MacIntyre Ceilidh at Gathering Halls

Date/Time
Date(s) - 18/07/2018
7:00 pm

Location
Argyllshire Gathering Halls

Categories

• Ceilidh

July 1 Update: Some tickets remain, to be sold on a first come, first served basis at the registration desk at Argyllshire Gathering Halls starting midday, Monday 16th July, cash only (no cards, no cheques).

Changes as of June 22: In order to accommodate more people, the MacIntyre Ceilidh has been moved to the Gathering Halls in Oban, a larger but more expensive venue. Thus, the cost for all folks registering starting today is increased to match the cost the original folks paid for the ceilidh + the shuttle to Taynuilt. The shuttle bus is now canceled. If you are one of the original folks who registered for the Ceilidh, your original registration is fine as it stands.

The original Gaelic meaning of ‘ceilidh’ was “a visit.” This came to mean a house party, with guests providing the entertainment: singing, instrumental playing, and storytelling. Today, it means any event with Gaelic entertainment.

Dr Martin MacIntyre (the organiser of 2008 Gathering) found the following 1920s comment by The Rev. Canon R. C. MacLeod of MacLeod, in a newsletter from www.electricscotland.com .

”I should imagine that no country in the world is richer in folk-lore than the West Highlands. The ceilidh was an institution, and our people loved to gather together on a winter’s evening, and to tell each other again and again the old stories which they had received from their forbears.”

We are looking for MacIntyre performers, story tellers, and musicians to take part. We already have an excellent contribution from Archie McIntyre, a pibroch called “MacIntyres’ Salute” composed 300 years ago by John McIntyre, recognised as one of the great composers. So it is a superb tune, historic, and celebrates all who bear our name.

We also have the McIntyre Band from USA contributing ceilidh music. If dancing so happens to break out, here are the hints from Mary Macintyre, the Mistress of the Dance at the last MacIntyre ceilidh:

“Wear flat(tish) shoes with a plain flat sole which can move easily over the floor. High heels are dangerous both to the wearer (going over on one’s heel) and to other dancers (because they are sharp). Metal bangles are dangerous too as they can catch another person when swinging. Wear cool clothes – Scottish dancing evolved in a cool climate and is vigorous. One does become hot and there is rarely air conditioning or fans in Scottish halls. Any style of clothing is fine but swirly skirts always look good on the floor. Tartan is nice to wear at a dance even if it is only a bit of ribbon somewhere on one’s person. For the timid—get up and have a go. The dances are not difficult and are very repetitive. Even if you only want to look upon it as a workout to nice music. No one ever shows disapproval of another person at ceilidh dancing, and indeed you will find that many of the Scottish Macintyre are not that good at this form of dancing either, so don’t be intimidated. Remember, it is also very gratifying to the band if people get up and at least have a go. Those who aren’t dancing can enjoy watching and socializing (the primary purpose of a ceilidh).”

Food and drink are not included in the ceilidh, so you should arrange for dinner on your own prior to the event.

You can buy event tickets only if you have already registered for the Gathering. Please ensure you have done this before trying to buy tickets. Your username and password were emailed when you created a user account after registering.

Caution

These activities are still “proposed” until we have sufficient registrations to cover costs of running each event or activity. We will do our very best to provide activities as listed; however, they may be cancelled or modified due to bad weather, lack of attendance, changes in availability of transport, or any other factors beyond our control.

If a tour is undersubscribed and is cancelled, we will work with you to find a replacement activity or tour.

Please read the event descriptions carefully and use your own good judgment as to whether an activity is within or outside your physical ability. If you feel it might be beyond your ability please tell us as soon as possible. We will do everything in our power to provide modifications or assistance, but in some cases it won’t be possible or feasible for some people to take part in some activities.

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