MacInnes Bros Ltd has been awarded the construction contract for Phase 2 of the Cnoc Soilleir development, following the confirmation of the final £2.1 million grant award from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

This follows grants of £5 million by Scottish Government, as well as an earlier award from Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. Work is due to be completed by Spring 2026.

Cnoc Soilleir is a joint venture between Ceòlas Uibhist and UHI North, West and Hebrides. The centre promotes and celebrates Gaelic language and culture and supports learning and research activity in South Uist.

Mairi Buchanan, senior development manager at HIE, said: "Cnoc Soilleir is an iconic hub for Gaelic art, culture, heritage and community in South Uist. Phase two aims to create a premier venue for Gaelic education, culture and the arts while supporting organisations such as Ceòlas Uibhist Ltd and UHI, North, West and Hebrides. This modern facility will be a centre for community-led Gaelic learning, music and dance in the heart of the South Uist community.

"This is a great example of the Gaelic language's unlimited potential in generating both economic and social benefits to Scotland. We're very pleased to award this funding to expand such an important project, which has already proved hugely popular among residents and visitors."

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes, said: "Keeping Gaelic alive in traditional communities like South Uist is crucial to safeguarding the language.

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"Phase one of Cnoc Soilleir has become a focal point for Gaelic music and learning which attracts visitors from across Scotland. To build on the success of the project, we have invested £5 million in its second phase.

"This will support the continued use of the language through events, courses and other activities. It will also drive growth in the local economy by adding to the tourism and cultural offering in the Outer Hebrides."

Phase two will be led by Ceòlas Uibhist. Alex O'Henley, Ceòlas Uibhist and Cnoc Soilleir board director, said: "This is excellent news for Ceòlas, the island of South Uist as well as the wider Uist community and economy. As Ceòlas has grown there has been an identifiable need for a bespoke performance and auditorium facility to give young Gaelic musicians and dancers a platform to showcase their talent to the world, as well as providing a much-needed resource for the local community. It's been a long and sometimes painstaking journey to get to this point, but thanks to the generous support of our partners, we have taken a giant step towards making that long cherished dream come true."

Cnoc Soilleir opened in September 2022 with phase one including teaching spaces, offices, and recording studio and facilities. As part of working towards a new net zero Scotland the new extension will be built to the meet the same stringent Passivhaus low energy standards as the existing building. It will be kitted out with state of the art performance and production equipment and technologies, suitable for teaching as well as showcasing local and wider talents.

Cnoc Soilleir has benefited from significant support and funding contributions from key partners including the Scottish Government, HIE, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, and Bord na Gaidhlig – all of which recognise the transformational impact that a completed Cnoc Soilleir facility will bring to Uist, its economy, communities and visitors, and as a catalyst for the regeneration of South Uist, and the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic language and culture as a key contributor to the National Gaelic Plan.

Michael Foxley, Chair of the Cnoc Soilleir Board, said: "I would like to thank the team at Cnoc Soilleir, past and present, and our partners for their hard work and support, along with HIE and the Scottish Government. This is an important milestone for Cnoc Soilleir, which has the potential to become a beacon for Gaelic language and culture as well as learning in South Uist, the Highlands and Islands, Scotland, and beyond."

Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: "We are delighted to see funding secured for phase two of Cnoc Soilleir and look forward to working with Ceòlas to develop our joint vision of Cnoc Soilleir, as a centre for excellence in education, Gaelic language and culture. This project supports our commitment across UHI to preserving, enhancing and promoting Gaelic language and culture across our local communities and beyond."