Eilean Brèagha [Beautiful Island]
OFFICIAL CONCERT

Eilean Brèagha [Beautiful Island]

date Thursday, Oct 15th 2026 @ 2:00 pm ADT
venue Malagawatch Church, Highland Village
locale Iona
price $45
washroom Yes
seating General Admission

When the Gaels arrived from Scotland, they brought their language, music, and culture to this new land. The community of Iona is one of the places where they settled. Rich in Gaelic heritage, the area has maintained close ties to the roots of its settlers, and Baile nan Gàidheal [Highland Village] has played an important role in maintaining that cultural heritage. There are few places more inspiring for a performance rooted in Gaelic culture and tradition than this unique living history museum that celebrates the story, language, and living culture of Nova Scotia Gaels. The Malagawatch Church, positioned high on the hill at the Village, boasts a view of all four counties of Cape Breton Island. This little wooden church is the perfect setting for an afternoon of tunes and songs from the Gaelic and folk traditions performed by artists from Cape Breton, mainland Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Ireland. Today’s concert will remind us all there’s so much more to a beautiful island than just the scenery.

Performing Artists

Mary Jane Lamond

Cape Breton

Renowned Gaelic singer Mary Jane Lamond has dedicated her 30-year musical career to the preservation of Scottish Gaelic songs, garnering JUNO nominations and East Coast Music Awards, critical acclaim, and a worldwide audience for her music. Mary Jane’s five solo recordings create a respectful ...

Kathleen MacInnes

Scotland

Kathleen MacInnes is a Scottish singer and actress who performs primarily in Scottish Gaelic. Hailing from South Uist in the Western Isles, she grew up immersed in Gaelic song, language, and culture. Twice winner of major honours at the Scots Trad Music Awards — ...

Màiri Britton

Scotland

Màiri Britton is a Gaelic educator, musician, and community builder making her home between Scotland and Unama’ki [Cape Breton]. She has worked in numerous roles focused on uplifting and celebrating Gaelic language and culture including as instructor at St. Francis Xavier University and Colaisde ...

Kendra MacGillivray

Nova Scotia

Celtic music and dance have been a lifelong passion for Kendra MacGillivray and her family. She has played fiddle and taught workshops all over the world, at some of the most beautiful theatres and culturally-enriching Highland Games and Celtic/Folk Festivals. Along the way, she ...

Abigail MacDonald

Nova Scotia

Abigail MacDonald was raised in St. Andrews, Antigonish County, and grew up surrounded by Gaelic music and culture. She has been learning Gaelic since the age of five with much guidance from her father Brian, a respected fiddler from a long line of musicians ...

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