The most remote club night in Scotland, baile/baile, is set to make a comeback to the Highland village of Ullapool this November. The event, known for hosting acclaimed DJs from around the country, was initially launched in November 2023 by Ullapool local Sigi Whittle, 27, and his friend Jemima Fasakin, 27. This year, the series will take place at The Ceilidh Place, an award-winning 100-capacity venue and exhibition space in Ullapool.
Starting on November 9, baile/baile aims to offer entertainment to both locals and visitors during the quieter months when tourism in the Highlands typically slows down. The club night not only brings in internationally renowned artists but also serves as a platform for local DJs to showcase their talent. Each party in the series will feature at least one act from the north of Scotland, highlighting the region’s rich musical scene.
Whittle and Fasakin, with backgrounds in architecture and community engagement, created baile/baile with a focus on supporting the Highland community and promoting local events that showcase Scottish talent. The return of baile/baile to Ullapool has received overwhelming support and enthusiasm from residents, with Whittle expressing pride in the impact the event has had.
In addition to its Ullapool events, baile/baile has also hosted parties in Edinburgh and Glasgow, offering Gaelic lessons to attendees as part of their initiative to make Scottish Gaelic more accessible to a wider audience. The club night has garnered recognition from DJs, artists, and media outlets, including coverage from BBC News and Time Out, as well as a documentary by the BBC as part of their TUNE series available on BBC iPlayer.
The 2024/25 baile/baile series will feature four parties starting from November and continuing through to March, showcasing a diverse lineup of DJs and artists. The organisers are excited to bring back the club night experience to Ullapool and share what they have planned for the upcoming series.
For more information on the baile/baile events and lineup, interested individuals can visit the Resident Advisor website. Don’t miss out on the latest news from Scotland and beyond by signing up for the Scotland Now newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and cultural happenings in the region.