Seinn Spioradail: Sacred Soundscapes of the Highlands and Islands

Multimedia exhibition touring venues in Hebridean communities. Includes panels, objects, film, digital archive, listening stations, childrens’ activities.

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.

“A beautiful exhibition that represents all aspects of our Island’s sacred songs.”
Touring from 19 January 2024 - 31 October 2025

TOURING EXHIBITION
January-April 2024 - Museum nan Eilean, Stornoway, Lewis. Visitor numbers: 1565
April-June 2024 - Kinloch Historical Society, Balallan, Lewis. Visitor numbers: 800
June-November 2024 - Skye & Lochalsh Archive Centre, Portree, Skye. Visitor numbers: 1299
November 2024 - March 2025 - Museum nan Eilean, Benbecula. Visitor numbers: c300??
21 March- 31 October 2025 - Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Ness, Lewis. Visitor numbers:

EXHIBITION OPENING (AND OTHER) EVENTS
19 January 2024 - Museum nan Eilean, Stornoway, Lewis. Number of attendees: c40
19 April 2024 - Kinloch Historical Society, Balallan, Lewis. Number of attendees: c50
21 June 2024 - Skye & Lochalsh Archive Centre, Portree, Skye. Number of attendees: c45
15 November 2024 - Museum nan Eilean, Benbecula. Number of attendees: 15
21 March 2025 - Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Ness. Number of attendees: c35

PUBLIC TALKS
19 December 2019 - Kyleakin Historical Society, Skye. Talk: Seinn Spioradail. Attendees: 30
24 March 2021 - Sabhal Mòr Ostaig research seminar. Online talk. Attendees: 60
19 January 2023 - Elphinstone Institute public lecture. Attendees: 45
13 February 2024 - EFDSS Library Lecture, Online. Talk: Seinn Spioradail. Attendees: 45
15 February 2024 - Aberdeen & NE Branch Saltire Society, online talk. Attendees: 45
21 August 2024 - Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Talk/Seminar: Seinn Spioradail. Attendees: 27
3 February 2025 - Kyleakin Historical Society, Skye. Talk: Seinn Spioradail. Attendees: 18
4 May 2025 - Loch Shiel Festival, Glenfinnan. Talk and performance by Kristine Kennedy.
22 May 2025 - British Academy, London. Talk and performance by Kristine Kennedy.
18 June 2025 - An Taigh Cèilidh, Stornoway. Talk: Seinn Spioradail plus singers.
19 June 2025 - Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, North Dell, Ness, Lewis Talk: Seinn Spioradail plus evening performance by local singers.
20 June 2025 - Carloway Hall, Isle of Lewis. Talk: Seinn Spioradail plus singers.
20 June 2025 - South Harris Historical Society, Leverburgh. Talk: Seinn Spioradail plus singers.

WORKSHOPS/DEMONSTRATIONS
4 March 2025 - Sgoil nam Pairc, Lewis - workshop/demo re Seinn Spioradial project and online resources (P5-7g, c14 students total).
18 March 2025 - Talk and demonstration to music students, Cape Breton University (12 students)