An Lanntair has been awarded funding from the Youth Music Initiative (YMI) Access to Music Making fund to support SOUNDWAVES – TONNAN-FUAIME, an ambitious new project designed to increase access to high-quality music-making opportunities for children and young people aged 0–25 across Lewis and Harris.
This newly secured funding marks a significant expansion of An Lanntair’s music development programme. The next phase of SOUNDWAVES – TONNAN-FUAIME will introduce a wide range of new opportunities aimed at inspiring creativity, building confidence, and supporting progression in music. Planned activities include a Rhythm Club, Youth Rock sessions, theory classes, piano group lessons, and song-writing workshops.
In addition, a new trainee programme will create placements for early-career musicians and educators, helping to build a sustainable creative workforce in the islands. The initiative will nurture emerging talent while creating pathways into teaching, performance, leadership, and Gaelic music education.
Eilidh Young, Drumming Instructor and Music Worker at An Lanntair, said:
“It’s really promising to see a full programme of music development at An Lanntair. The value of nurturing music education can’t be underestimated. ‘Soundwaves’ will complement the islands’ rich heritage and the strong music education already established in schools. The youth of today are the next generation who will step onto the stage, and I am so excited about all extracurricular opportunities this new funding initiative will bring to An Lanntair and to young people on the island.”
Morag Macdonald, Youth Music Initiative Manager (Creative Scotland) –
“I think it’s fair to say that there’s barely a day that goes by without YMI activity happening somewhere in Scotland. In and amongst all the joyful noise, there’s those quiet moments where someone nails that difficult transition, writes their first song or finds the courage to join the music group which sparks a lifelong interest in music. With ongoing support from the Scottish Government, the YMI has become an essential part of Scotland’s rich music ecology, creating everyday opportunities to participate in high quality music making projects.”
This funding represents an important step in strengthening access to music education across the Outer Hebrides, ensuring that more young people can engage with, develop, and thrive through music.
