PEI visitors to Skye & Raasay

A party of around 20 from Prince Edward Island visited Skye & Raasay at the end of June 2003. Several events and activities were arranged for the party including a reception provided by Highland Council, a genealogical seminar given by local specialists Norma Macleod and Marjorie MacInnes, visits to heritage centres and a visit to Raasay. They also attended some of the events organised as part of the general anniversary commemorations. Among these was one of the concerts in the series "Thairis air Sail" (Across the Ocean) which featured new music specially commissioned for the 200th anniversary of the 'Selkirk' emigration. PEI musicians Roy Johnstone & Steve Sharratt performed in these concerts and the also composed new music a part of the commission.

The visit by party from PEI was a highlight of the June commemorations and we are grateful that so many came to share the experience with us. Mo bheannachd agaibh.

The Kist/A' Chiste

A silvered bronze tunic button, inscribed 'Isle of Sky Volunteers' and dating from the 1790s, was found on the northern shore of Prince Edward Island, Canada, on the site of a Scots pioneer settlement.  In 1993 this tiny object made its return journey to the collections of the Highland Council's Museums and Heritage Service - Dualchas, the Gaelic word for heritage.

This small button is not only a reminder of past events, distant places and island people, it has been the inspiration, a starting point, for an exhibition of newly commissioned art work called The Kist or A' Chiste.

The exhibition runs from the 9th August to the 20th September 2003 in An Tuireann Arts Centre, Portree.