The Gaitherin (SC027604) is a registered charity based in Aberdeenshire which works with young people through the medium of music (traditional and contemporary), dance and drama to try and help them build successful learning skills, increase their self worth and self confidence and help them become better at forging friendships and working together towards a common goal.
The Gaitherin all started in 1993, when 70 young people from the Gordon District gave up the first week of their Easter holidays to come along to the first Gordon Gaitherin at Insch. By 1995 there were 120 of them, receiving tuition in: Fiddle, Bagpipes, Drums, Tin Whistle, Keyboard, Guitar, Voice and Drama.
Today the Gaitherin is open to children from across Scotland and is held twice a year, one for primary and one for secondary students with a variety of tution available. The Gaitherin for primary school participants (aged 8 upwards) is in the first week of the Easter holidays and the Gaitherin for secondary school aged participants is in the first week of the October holidays.
October participants do not have to be attending Secondary School but must not have reached their 18th birthday by the end of the October week.
The Gaitherin runs all day from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and offers the participants the chance to try multiple activities of their choice and work on improving them over the course of the week. This culminates in a concert for family and friends on the Friday evening.
Whilst it helps to enjoy music, it is not necessary to already play an instrument in order to take part in the Gaitherin. There are group games, arts, sports and much more during the week so something for everyone. The week is run by a team of tutors and youth workers who between them have a wide range of skills and qualifications to offer.
For some participants there is a residential option. 24 participants (usually the older ones for each Gaitherin) can choose to stay at our residential venue where evening activities and more youth work takes place.
If you want more information please email info@gaitherin.org