A not-for-profit community project and cultural centre in Stornoway has accessed support and been signposted to funding through Business Gateway.
An Taigh Ceilidh aims to promote and protect the Gaelic language through a range of events and activities, including live music sessions, conversation circles and film screenings. The centre also has its own café, where Gaelic is the main language spoken. Customers are also encouraged to speak the language, receiving a 10% discount from hot drinks when ordering in Gaelic.
Since opening in 2021, the centre has received acclaim for its work promoting minority languages and connecting culture and wellbeing across local communities.
Keen to further develop the events and activities aspect of the business, co-chair, Teàrlach, approached Business Gateway for support in accessing funding to turn this ambition into a reality.
Business Gateway adviser, Catherine Macdonald, was able to provide advice on routes to funding. Thanks to this support, Teàrlach and the An Taigh Ceilidh team received grant funding from the Outer Hebrides Digital Support Scheme, which is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by the Comhairle’s Business Gateway team.
An Taigh Ceilidh also received grant funding through the Outer Hebrides Business Development Scheme. These funding interventions assisted with the purchase of general and digital equipment for the new events space.
Teàrlach and the team opened An Taigh Coinneimh, a new events space, in April, with An Taigh Cèilidh continuing to house the café and gift shop.
This new space will provide the local community with facilities for events and will allow remote connections to other islands in the Outer Hebrides via new digital equipment.
Teàrlach Wilson, co-chair, An Taigh Ceilidh, said:
“Our vision has always been to create a space where Gaelic thrives and our community feels connected through language, culture and creativity. The support from Business Gateway has allowed us to expand that vision into a new events space which will open even more opportunities for learning, collaboration and culture celebration across the islands.”
Catherine Macdonald, Business Gateway adviser, said:
“It’s been a pleasure to support Teàrlach and An Taigh Ceilidh as it continues to grow. Their commitment to preserving and promoting the Gaelic language is inspiring, and we’re proud to have helped them access the funding they needed to bring this new chapter to life.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business visit the Business Gateway website.