From tots to teens, grannies to gig-goers — Moray’s first Sharing Ceilidh was a joyful success, setting the stage for a summer of dancing, dialogue, and discovery.
Hosted by the Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray, the Lhanbryde Community Centre came alive in June as nearly 50 people gathered for a unique evening of food, music, and heartfelt sharing. But this wasn’t just a ceilidh — it was a space for connection, curiosity, and community-led research.
From the first beat of the Dandy Ceilidh Band, the floor filled with laughter and twirling kilts. Attendees enjoyed a relaxed mix of live music, stovies, and “sharing slots” — moments where local voices stepped up to speak, sing, or simply share what mental wealth means to them.
“What lovely people! Thank you for dancing! Loved the lots of different generations. Thanks for having us.”
– Dandy Ceilidh Band
What is a Sharing Ceilidh?
Blending traditional ceilidh spirit with the heart of community research, a Sharing Ceilidh is a place where Moray residents can come together and ask:
What makes us feel well? What helps us thrive? How can we shape the future — together?
The Lhanbryde event featured:
- 🥘 Shared food and laughter
- 🎻 Live music by local legends
- 🗣️ Community voices, including speakers from Lhanbryde Hub and Peer Researchers
- 💬 Real conversations about mental wealth, research, and lived experience
- 🧡 A warm welcome for all — whether in trainers or tartan
“We are all researchers in our own lives.”
Funded by the UKRI-funded Community Research Networks programme, this event was part of a broader movement to build mental wealth in Moray — focusing on Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment (CHIME).
A Community in Conversation
Attendees weren’t just participants — they were collaborators. Using creative tools like “stone voting” and reflection sheets, the event invited everyone to share their thoughts:
💬 “From an outsider looking in the window, I never realised how many doors were there — which can now be opened and explored.”
Participants spoke about:
- The value of being together without judgment
- Wanting more events like this in their community
- Seeing research as something they could take part in, not just observe
One attendee summed it up best:
“I learned that I can use my creativity to express my neurodiversity more.”
Missed It? You’ve Got More Chances!
Join the next Sharing Ceilidh:
- New Elgin Hall – Saturday 30th August
(Tickets are free but booking is essential)
Special thanks to our photographer: Alexander Williamson
Partners making it happen:
Moray Wellbeing Hub, Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), Moray Art Development Engagement (M:ADE), tsiMORAY, Science Ceilidh, Arrows (Quarriers), Earthtime for All, Grampian Regional Equalities Council (GREC), and The Three Kings Cullen Association.
Funded by: The Young Foundation and UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)