The local community came together for a night of music and Gaelic at the first screening of Cairngorm’s Connect’s new film, ‘Tha Sinn an Seo’ (We are Here) with performances by Fèis Spè
Saturday 15th November saw Cairngorms Connect come together with Fèis Spè for a screening of Cairngorms Connect’s new short film, ‘Tha Sinn an Seo’ (We are Here), which features young people at work and play in landscapes of the Cairngorms.
The young stars of the film were welcomed by red carpet to Carrbridge Village Hall, and the event was broadcast on BBC Alba.
The film is soundtracked with a new song score, created with Fèis Spè Gaelic singers with composer Sandra MacKay, and the screening was supported by musical performances by the group, from bagpipes to singers to a full youth band.
Fèis Spè Chair, Mairi Brown, says of the evening:
‘Bha an oidhche cho sònraichte ag èisteachd agus a’ coimhead air na daoine òga a’ gabhail stiùir.
The evening was really special, listening and watching the young people taking a lead throughout the evening.”
Mairi continues: “The youngsters have been nothing other than positive, they enjoyed being on stage, singing and playing music together. Many of them have asked when they can do it again.”
“Collaborating with agencies like Cairngorms Connect allows Fèis Spè to reach new audiences and showcase the great musical talent our young people have.”
‘Tha Sinn an Seo’ was filmed at various locations across Badenoch and Strathspey throughout 2025 and was made with the support of the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme.
It was recently presented at this year’s Kendal Mountain Film Festival and will be shown at further festivals and released online in the new year.
Robbie Synge, Next Generation Officer for Cairngorms Connect and director of the film, reflected on a collaborative process that worked with young people and their wonderful imagination, ideas and actions.
“’Tha Sinn an Seo’ features images and voices purely of young people, our next generation. Through movement and play, and by participating in habitat restoration with landscapes and other species, this is a poetic statement of presence, action and joy.”
The Cairngorms Connect partnership is delivering a 200-year vision of landscape-scale restoration, and see involving the next generation as an essential part of this multi-generational. Starring in this film and performing on stage is one of the many ways young people can show and celebrate their connections to where they live.
“Tha sinn cho moiteil”, says Mairi. “We are so proud of them.”
Tha Sinn an Seo will be released online early 2026, on the Cairngorms Connect website and YouTube channel
From Kelpie and Stovie to Yorlin and Dornoch, Rosie Beetschen learns about the importance of a name
Rosie Beetschen reflects on six months of living and working against the soundtrack of the Cairngorms landscape
