheal has also taken on the role as Gaelic advisor on a freelance basis, which includes assisting with translations and voice-over work. Micheal is a regular sports presenter on BBC ALBA’s ‘An Là’ news programme and features as a presenter and sports reporter on various news and sports programmes across BBC Radio nan Gàidheal.
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Annual Reports
Ceòlas Annual Report 2015
Ceòlas Annual Report 2016
Ceòlas Annual Report 2017
Ceòlas Annual Report 2018
Aithisg Bhliadhnail 2019
Aithisg Bhliadhnail Cheòlais-2019-2020
Aithisg Bhliadhnail Cheolais 2020-2021
Ceolas Annual Report September 2021 March-2023
Aithisg Bhliadhnail 2023-2024
Ceolas – Aithisg Bhliadhnail – An Giblean 2024 – Am Màrt 2025