SCOTSIN - LONDON: Highlands and Islands Society of London

LONDON: Highlands and Islands Society of London

Written by Highlands and Islands Society of London

Thursday, 01 May 2008

The Highlands and Islands Society of London (HISL) was founded in 1976 to provide a social venue in which Scottish expats from all parts of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland could enjoy the language, rich culture and traditions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Since then it has offered a regular programme of hospitable and lively entertainment, providing a meeting place for the Highland population scattered throughout London and the South of England and for many others who have an interest in the culture and social customs of the Highlands and Islands. The Society continues to thrive and move forward in a transient Metropolis whilst maintaining the friendly Ceilidh atmosphere which established our tradition and for which we are most well known.

Objectives: The Highlands and Islands Society of London (HISL) exists to: • Preserve and foster the culture, social customs and sense of community characteristic of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. • Provide an environment in which the music, dance, song and language of the Gael can be enjoyed in London. • Encourage the learning and speaking of the Gaelic language in London. • Provide a focus for newcomers from the Highlands and Islands and elsewhere to “Highland” activities in the Metropolis.

Ceilidh dances form the core of the Society’s programme of events. These informal evenings feature performances of Gaelic singing and Highland music by well-known musicians who also provide accompaniment to the dancing on accordion, fiddle and pipes. Other events in the Society’s programme in recent years have included Burns Suppers, St. Andrews evenings, “craic” sessions where people come along with their instruments and play a few tunes, river boat Ceilidhs, sports days, barbeque evenings and Gaelic drama evenings. Functions are currently held regularly throughout the year.

The functions provide an opportunity for people from the Highlands and Islands to get together and introduce their families and friends to their language and culture. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the traditional hospitality, whether or not they have Highlands and Islands connections, and learners of Gaelic have the opportunity to converse with native Gaelic speakers.

The annual “At Home” – “Aig Baile” day encourages interest in Gaelic culture by providing language, music and dance workshops and brings the Gaelic Books Council to London.

You do not have to be a member to attend the functions but by becoming a member you will:

• Contribute towards the aims of the Society.

• Be entitled to a reduced admission charge at most functions.

• Receive information listing the dates and venues of functions and priority ticket allocation when necessary.

• Receive a regular newsletter with details of the Society’s events and news about Highland and Gaelic related events and the contact details of the Society’s Management Committee.

Further Information:

> Highlands and Islands Society of London

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