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Tillidh mi Dhachaigh
HEBRIDEAN HOMECOMING
2023 - 2025
Lewis Society of Cleveland, Ohio.
Photo credit: Comunn Eachdraidh Nis
'Tillidh mi Dhachaigh'
'I'll return home'
Hebridean Homecoming is a three-year events programme engaging both islanders and diaspora populations of the Outer Hebrides in the themes of emigration and return.
It begins in 2023, on the centenaries of the emigrant ships 'Metagama' and 'Marloch', when people left in search of adventure and opportunities not available at home.
Hebridean Homecoming events will connect islanders, diaspora populations and visitors through exhibitions, talks, productions, monuments, and more.
Maritime Timetable Images -
Björn Larsson collection
'White Star Line - Canada's Call to Women'
Library and Archives Canada
Ref: 1990-119 DAP, 00001, Box number: C047
“'S e feasgar latha Sàbaid ann
' S bha bàtaichean mun cuairt
Toirt Beannachd -nam Beann-Arda dhaibh
Mun tairneadh iad gu cuan;
Bu dùilich leam 's bu chràiteach e
Bhith facinn phàisdean truagh,
'S ag eisdeachd osnaich mhàthraichean
'S an cridh 'ga fhàsgadh cruaidh.”
Donald Mackinnon (Mac Iain Mhurchaidh Fhionnlaigh), Caolis - 'Cumha Barraich 1923'
Tachartasan | Events
Tha tachartasan ann tro na h-eileanan, bho Rubha Robhanais gu Barraigh is Bhatarsaigh. Cliog air na tachartasan gu h-ìosal airson barrachd fiosreachadh fhaighinn.Ma tha sibh ag iarraidh am mìosachan fhaicinn, cliog an seo.
Events are running throughout the Outer Hebrides, from the Butt of Lewis to Barra and Vatersay. Click on an individual event below for more information.
You can also see a calendar of events by clicking here.
- Television programmeTelevision programmeTelevision programmeTelevision programme
- Recorded programmeRecorded programmeRecorded programmeRecorded programmeRecorded programmeRecorded programmeIn 2023 musician Liza Mulholland collaborated with writer Donald S Murray to create a unique and moving, personal musical tribute to the island communities affected by the 1920s mass emigration from the Western Isles to Canada and America. This is the story of their creative journey.
- Available onlinehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001l34dAvailable onlinehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001l34d
Available online (recorded talk)Available online (recorded talk)Available online (recorded talk)Available online (recorded talk)
Recording available onlineAvailable onlineRecording available onlineAvailable online
Always accessibleGateway Garden, LochboisdaleAlways accessibleGateway Garden, Lochboisdale, Lochboisdale, UK
Online - always accessibleOnline - always accessibleOnline - always accessibleOnline - always accessible
Recorded talk (always accessible)Recorded talkRecorded talk (always accessible)Recorded talk
Opened on 28th AprilIonad na Seann SgoilOpened on 28th AprilIonad na Seann Sgoil, Shawbost, Isle of Lewis HS2 9BQ, UK- Opens 15th April 2023Kildonan MuseumOpens 15th April 2023Kildonan Museum, Kildonan, Isle of South Uist HS8 5RZ, UK
Wednesday 26th April, Time TBDSouthend Community HallWednesday 26th April, Time TBDSouthend Community Hall, Daliburgh, South Uist HS8 5SS, UKWednesday 26th April, Time TBDSouthend Community Hall, Daliburgh, South Uist HS8 5SS, UKThis centenary concert celebrates the stories of Metagama emigrants, many of whom journeyed south to the USA, working in car factories and construction. Some returned home during the Great Depression, but many stayed to establish new lives in the New World.
Online (always accessible)Virtual ExhibitionOnline (always accessible)Virtual Exhibition
Time is TBDIsle of South UistTime is TBDIsle of South Uist, Eriskay Community Hall Office, Isle of South Uist HS8 5JJ, UK
Always openLochboisdale Gateway GardenAlways openLochboisdale Gateway Garden, Lochboisdale, UK- Time is TBDSeallam! Visitor CentreTime is TBDSeallam! Visitor Centre, Northton HS3 3JA, UK
Goireasan | Resources
Leig fios thugainn ma tha sibh ag iarraidh bruidhinn ri comainn eachdraidh,
taighean-tasgaidh air neo tasglannan.
Looking to contact historical societies, museums or archives
to trace your own family members?
Click here.
Metagama in Princes Dock.
Graham Lappin Collection
"I remember when she was goin' by the Butt o' Lewis, well, they were blowin' the horn all the time, and everybody in Ness was out makin' bonfires. Even my father was cryin'. And we were on deck until we seen the last flicker o' light disappear. So then we went down below - and that's it. We never seen that light again.
I never saw my mother or father again."
Angus MacDonald
Source: 'Metagama - A Journey from Lewis to the New World ', Jim Wilkie, 1987
On deck of the Marloch , 1924
via: Vintage Postcards Western Isles
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