The Cèilidh

The cèilidh (kay-lee) was the center of social life of the old Highland community. The word translates from the Gaelic to mean “visitor” or “social gathering.” In some parts of the Hebrides, the traditional of cèilidh was still being held until the early 1900s. Men and lads, sometimes the ladies, would gather at a favored cottage, usually that of one of the more well-to-do residents or the local landlord. There might be someone with a fiddle or pipes who would give a tune or two, some singing and dancing, and the telling of stories and tall tales.

Modern events billed as cèilidhs are little more than concerts with a Scottish flavor, but we believe the old idea of sharing and group participation is best. Our cèilidhs blend the best of the old and the new with piping, singing, dancing, creative skits, and more.

• Friday evening, join in and learn Scottish Country Dancing in the indoor pub area following the Flaming Saltire.
• Saturday evening, enjoy performances by the Featured Performers on the main stage and then join in and sing a few songs, step through a reel or two, and enjoy the company of kith and kin in another opportunity to learn Scottish Dancing in the indoor pub area.

Saturday Evening Ceilidh Schedule with our Featured Performers

Participants in the cèilidhs compete for the Caber, a perpetual trophy donated by the Richard Roberts family, which the audience awards to the best Scottish entertainment of the evening.

So, leave your worries at the door, tap your toes to the music, laugh a lot, and, above all, have a good time and make some new Scottish friends!