19 January 2024 - 31 December 2025
Seinn Spioradail
Exhibition
The exhibition explores the incredible wealth of sights, sounds and memories of spiritual singing and song writing in everyday life in Highland and Island communities, something which has been part of Highland culture for millenia.
Curators
Seinn Spioradail is an exhibition curated by the ethnomusicologist, Dr Frances Wilkins (The Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen) and the designer, Ronan Martin.
Info
In the exhibition, you will learn about the variety of Gaelic sacred singing throughout the region, including psalmody, hymnody, and sacred song compositions. The voices of members of the community play an important role in bringing the music alive, and the repertoire is brought to the forefront through sound recordings, objects, an exhibition film and a digital archive and virtual tour. Become immersed in the music and hear more about the music and the composers who are central to expressions of spirituality in Highland and Island communities.
Watch The Exhibition Film
Would you like an insight into the different singing explored in the exhibition? See the film here, which explores the psalmody, hymnody and bardic traditions of the Hebrides.
Exhibition Dates
19 January 2024 - 31 December 2025
Find more information about the Seinn Spioradial exhibition opening hours and locations.
Museum nan Eilean
21 January – 13 April 2024
Museum nan Eilean, Stornoway
Museum nan Eilean – exhibition opening event is 5.30-7:00pm at the gallery, with refreshments.
Admission:
Free (suggested donation £5)
Address:
Museum nan Eilean, Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway HS2 0XS
Opening times:
Tuesday – Saturday: 1pm-4pm (until 31 March)
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am-5pm (from 1 April)
Sunday-Monday: closed
Phone no:
Website
https://www.outerhebridesheritage.org.uk/museum/museum-nan-eilean-stornoway/
Location
Museum nan Eilean is approximately 15 minute walk or a 5 minute drive from the centre of Stornoway and is located within the Lews Castle Grounds adjacent to the Lews Castle.
21 April – 17 June 2024
Kinloch Historical Society, Balallan
Admission:
£2 (under 16s Free)
Address:
Kinloch Historical Society Community Hub, Balallan, Isle of Lewis HS2 9PN
Opening times:
Monday — Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday — Closed
Phone no:
01851 830778
Website:
https://kinlochhistoricalsociety.co.uk/
Email:
info@kinlochhistoricalsociety.co.uk
Location
22 June- 8 November 2024
Portree Archives, Portree
Admission:
Free
Address:
Elgin Hostel, Dunvegan Road, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9EE
Opening times:
Mon – 10:00 -13:00; 14:00 – 17:00
Tue – 10:00 -13:00; 14:00 – 17:00
Wed – Closed
Thur – 10:00 -13:00; 14:00 – 17:00
Fri – 10:00 -13:00 14:00-1700
Sat-Sun – Closed
Phone no:
01478 614078
Email:
skyeandlochalsh.archives@highlifehighland.com
Website:
https://www.highlifehighland.com/skye-and-lochalsh-archive-centre/
Location
16 November 2024 – 15 March 2025
Museum nan Eilean, Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula
Admission:
Free
Address:
Liniclate School, Linaclate, Isle of Benbecula HS7 5PJ
Opening times:
Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri. 10am – 5pm (closed 1-2pm)
Wednesday 10am-1pm
Saturday 10am-3.30pm
Phone no:
01870603692
Website
www.outerhebridesheritage.org.uk/museum/benbecula-museum/
Location
22 March – 31 December 2025
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Ness, Isle of Lewis
Audio Player
Explore our archive of over 300 hymns, psalms, spiritual songs and melodies recorded across the region as part of the project. This player allows you to browse and search the music in the archive in a playlist format.
Sound Map
Our soundmap displays recordings from the archive by location. See a map showing the different places visited during the project, listen to the music and hear more about the singers who have contributed to the project and the songs recorded in each location.
Virtual Tours
Visit our virtual world, explore churches and homes and find out more about sacred singing in different contexts. Listen to music, access articles and resources, watch video clips, and learn more about the region’s rich tradition of song writing and publishing.