Co-labhairt Eilireachd nan Eileanan an Iar
Outer Hebrides Emigration Conference
When: Tuesday 30 September 2025 (see separate event listings for Day 2 & Day 3)
Where: In-person and online
Venue: Lews Castle, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, HS2 0XS
Organised by: Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean
Theme: Emigration is an important aspect of the islands’ history as it affected demographics and split families across the globe through the 1700-1900s. People left the islands for a number of reasons, whether through forced clearance, in hope of improving their economic prospects or to join family members who had emigrated previously. Speakers will present in-person and virtually on a range of topics related to Hebridean emigration.
Price:
In-person delegates: Daily Fee £24 incl VAT | Full Conference Fee £60 incl VAT
(Full conference includes two days of conference plus field trip on Day 3, tea, coffee and lunch on each of the three days, one evening reception, as well as access to recordings and to the emigration exhibition)
Online delegates: Daily Fee £12 incl VAT
(each day includes conference proceedings and access to recordings)
* Early Bird Discount of 10% available until 31 March *
Programme Day 1:
(Timings will be published nearer the time)
- Registration, Welcome and Introduction
- Keynote Speaker: Professor Marjory Harper, University of Aberdeen – Overview of Hebridean emigration
- Dr Frances Wilkins, University of Aberdeen – The evolution of a Cree Fiddle Tradition in James Bay, Canada, with roots in the Hudson’s Bay Company
- Theo Albano, The Fleming Collection – Artistic portrayals of emigration
- Pauline MacLean, Highland Village Museum, Cape Breton – Chain migration & settlers from island communities in Nova Scotia
- Margaret Stewart, University of Glasgow – ’S e Crìoch Gach Comunn Dealachadh Contextualising the experiences of the emigrant Gael through their poetry and song. (Presentation in Gaelic with simultaneous translation for in-person delegates)
- Speaker tbc
- Amber Buchanan, independent researcher, Nova Scotia – Immigrant Gaelic communities’ connections with Indigenous peoples (Presentation in Gaelic with simultaneous translation for in-person delegates)
- Delegates’ Evening Reception
Travel & Accommodation
Please note that delegates attending in person are responsible for booking their own travel and accommodation. We strongly advise delegates to book travel & accommodation as far in advance as possible. Please see main page for suggestions.
Conference Booking
Early booking is advised. To reserve your place click here to go to the booking page.
Refunds Policy
If you cancel before 31/7/25 you will receive a 50% refund. Any cancellations made after this date will not be eligible for a refund.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge funding support from Museums Galleries Scotland, Crown Estates & Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and the venue sponsorship from Together Travel.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us.
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