Local health service supports the sound of change for Stramash

To support the wide range of local outdoor community music events organised by the Stramash Stornoway Community Group, NHS Western Isles has provided a capital grant to enable them to purchase new external PA equipment, which will additionally benefit local events held throughout the year.

A donation of £6,600 has enabled the group to purchase a suitable replacement PA system for outdoor and indoor use, which replaces their existing 20-year-old equipment, which is now beyond economical repair. 

‘Stramash’ is often seen as an event one weekend every year, but is in fact involved in many of the outdoor events held across the island in the summer months and indoor events all year round.

Stramash Stornoway is also closely linked to Macaulay College CIC, which provides people with additional social and educational requirements with a programme of activities that encourages them to have meaningful and fulfilling working and social lives whilst achieving their full potential and reaching person specific targets.

Stramash gives the Macaulay College CIC students access to learning new skills in a different environment away from the college, working with many different people in the community.

The Stramash Festival itself is a unique event – and open to families at no cost, which not only helps tackle isolation, but enables individuals of all ages to come together and enjoy all the fun of a festival, regardless of their financial status.

The festival runs over two days and is completely free to enter over the two days. The Saturday afternoon event is billed as family friendly and, working with partners in the community, this particular event is fully committed to providing a family day out with absolutely no financial burden. A place where everything – hot food, candy floss, treats for kids, tea and coffee for adults, and inflatable fun (such as bouncy castles) are all free in a payment-free environment where everyone is equal.

NHS Western Isles Chair, Gillian McCannon, said: “NHS Western Isles was delighted to be able to support Stramash Stornoway – an organisation with a community focus at the heart – that tackles isolation, bringing people together to support wellbeing and encouraging volunteers to come together, creating enhanced community cohesion amongst many groups locally. The group’s link with Macaulay College CIC enables students to get involved in the setup, running and strip down of the entire Stramash Festival, giving a sense of ownership to the College and its students.”

Thanking NHS Western Isles, Paul Matheson, Chairman of the Stramash Stornoway Community Group, said: “This Capital Grant Award has given our group a real boost and is already allowing us to make a difference, with many community events to be held over the summer months ready to benefit from the equipment purchased.

“The Stramash Festival focuses on providing a platform for local musicians and artists to showcase their original material, network with visiting musicians from the mainland and provides a diverse and enjoyable weekend of entertainment to the community – all for free. 

“Its success is achieved through solid forged partnerships and skill sharing, helping each other out where we can.  The group is also proud to have a strong bond with Macaulay College CIC, which assists them each year during the set-up, running and dismantling of the festival.”

Paul added: “In a time of increasing costs, Stramash aims to provide an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, a place for families to enjoy a day out regardless of their financial status. No money is required at this event as there is nothing to buy – all hot food, candy floss and treats for kids, tea and coffee for adults, bouncy castles – are all free.”

Above (L-R): Paul Matheson (Chairman of the Stramash Stornoway Community Group), Gillian McCannon (NHS Western Isles Chair) and Roland Engebretsen (Director of Macaulay College CIC).