Sian: Tarsainn (English)
Under Canvas 2026 opened with the world premiere of Tarsainn, a new song commissioned especially for the occasion. Gaelic group Sian performed the composition to a rapt audience, giving voice to the Highland women history left out.
Commissioned by Maoin nan Ealain Gàidhlig as part of Eden Court's 50th anniversary celebrations, the song was written in celebration of Highland women, past and present, who have shaped pivotal moments in history while remaining, in the words of Gaelic scholar Meg Bateman, ‘neither out nor in’ - present at the heart of Highland life, yet rarely fully credited for it.
Under Canvas has become such an important part of Inverness’s summer calendar and it is particularly special in Eden Court’s 50th anniversary year to have opened the festival with Sian’s beautiful and poignant new song
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Promoting and supporting Gaelic language and culture is a priority for Eden Court and we wanted to find a moment to celebrate that as part of our 50th Anniversary.
The song draws on the legacies of figures including Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, the women of the Battle of the Braes, Rona Lightfoot, and the campaigners of SKAT (Skye and Kyle Against Tolls). In doing so, it also echoes Eden Court's own journey, from a private home to a community space that now welcomes Gaelic culture and creativity over its threshold.
We're delighted to share the lyrics to Tarsainn below.
Under Canvas continues at Eden Court until Sun 30 Aug.
