Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 22 May 2001 For Use: Immediately

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Western Isles Korean Success

The Western Isles Group at the World Festival For Island Cultures in Jeju, Korea, are turning into the stars of the festival and have received acclaim from all quarters for their participation in the event.

Donald Maclean, Chairman of Development Services, who is in Korea to promote the Western Isles, said “I am delighted with the reception given to the Western Isles Group and with the support received from the British Ambassador, Mr Charles Humfrey, who accompanied the Group at the Opening Ceremony. During our time in Jeju, we have capitalised on the opportunity to display the distinctive cultural traditions of the Islands and to promote Harris Tweed. Heather Butterworth of the Harris Tweed Authority will be meeting a representative of Scottish Trade International at the Embassy later this week.
The Western Isles pipers, singers and dancers have been a great hit and I should like to pay special tribute to them for their dedication and enthusiasm.”

The Western Isles group were chosen by the Korean Organising Committee to lead the Festival’s opening parade last Friday.

Prior to the Opening Ceremony, the Western Isles Group were invited by an Admiral of the Korean Navy to take a tour of Jeju Bay in a Navy Destroyer.

The entertainment provided by the Western Isles Group on board was broadcast on Korean television. The Opening Ceremony itself included a spectacular fireworks display and march past of all performers and artists from the 27 Islands who travelled to Jeju from across the World, from as far as New Zealand and Easter Island and from Sakhalim, Russia.

The pipers and drummers from the Western Isles proved to be extremely popular with the residents of Jeju and visitors at the Festival and were given a rapturous response. Following the march past, the evening concluded with the Western Isles and Vietnam sharing a platform, playing to an audience of over 3,000.

More than 500,000 visitors from across the world are expected to attend the event.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer