Information

An International Event marking the 100th anniversary of the sailing of the Metagama from Stornoway, transporting impoverished islanders to Canada in search of a new life. The separation of families and the departure of so many young islanders left an enduring mark on the Hebridean psyche and resonates with the plight of modern day emigrants. It is also the Centenary of the departure of the Marloch from Lochboisdale to Canada, a week before the Metagama.

Held in the spectacular surroundings of the restored Lews Castle, an array of professional acts will perform, following a Grand Parade led by the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band from Ontario, Canada and accompanied by additional Scottish Pipe Bands. Expect Chinese Dragon Dances, Rio Carnival traditional Brazilian Samba vibes, Irish singing and dancing, Vintage Ragtime shows, Fire Performances and MUCH more! Unlimited children’s Funfair, activities and side shows and a variety of eateries and bars will quench your appetites.

The Western Isles Community Society, who run the local Western Isles Lottery to raise their funding, are organising this event. To keep up to date with timings, travel info and our special Tattoo Draw, log onto https://www.facebook.com/westernisleslottery/ and
www.westernisleslottery.co.uk. Information emails will also be sent out to all ticket holders in due course.

Agenda for the weekend:
FRIDAY 11th AUGUST
Grand Concert in Lewis Sports Centre HS1 2PZ (8pm - 11.30pm)
Grand Concert Ticket from Citizen Ticket required

SATURDAY 12th AUGUST
Stornoway Town Centre - Mass Pipe Bands & Tattoo Metagama Parade (Start 2pm) No ticket required

Family Fun & Tattoo Metagama Fringe Events on Lews Castle Green from 3pm & Tattoo Metagama from 7pm - 11.30pm - Tattoo Metagama Ticket from Citizen Ticket required

Performing over the two days we have:

78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band
From Campbellvile, Ontario, Canada, the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band head the line up of pipe bands at the Metagama Tattoo.
The band became the first non-Scottish band to win the World Pipe Band Championships in the summer of 1987 and followed this by becoming World Drum Corps Champions in 1987 and 2007, and the World Bass Section Champions in 2007. The band has won both the North American Pipe Band Championships and the Canadian Pipe Band Championships twelve times each. Joining them will be pipe bands from Lewis, Lewis & Harris Youth, Uist, Sgoil Lionacleit, Skye, and Strathaven & District.

Alyth McCormack & her Irish Band
Alyth is a singer, songwriter, actor and filmmaker known for her pure voice and diversity. She was brought up on the Isle of Lewis but now lives in Ireland. In addition to her solo career, Alyth has been the featured singer with the Chieftains for the last 15 years. She will travel home to entertain at the Tattoo with her husband and band members.

The Ragtime Dolls
The Ragtime Dolls are a fabulous 1920s-1940s inspired Female Close Harmony Trio. They have vintage style, beautiful voices, sparkling personalities and choreographed dances for their songs. Their repertoire consist of a variety of “Andrews Sisters” hits such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Don’t sit Under the Apple Tree”, and “In the Mood”. Also, some “Boswell Sisters” songs and other swing and jazz songs from the time.

Hung Ga Kung Fu Academy
Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Academy has been recognised by the Martial Arts World as being champions in forms, fighting, weapons and lion dance. They will attend the Metagama Tattoo to showcase their dance performances. This school is named after its’ founder Master Yee Chi Wai. It is one of the most popular martial art styles in Southern China. It has a traceable lineage which goes back to the original Southern Shaolin Temple in China.

SambaYaBamba
Sambayabamba is a Glaswegian musical melting pot that has raised the roof around Scotland, the UK and across Europe. They are an exuberant outfit with a heavy-weight live act including a thunderous 25 piece bateria, stomping brass section and two Scottish MCs for good measure. Fusion is what SambaYaBamba does best – and rest assured they will stop at nothing to keep their crowds bouncing and in no doubt they’ve experienced a band unlike any other.

Danny The Fire Performer
World Class Professional Fire, Pyro, Circus & LED Performer will amaze you with his own stage show

Cala
Cala is a 6 piece trad band originating from Inverness and fly into Stornoway directly from performing at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France.
With the launch of their debut single ‘Causeway’ back in late 2020, the band has launched their debut album, From the River, in March 2023. Since Causeway, Cala have evolved their sound, with lineup and stylistic changes making them the band they are today. The past few years have been exciting for Cala, playing many festivals such as Dandelion Festival, Belladrum, The Gathering and many more. The band's choice of instruments and attention to detail in arranging and writing creates Cala’s unique spin on Scottish trad - a fresh, full, and exciting sound.

SPARK!
Worldbeaters Drummers street-theatre is a magical live music, movement and lighting spectacular in which mysterious characters composed of light and sound transform the landscape around them. A World-Class Performance!!!

We are delighted to be supporting Stornoway RNLI and all donations will be gratefully received by them. You can log onto www.westernisleslottery.co.uk to join our local Lottery which supports all areas of the Western Isles Communities. To date, over £400,000 has been distributed to projects across the Isles.