John Swinney cuts the ribbon on a new chapter of Gaelic history in Uist
It was a beautiful day for Deputy First Minister (DFM) John Swinney’s visit to Uist on 1st September.
A good crowd gathered outside Cnoc Soilleir, as Mr Swinney was piped on to the site by Allan Henderson, Archie MacDonald and Calum MacMillan, in a procession that included Alasdair Allan MSP, Archie MacDonald of UHI and Margaret Walker and Kirsty MacMillan.
The Deputy First Minister cut the ribbon and opened the doors on a new chapter for Gaelic in Uist.
Once inside, attendees were entertained by pupils of Sgoil Dhalabroig, who gave a wonderful rendition of a specially commissioned song by Aonghas Pàdraig Caimbeul and performed some traditional Hebridean dance.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Ceòlas Chair Màiri MacInnes made a formal address of welcome, saying: “Deputy First Minister, your advice to me has always been ‘to be bold’. I am sure you agree that bold is exactly what the Uist community has been when it comes to Cnoc Soilleir.” Mrs MacInnes went on to describe the opportunities that Cnoc Soilleir was realising, with two new jobs established and a number of high profile events already booked in. Mrs MacInnes finished with a plea to Scottish Government to support the project with the final £3m needed to develop the 200 seater auditorium and dance floor.
The DFM thanked the community and the Cnoc Soilleir Board, acknowledging the importance of the project and describing his pleasure at seeing it realised: “We recognise the cultural, economic, educational and social value that Gaelic brings and the Scottish Government is committed to maintaining support for Gaelic and increasing the number of people using and learning the language. Our aim is to create a secure future for Gaelic in Scotland and this will only be achieved by an increase in those learning, speaking and using the language. The Cnoc Soilleir centre will play a vital role in achieving this aim.”
Meeting members of the press after the event, Mr Swinney spoke of his personal commitment to the Gaelic language, saying: “Gaelic is a precious part of our past, our present and our future. I see it as a living, breathing language. Scottish Government is committed to further developing and progressing Gaelic and we are open- minded as to how best to do that.”
When Am Pàipear asked if Scottish Government would support the final project costs to ensure the building could operate to its full potential, Mr Swinney said: “Scottish Government has already made a substantial contribution to ensure Cnoc Soilleir’s development and it is wonderful to see so much progress already made. A compelling case has been eloquently and passionately made here today to continue the work and complete the project. I am very sympathetic to this view and will be progressing further talks on this.”
Màiri MacInnes told Am Pàipear she was hopeful of a positive and swift outcome, saying: “We are, as they say in the trade, ‘shovel-ready’; we have a plan in place and our groundworks are complete. It’s crucial that we now act quickly to finish the job when everything is in place. Cnoc Soilleir is a key hub for the Gaelic language and I feel confident that Scottish Government will recognise the vital role we will play in delivering on the promise of the National Gaelic Language Plan.”
The DFM had begun the day by meeting local representatives to discuss concerns about Uist’s ongoing ferry service failures. Mr Swinney said that he had listened carefully to the concerns raised and was acutely aware of the unacceptable level of disruption over the course of the year. He reiterated Scottish Government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
Mr Swinney also made a short visit to Eriskay to see the progress being made on the new Eriskay Heritage Centre.
