Fèis Rois

Fèis Rois enables people of all ages to access, participate in and enjoy the traditional arts and Gaelic language through a diverse programme of activities in Ross & Cromarty, across Scotland and beyond. Based in Dingwall, Fèis Rois is widely recognised as a national leader in the arts, particularly in music education. The organisation aims to give young people and lifelong learners the opportunity to experience and engage with traditional music and Gaelic culture in a way that supports them in developing their social skills and inspires them to reach their full potential. Central to Fèis Rois’s activity remains our annual programme of residential fèisean (music schools or festivals). These fèisean bring people together to learn and develop skills in traditional music, as well as exploring a range of other art forms and the Gaelic language. The residential fèisean are supported by a busy year-round programme of music-making activities in both the formal education and informal education sectors. We are a key partner in a number of projects, both internationally and at home and offer a wide range of services and online resources to the traditional musical community. History and Background In 1986, Fèis Rois was the second Fèis to be established in Scotland. The first Fèis, Fèis Bharraigh, was held on the Isle of Barra in 1981. Christine Martin, a strings instructor from Ross-shire, attended the Fèis in Barra with her family and, when she returned home, she suggested to colleagues that a similar project should be developed in Ross & Cromarty. Around 50 young people attended the first residential Fèis Rois event in 1986. 30 years later, 9,345 individuals took part in Fèis Rois activities! You can read more about our background here - https://feisrois.org/about-feis-rois/what-we-do/