Cnoc Soilleir phase 2 to start on site
Work set to start on the next stage of Uist’s landmark Gaelic arts and culture venue.
Almost two years to the day since the main building was officially opened by then Deputy First Minister and now First Minister John Swinney, the green light has finally been awarded to phase two of Cnoc Soilleir, Uist’s landmark Gaelic arts and culture venue.
As a joint venture with UHI Outer Hebrides and Ceòlas Uibhist Ltd, Cnoc Soilleir has already hosted a wide range of educational and entertainment events, from ceilidhs and concerts to conferences.
The second phase of construction is expected to begin in the very near future, with local contractors MacInnes Bros picking up the contract to build the 200-seater auditorium.
The facility has been designed specifically for music, dance and performance and is expected to be complete by the spring of 2026, fully and finally implementing the original plans for the centre.
Alex O’Henley, Ceòlas and Cnoc Soilleir Ltd board director says: “This is excellent news for Ceòlas, the island of South Uist as well as the wider Uist community and economy. As Ceòlas has grown there has been an identifiable need for a bespoke performance and auditorium facility to give young Gaelic musicians and dancers a platform to showcase their talent to the world, as well as providing a much-needed resource for the local community. It’s been a long and sometimes painstaking journey to get to this point, but thanks to the generous support of our partners, we have taken a giant step towards making that long cherished dream come true.”
The project will keep to its original environmental promises, with the new extension built to meet the same stringent Passivhaus low energy standards as the existing building. The auditorium will be kitted out with state of the art performance and production equipment and technologies, suitable for teaching as well as showcasing local and wider talents.
A statement issued to mark the new phase said: “From inception, Cnoc Soilleir has been fortunate to benefit from significant support and funding contributions from key partners including the Scottish Government, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (CnES), Bord na Gaidhlig and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) – all of whom recognise the transformational impact that a completed Cnoc Soilleir facility will have on the Uist economy and community, the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic language and culture and as a key contributor to the National Gaelic Plan.”
Michael Foxley , UHI NWH, and Cnoc Soilleir Ltd Board Chair commented: “Heartfelt thanks to all our teams and supporters for all their hard work. We now want to ensure that Cnoc Soilleir becomes a beacon for the Gaelic language and culture as well as for learning in South Uist, the region, Scotland, and internationally.”
