Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd is to host its third festival of singing. SingThing 2011 will take place in Plockton on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th March, and will highlight the craft of songwriting in the Scottish and Gaelic traditions.

This year’s event features the return of Dr. Margaret Bennett and Sheila Stewart, who were such great successes at last year’s event. They will be joined by one of the truly great figures in the Gaelic tradition, singer and piper Rona Lightfoot.

Representing the modern generation of singer/songwriters will be Eilidh MacKenzie, Findlay Napier and Nick Turner. Sgoil Chiùil’s Scots Song tutor Mick West will be on hand to keep things flowing throughout the weekend.

The main concert, in Plockton High School Hall on Friday 25th March, features all the guest artists with support slots from the song students of Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd.

On Saturday 26th March at 2:30 p.m., the guest artists will host a singing session in Plockton Village Hall, discussing and illustrating the continuing tradition of songwriting in Scotland. Audience participation will be welcomed – come and give us a song!

There will be a singers’ ceilidh at 7:30 that evening, also in the village hall, featuring some of the best local singing talent alongside the guest artists.

Concert tickets for the Friday will be £7 full price and £3 concessions. Entry to the Saturday afternoon event will be free, and the Saturday evening will cost £5 and £2. All enquiries should be directed to Dougie Pincock or Rhona Sharp on 01599 544706, or rhona.sharp@highland.gov.uk .

Source: National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music