"If it was a night of two halves, at least everyone - from the galaxy of young stars of
Ceol nam Feis to the two bands at Inverness Railway Club - was onto a winner. At Eden Court,
the success of the feisean movement came in small teams of shining-eyed youngsters from all
over the Highlands and Islands.
On and off the stage like greased lightning, the singers, actors, instrumentalists
and step dancers seemed itching to show us what they had learned - and their own pride in
their performances was the warmest thing for a non Gaelic speaker, somewhat shut out in
the cold by the fear an tighe's many Gaelic jokes. Though unfair to pick out a few from
the many talents, outstanding moments came from the multi-talented Fiona Shaw and the group
from Feis Strath Fharragaig. And the slice of history from Feis na h-Oige with their waulking
song and pure clear singing deserves a bigger audience.
Over at Inverness Railway Club, LYMERICK SMITH were making a Joe influenced
debut of covers and original songs that was confident enough in song and stage control
to be a promising debut.
THE GRADUATES continue to charm, aplomb back in place after a nervous last
outing at the venue - Whoor of Mensa still an unrepentant climax (none of that encore
nonsense).
And if the harmonies occasionally wavered off-key, the fearsomely slick stage
presentation almost makes up for it. That's before you start singing along to Wacky
Races, The Sun and Don't Touch Me I'm God."
MC, Highland News 1996