Firstly, from all of us here at Talla na Mara, we’d like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! And we can’t wait to see you in 2018!

With Christmas themed events from the very start of December it has been a jam-packed month and we’d like to say a huge thank you for those that attended.

Along with our Christmas events we have also held our open exhibition, showcasing some of the best local talents the Outer Hebrides has to offer, and this has turned out to be one of our most successful exhibitions to date!

We kicked our festive season off with our family fun day! It turned out to be a rainy day, and unfortunately even Santas sleigh was delayed due to the wild weather. Despite the conditions, there was a great turn out with the centre absolutely packed, and with plenty of activities such as craft making and cupcake decorating along with storytelling and carol singing. The Machair kitchen put on a festive feast and even gave the grown ups something to enjoy while the kids were busy crafting!

Next up was our Christmas craft market! We tried out something a little different from the usual craft markets with crafters encouraged to make their stall interactive, and give us an insight into behind the scenes of our luxury crafters. We were blessed with a beautiful winters day on the Isle of Harris and with the stalls set up and the Christmas music going we were ready to go!

Chris Loye from Flavour giving a chocolate making demonstration!

Geoff Calvert of the Old Leather Works aimed to make a handmade leather shoulder bag during the day!

…and on to our party nights!

With arrival drinks, canapes, a three-course meal and some cracking entertainment from Catch 22 and Willie Campbell the stage was set for two very special nights!

The winner of the highly anticipated 1,916 fundraiser was announced with Megan Mcintyre from Hotel Hebrides taking home the amazing prize, with thanks to the distillery for the donation and to Catch 22 for making the draw!

We ate, danced and celebrated long into the night and I’m sure there were plenty of tired and sore heads in the following days, myself included!

Again, I’d like to say thanks to all who attended events or stopped in to say hello during the month, It’s been a fantastic first year for us here and we can’t wait to share the next one with you.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.