The BLAS 2011 special commission concert “HEISGEIR” by Julie Fowlis, with Eamon Doorley, Ross Martin, and Duncan Chisholm, was a sell-out at the Loch Torridon Centre on Saturday 10th September. Julie’s beautiful voice, and the superb playing by the band, of a variety of traditional instruments, using their newly composed material, influenced by Heisgeir (or the Monarch Isles as they are often referred to), was a delight to the ear. This was enhanced by the superimposed visuals of the islands and seascapes, giving a very evocative “sense” of Heisgeir itself. In addition Julie had made filmed interviews with islanders, their descendants, and their tales, and these were interwoven into the evening, giving a warmth and greater understanding of the history and legend of these now uninhabited islands. Julie and the band successfully used all lyrical, filmic, narrative and musical devices to give us a sensational evening, in the true sense of the word!

A big vote of thanks should also go to the Torridon Arts and Culture Group; to all who donated baking and raffle prizes; and to Donald, Alistair and young Angus whose Gaelic welcome to all, ” Bha e uabhasach math”!