Faclan began in 2006, and this will be its twentieth edition. Originally held in late August, in 2011 it migrated from summer to Samhain, when the nights draw in and the clocks go back. So, there is a sense of perspective and a strain of nostalgia running through this year’s programme. Of longing and belonging. Of life in the rear-view mirror albeit with an eye on the road ahead.
Time past is vividly and movingly evoked – in fact and in fiction – through three events that transport us to Uist and Barra in 1978 (World Cup Year), to South Lochs in the 50s, and to wider Lewis from the late 60s up to the present day. Accounts that scratch deep beneath the local historical record.
Further back still, we enter the global phenomenon that is Outlander. An inside account from Gillebrìde Macmillan, originally cast as a bard in the show, and who subsequently worked as the Gaelic consultant on the series, as a singer and songwriter, and eventually had a special part written for him. In advance, to offset this version of Scotland, whether as an introduction or a corrective – you decide – we will also be screening the astonishing 1964 film Culloden. The last battle on British soil and arguably the defining event in modern Highland history
Christmas comes early with the Hebridean Baker launching his new festive cookbook. But we are back on schedule later that evening with a live music presentation of the silent classic The Phantom of the Opera for Halloween.
Other events include classic film, a Saturday morning breakfast event looking at the Island from above and below, and an acclaimed and spellbinding evocation of Louisiana in the 1920s.
2026 is also the 25th anniversary of the Island Books Trust, who along with Acair, are a pillar of publishing in the Islands. Congratulations and Happy Birthday! They have joined with us and the Library to create a new and exciting fringe programme.
Click here to view our online Faclan 2026 brochure.
Check out our Faclan section for full details and access to our archive.
