The musical heritage of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is in large part a Gaelic one. There is a huge body of material from which to choose. For instance, Gaelic songs are very numerous and diverse in nature. There are songs, for instance, which were made specifically to accompany work – waulking the tweed, rowing, milking and so on. There are others whose origins relate to music for dancing - ‘puirt a beul’ or mouth music - and many others such as laments, songs of nostalgia, praise, humorous songs and songs about nature.

CÒISIR GÀIDHLIG BHIOCTORIA
THE SCOTTISH GAELIC CHOIR OF VICTORIA
The Scottish Gaelic Choir has an extensive repertoire of traditional Gaelic songs. New songs are constantly introduced so the Choir is able to draw on its wide range for special performances such as ceilidhs and other festive celebrations

HISTORY OF THE CHOIR
The Scottish Gaelic Choir of Victoria was formed in 1997 by a small group of Gaelic learners with an interest in the traditional songs of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The learners were all members of the Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria.

To begin with the choir was nothing more than a group of people with no director, no direction and no experience singing simple Gaelic songs in unison. It was not long before Leigh Wigglesworth joined the choir as its first director, bringing with her many years of experience. It was under her direction that the name ‘The Scottish Gaelic Choir of Victoria’ was formally established and the distinctive Flower of Scotland tartan adopted as the choir’s uniform.

The choir has had many engagements. Performances have been given at Highland gatherings, the annual National Celtic Festival in Portarlington, multicultural events, several Burns concerts, various church congregations, and a number of other community organizations.

A CD recording of the choir was produced in the SBS recording studios in 1999