On 11 May 1991, a new local events group, called ‘SEALL’, promoted its first concert in Armadale, Skye. Today SEALL is one of the most successful rural touring programmers, presenting over 30 events each year of consistently high-quality and sell-out audiences.

In celebration, SEALL presents two World music events in mid-May: Eduardo Niebla, leading Spanish guitar player, and ‘Salsa Celtica’ Scotland’s finest world-music and salsa band. Both have performed in Sleat several times and return by popular demand.

SEALL, meaning ‘look’ in Gaelic and standing for Sleat Entertainments for All, grew out of events promotion undertaken by Duncan MacInnes when he was employed at the Clan Donald Visitor Centre in Armadale. Although his main role was as Countryside Ranger and Visitor Services Manager, he realised the potential of the then new Stables Restaurant. Such was its success that local audiences wanted to be part of the organisation and thus SEALL was born. The first event was a clarsach and story-telling night with Fiona Davidson, soon followed by Wolfstone, Scottish Ensemble, the Ann Lampard Singers and an appearance by a young Frank McConnell.

In 1992 Fèis an Eilein or the Skye Festival was born, in collaboration with the Summer Courses at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. This particularly featured Cape Breton Step-dance and fiddle, which had been ‘reintroduced’ to Scotland by Alastair Fraser, with Harvey Beaton and Buddy MacMaster. Fèis an Eilein lasted for 18 years and its success continues in the weekly Summer events that SEALL runs in July and August. ‘The Fèis’ remains in the minds of locals and visitors as a necessary time to be in Sleat.

20 years on SEALL has taken up almost permanent residence at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, which SEALL has helped equipped with sound and lights. However, as two June events show, the Stables at Armadale remains a good and popular venue. The relationship with SMO is of great mutual benefit, a fine example of a partnership between an academic institution and community endeavour.

SEALL has had its accolades over the years, often highlighted as a role-model for rural promotion. In research for Hi-Arts some years ago, Deirdre McMahon says “Things work best where local people feel in control and are respected for the arts work they facilitate. SEALL has been the catalyst for a programme of arts projects and events that many towns would envy.”

Such local initiatives are examples of a ‘Big Society’ that has existed for many years in the Highlands, before it was recently discovered in London government circles. SEALL has always been part of the major events, such as the Highland Festival, Highland 2007 and Homecoming Scotland, while resisting the need to change solely to suit these outside influences. It has retained its ethos over 20 years – to bring quality events to local audiences in a professional manner, led by the community.

It is run as a charity with a support group who help with ticket sales, technical help and finances. Duncan MacInnes says “Over the years there have been many, many folk involved in making SEALL the successful community group it is. I have been promoting in one way or another for 30 years, but it has never been my job. When people ask why do it, you just have to be at the start of any event and watch the delighted faces of the audiences, and hopefully of the performers, to realise that the effort is all worth while. You don’t need lengthy questionnaires at the end of an event to judge its success – just stand by the door and measure the breadth of the smiles!”

SEALL is now promoting:

Eduardo Niebla, Spanish guitar player on Monday 16 May at 8pm in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Sleat, Skye

Salsa Celtica, Scottish world music and Salsa band, on Thursday 19 May at 8pm in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Sleat, Skye

Tickets at the door or from 01471 844207 or info@seall.co.uk  or www.seall.co.uk

Source: SEALL