An exhibition all about St Columba is crossing the Atlantic to Islay to go on display.
It is part of a year-long tour of venues across Argyll and Bute on loan from Donegal County Museum in Ireland going on show for the first time in Scotland.
Touring St Columba will be at Islay Gaelic Centre from tomorrow, October 27, until next spring.
Àdhamh Ó Broin, Oifigear Cultair Ghàidhlig, CHARTS said: “I’m thrilled to be able to join staff at Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle and the people of Islay in welcoming this lovely bilingual exhibition on the life of St Columba. I hope to see as many people as possible
from the local community coming out to enjoy a look around the exhibition and a contribution from some great Gaelic singers at the opening on Friday afternoon, October 27.”
The Islay showing is the second leg of the exhibition’s Argyll tour and its official launch will be from 2.30-4pm
It has been created by CHARTS the Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly, Argyll and Isles initiative, supported by Argyll and Bute Council.
And the partnership between Argyll and Ireland was made possible with joint help from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Foras na Gaeilge as a way of linking more Gaelic speakers and artists in Ireland and Scotland.
History of St Columba celebrating the life and legacy of Colmcille and was displayed throughout Ireland in 2021, marking the 1,500th anniversary of his birth.
The official opening will include an introduction from Àdhamh Ó Broin and Gaelic performances from Diane Cannon and Alasdair Whyte, along with light refreshments.
Anyone living on the island is invited to turn up on the day and join in.
Over the course of the exhibition’s stay on Islay, work from CHARTS Colmcille Awards 2020-22 artists will be on display along with films and workshops in collaboration with Islay Gaelic Centre.
“On behalf of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, we would like to commend CHARTS in strengthening the bonds between Gaelic Ireland and Scotland. We are delighted to support Cuairt Chaluim Chille /Comcille exhibition tour and celebrate the rich Gaelic Heritage shared between Scotland and Ireland,” said Brian Ó hEadhra, Partnerships & Development Manager, Bòrd na Gàidhlig
CHARTS director Kathleen O’Neill added: “We are delighted to develop this partnership with the joint support of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Foras na Gaeilge and look forward to forging new links between Ireland and Argyll, building more exciting
opportunities for Gaelic language and culture.’’