The Harris Cèilidh

THE HARRIS CEILIDH

Community & connection

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 how far apart we may find ourselves from friends and family in these unusual times.

JOIN THE HARRIS CEILIDH

connect with us and otherS

"Thigibh a chèilidh!"

We invite you to join us at a safe social distance as we host a series of online gatherings and get-togethers.

Storytelling, music, guided tastings, cocktail-making and a bit of craic, will all be in the mix as Harris reaches out to the world for a virtual cèilidh from the comfort of our own homes.

We'll send you an invite to a Zoom event and instructions on how to take part no matter where you are in the world.

Please see below for the latest dates, times and other details of upcoming cèilidhs.

THE HARRIS VIRTUAL CEILIDH!

Saturday 27th of February 2021 from 20.00 - 21.00

Hosted by Iona Cairns and Calum Barker from the Isle of Harris Distillery

Music, Harris Cèilidh cocktails and storytelling, live from the Isle of Harris to your home.

THE LINE UP

Joining them on the night will be Norrie Maciver, a Gaelic singer/songwriter from the Isle of Lewis.

We’re also delighted to welcome Gaelic vocalist Kim Carnie to the cèilidh.

Finally, we round things off with Robbie Greig, an award-winning young fiddle player steeped in traditional Gaelic music.

Pour some Isle of Harris Gin and join in our February Cèilidh!

RSVP to iona@harrisdistillery.com to book your place

THE CEILIDH BOTTLE

A new way to share our island spirit

With the help of ceramicist Rupert Blamire, we've created a very special object to embody the spirit of The Harris Cèilidh, made by hand with craft and care, a rare thing and rather limited in nature.

It is designed to be given and shared with others, providing a unique new way to socially connect, even at a safe social distance.

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 Cèilidh Bottle is ideal to present and pour, helping to better enjoy an evening among old friends and family.

Send to loved ones and arrange to join them for a drink and a cèilidh online. Or, simply to let them know you’re missing their good company.

Or, perhaps just procure a bottle for yourself, and enjoy and refill again and again as you take it to gatherings of your own.

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.