Inverness library to showcase new piano for all at Christmas event

Christmas tunes around the piano will provide the centrepiece for festive fun at an Inverness library next week, showcasing new creative possibilities at the venue.

Earlier this year Inshes Library secured funding from Highland Council’s ward discretionary fund for a new project, a major part of which was the purchase of an electric piano which now sits in the library and is free for all to play – with headphones available so as not to disturb readers.

High Life Highland and Fèis a' Bhaile have joined forces for the project which aims to bring music into the heart of the local community and develop the library as a creative and nurturing space.

Community news

Subscribe to receive our free email newsletters

On Thursday (December 12) members of the public are invited along to the library to enjoy some Christmassy tunes on the piano, provided by Fèis a' Bhaile tutor Liza Mulholland.

There will also be games, puzzles, mince pies and hot drinks to enjoy.

Meg Davidson, network librarian for High Life Highland, said “We wanted to hold a fun event to let everyone know that the piano is here.

“I hear so often people say they wished they had had the opportunity to learn music, so we wanted to show that everyone is welcome to come and play.”

Nicola Simpson, senior development officer for Fèisean nan Gàidheal, said: “Fèisean nan Gàidheal is delighted to be supporting Fèis a’ Bhaile in this project.

“The community piano offers a great opportunity for musicians in the local community, who may not have their own instrument, to play for pleasure and it gives those already learning somewhere to practice.”

Meg added: “We provide internet access in the library to address inequality so it felt instinctive to offer piano access to those who otherwise may have nowhere else to play.”

Inshes library and Fèis a' Bhaile are currently examining how to put on a keyboard club to give children in P4-7 the opportunity to attend taster lessons for free.

Nicola said: “Fèis a’ Bhaile have a wealth of experience in running traditional music activities for young people in the Inverness area and this project opens up an exciting opportunity for even more young people to access top quality tuition and develop their musical skills.

The event at Inshes Library on Thursday runs from 5.30-7.30pm.

All up to date information relating to the project can be found on the library’s Facebook page.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.