Superb sounds of Scotland at NYC Tartan Week

Four music graduates of the University of the Highlands and Islands will perform at the 21st New York City Tartan Week, as part of the university’s participation in the celebrations recognising the contributions made by Scottish-Americans to the United States (2 to 8 April).

Accomplished alumni, Christian Gamauf, Jamie MacDonald and Jack McRobbie, who met whilst studying Scottish music at the Lews Castle College UHI, Benbecula campus, will perform at a number of events throughout the week.

University supporter, Prickly Thistle Scotland has invited the Isle of Benbecula trio to fire up their Tartan Rebels ahead of the Tartan Parade on Saturday 6 April. The parade attracts thousands of people, pipers and tartan wearers to the streets of New York.

Alison Wilson, head of development said: “The University of the Highlands and Islands is excited to be part of Tartan Week.

With the support of the University of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland Foundation, we are delighted to have this opportunity to connect in person with American friends and supporters from the Scottish diaspora who share our passion for the Highlands and Islands and for the development of our university, one of Scotland’s greatest educational success stories in recent years.”

Christian Gamauf said: “We are really excited to play a series of performances throughout Tartan Week. Bringing the music of the Hebrides to New York is an honour for us all, and we are delighted to represent the university at the events.”

A fourth alumni, will play at the Taste of Scotland with Words and Whisky, at the University Club. Vermont based Matthew Brouard is also an alumnus of the Lews Castle College UHI Benbecula campus.

Anna-Wendy Stevenson, programme leader for the BA (hons) applied music based at Lews Castle College UHI said: “It is extremely rewarding to see our students share and celebrate music from some of the remotest and culturally rich regions of Scotland with audiences across the world.”

Invited by the National Tartan Day committee, Professor Donna Heddle, Director of the Institute for Northern Studies and Gary I Campbell, Key Account Director will take part in the National Tartan Day Symposium, held in Washington.

Gary will join opening panel session, “Weaving the Tartan, Our Cloth of Identity”, and both will take part in a topical Brexit session, exploring the implications for Scotland.

To find out more about music courses offered at the University of the Highlands and Islands visit www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses. Follow our activities at Tartan Week @nyctartanweek #ThinkUHI