North coast Gaelic group relaunches with day of workshops in Melness

A reformed Taigh na Gàidhlig Mhealanais committee will host Furan, a day of Gaelic language, music and dance at Melness Community Centre on Sunday 22 February; language tasters are free while song and stepdance workshops cost £5.

Taigh na Gàidhlig Mhealanais, the Melness Gaelic Centre originally established in the 1980s, has been reformed with a new 12-member committee and is relaunching activities this month. The group's first event since relaunching is called Furan and will take place at Melness Community Centre on Sunday 22 February from 9.45am to 3.30pm. The event is organised in partnership with Fèis air an Oir and takes place as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week). The programme includes taster sessions in language, song and stepdance and morning sessions aimed at children. Key details: - Event name and timing: Furan, Sunday 22 February, 9.45am–3.30pm at Melness Community Centre. - Partnership and context: organised with Fèis air an Oir as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week). - Tutors and activities: Claire Reid, Marsaili MacLeod and Sophie Stephenson will lead Gaelic language, singing and stepdance tasters; morning children's sessions include movement, dance and games. - Cost and booking: no advance booking required; Gaelic language tasters are free and there is a £5 charge for the Gaelic song and step-dancing workshops. - Practical notes and follow-up: attendees are asked to bring their own lunch; tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. After Furan the organisation plans to offer online and in-person blocks of Gaelic lessons for local residents, with classes to be led by Tongue native and teacher Claire Reid. Summary: The relaunch of Taigh na Gàidhlig Mhealanais brings a community-focused day of Gaelic language, music and dance to Melness and marks the first activity from a newly formed 12-strong committee. Furan offers free and low-cost taster sessions during World Gaelic Week and will be followed by planned online and in-person Gaelic lesson blocks led by local tutors.