The Harris Cèilidh

The Gaelic word cèilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is often associated with kilts, highland dancing and a full band of Scottish musicians.

But, it's a word which simply means visiting and socialising with friends, and here in the Outer Hebrides it's an age-old tradition born from the blackhouse days gone by, through the old village hall dances, and into the Harris homes of the 21st century.

An invite to 'come round for a wee cèilidh', requires no fuss or formality. Just bring yourself (and something to drink!)

So, The Harris Cèilidh is all about taking the life-affirming warmth and welcome of our island and its people to the wider world, sharing our spirit through gatherings filled with friendship and conviviality, music, stories, and more...

It's about celebrating the joys of community and connection to each other, no matter where we call home.

"Thigibh a chèilidh!"

To help share the spirit of the Harris Cèilidh with the world we've created a special book to bring the best of cèilidh culture to you.

Available as an interactive digital download each copy is crammed full of ideas and inspiration for holding your own cèilidh get-togethers.

Remember, the true cèilidh requires just a few simple ingredients...good company, good music, and good food and drink.

The Harris Cèilidh Book provides you with a 7-step guide to help get things underway, alongside a new collection of cèilidh cocktails, and some delicious local seafood recipes.

There's also ten Scottish Gaelic phrases to try, Spotify streams from our favourite island musicians, and even a tall tale to tell...

Download your free copy of The Harris Cèilidh Book and get the party started!

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With the help of ceramicist Rupert Blamire, we've created a very special object to embody the spirit of The Harris Cèilidh.

Each one is glazed in the beautiful colours of our island's sea and sky, with wonderfully tactile patterning.

At a half-standard 350ml in size, the Harris Cèilidh Bottle is ideal to present and pour, helping to better enjoy an evening among old friends and family.

The bottle is also presented in a carefully designed box which carries a simple guide to creating your own cèilidh, and holds three postcards from Harris to send to others, inviting them to re-connect and join The Harris Cèilidh with you too.

These special bottles are highly limited and released in small batches through our online shop each month.

If you find us out of stock, please keep checking back as we replenish supplies regularly.

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Top image © Neil Priessman, from the collection of Dr John Macleod.

Thank you to Fiona MacSween, Margaret Maclellan, and John Morrison for kind permission to share their photographs.