Hauntingly beautiful and vibrant music was a highlight of Paisley’s three day Gaelic celebration.
The winner of Scotland’s Town of the Year in 2025, played host to the much loved arts charity Fèis Phàislig’s May Fèis (festival) weekend as part of its 10th anniversary. And award-winning Gaelic vocal harmony trio Sian topped the bill with two hours of stunning songs showcasing traditional music at its best.
The three talented singers, Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Innes White, performed with real energy and panache as they treated a packed audience at the newly refurbished Paisley Arts Centre with music connected to their roots on Lewis, Skye and North Uist.
The band chose songs from their two albums, Sian and Aaron (meaning “as one” and released in August 2025) to wow and prove just why Aaron swept the boards in the 2025 Scot Trad Music Awards.
With ease, the trio gave a great insight into their love for their homeland and the songs which have been inspired and developed thanks to the rich tapestry of music which thrives in the Highlands and Islands.
As well as the band, the festival featured educational workshops and informal music sessions for adults and young people.
Gaelic singer Joy Dunlop and fiddle player and singer Chloe Bryce were on hand to introduce Gaelic music, and a ceilidh was a highlight for families.
Funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the event was made affordable for all and Grant McFarlane, Director of Fèis Phàislig, said:
“Music instruction is the backbone of our Scottish cultural ecosystem, allowing us to nurture new talent and share the joy of music making with so many.
“The May Fèis Weekend placed Gaelic music, song and culture firmly at the heart of the community and was another landmark moment for us as we celebrate a decade of cultural impact in Paisley. For the first time, we opened our doors to all ages, creating a truly intergenerational space where everyone could enjoy Gaelic music and culture.
“It’s fantastic to deliver a programme that is not only accessible and inclusive, but that celebrates the grassroots investment in music tuition that has driven Fèis Phàislig forward over the last ten years.”
Eilidh Cormack of Sian said:
“We were delighted to be part of Fèis Phàislig’s 10-year anniversary celebrations and the launch of their May Fèis weekend. Having all come through the Fèisean movement ourselves, we understand the huge importance and impact of these organisations, and we would not be where we are today without the work that co-ordinators, tutors and volunteers do to inspire and engage children across Scotland with traditional music.”
For more information on the charity, you can check out: www.feisphaislig.com and to listen to Sian, please visit: www.sianmusic.com.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photograph courtesy of Fèis Phàislig
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