That the Parliament acknowledges the work of the outgoing Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt) Board Chair, Gayle Findlay, who is stepping back after 10 years in post; notes that Ms Findlay first volunteered for HebCelt in 2008 as the Ambassadors’ Team Leader, before joining the Board in 2013; notes that Ms Findlay then became Chair of the Board in 2014; acknowledges that under Ms Findlay’s leadership, HebCelt navigated COVID-19-related challenges, with Seisean HebCelt in 2020 and Survival sessions, a hybrid programme of live and digital events in 2021; acknowledges that under Ms Findlay’s leadership, HebCelt celebrated its 25th year of programming and established itself as a "Green Festival", winning a Highly Commended award by the Green Family Travel Awards in 2023 and an Outer Hebrides Tourism Community Award - Best Green and Sustainable Business award in 2023; notes that under Ms Findlay’s leadership, the Festival has won numerous accolades, including Best Cultural Event or Festival at the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2014, Event of the year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2022, and Outstanding Cultural Event at the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards 2023; commends Ms Findlay on her hard work and dedication to the ongoing development of HebCelt and its celebration of Celtic music and culture, and wishes her the best for her future work with cultural events.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Sarah Boyack, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Maggie Chapman, Foysol Choudhury, Sharon Dowey, Jackie Dunbar, Tim Eagle, Annabelle Ewing, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Pauline McNeill, Alex Rowley, Alexander Stewart, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells, Tess White