Volunteers running Inverness-based Gaelic community arts festival, Fèis na h-Òige, were “overjoyed” at being able to hold their first in-person event since the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

The event held last week was the first gathering for nearly two years thanks to coronavirus and was organised as part of the Highland Council-led Summer of Hope.

Fèis na h-Òige, meaning Festival of the Youth, held a series of workshops for 30 children in music, arts and crafts and sport through the medium of Gaelic, hosted at Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis.

Fèis treasurer, Kirsteen Russell, said: “Fèis na h-Òige is absolutely delighted to work in conjunction with Highland Council through the Summer of Hope initiative and provide a mini-Fèis.

“The children have really liked being back together and we have lots of new youngsters who have never been before who enjoyed the week.

“This is a great opportunity to ease them into the Fèis, and ease ourselves back into it”.

Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of Highland Council’s education committee, said: “Council staff have been working with partners across Highland to create and deliver a programme of fun activities for our children and young people and the Summer of Hope programme is now under way.

“I would encourage Highland families to take a look at what is on offer in their area and take advantage of the fantastic sessions and events coming to so many communities over the next few weeks.

“This summer is a time to have fun, to recharge batteries and to look ahead to, hopefully, a less disrupted school session from August.”

The next workshops will be from August 2-6 and are to open to children who attend Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis.

For more information and booking email Dolina.Grant@highland.gov.uk or call 07884 308751.

READ: PICTURES: Rapid Covid-19 community testing centre 'Moves Like Jagger' now open at Inverness Fairways

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