Sùil air: Seinn aig Talla Bhreacais // Case Study: Singing at Breakish Hall

Air Seachdain na Gàidhlig, le taic bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), chaidh seisean seinn a chumail aig Talla Bhreacais le Deirdre Ghreumach aig an stiùir. Leis gun robh an latha cho brèagha, chaidh a chumail a-muigh, agus bha mu dheichnear inbheach an làthair le faisg air dusan duine-cloinne a’ gabhail pàirt no a’ cluich faisg air làimh. Bha na h-òrain air leth, bha Deirdre uabhasach math air an seisean a stiùireadh agus bha e gu math spòrsail.

Thuirt aon chom-pàirtiche, ‘Ged nach eil mo chuid Gàidhlig aig ìre ro àrd agus gu bheil e uaireannan duilich dhomh a bhith a’ dèanamh a’ chùis air faclan nan òran, chòrd e rium a bhith a’ seinn còmhla ri daoine eile. Bha na h-òrain math agus cha robh iad ro dhuilich do chuid de na daoine a bha an làthair.’

Chòrd a’ chùis ris a h-uile duine a bh’ ann agus tha iad an dòchas seiseanan eile dha leithid a chur air dòigh san àm ri teachd.

//

On Seachdain na Gàidhlig, supported by the Small Grants Fund (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), a family-friendly Gaelic song session was held at Breakish Hall with Deirdre Graham, organised by Frances Wilkins. It was a beautiful sunny day so it was decided to hold the workshop outside in the carpark to enjoy the weather. There were around 10 adults participating and around 12 children either taking part of being on the periphery. The songs were great, Deirdre was an excellent workshop leader, and it was a fun session.

A participant of the session commented, ‘Although my Gaelic level is low and I sometimes find it hard to catch up with the lyrics, I enjoyed singing with other Gaelic speakers and singers. I liked the choices of the songs, and the lyrics difficulty level were good for most of the people there.’

It was a really good positive experience and there was a lot of positive verbal feedback from participants. People seemed very keen to have more events such as these in the future too.

Sùil air: Invisible Cities – Gàidhlig sa Bhaile Mhòr // Case Study: Invisible Cities – Gaelic in the City

Air Seachdain na Gàidhlig, le taic bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), chuir Invisible Cities dà chuairt choiseachd leis an t-ainm ’Gàidhlig sa Bhaile Mhòr’ air dòigh ann an Dùn Èideann do luchd-turais is dhaoine ionadail.
Fhuair an sgioba trèanadh Gàidhlig bho Ann aig Comhairle Dhùn Èideann. Chuir iad fàilte air 25 neach thairis air dà latha. Air na cuairtean bhruidhinn iad air breith is fàs a’ chànain agus far am faicear i fhathast sa bhaile. Bha Invisible Cities gu math toilichte leis na thàinig leis gun robh e furasta dha na treòraichean, agus fhuair iad deagh mheasadh bho na bha an làthair. San àm ri teachd cuiridh iad dà dhiofar chuairt air dòigh: fear a’ coimhead air co-theacsa a’ chànain agus mar a bhios i a’ dol le cànanan eile an Alba, agus fear a bhios nas freagarraich do dhaoine a tha nas misneachail a’ bruidhinn sa Ghàidhlig.
Tha iad cuideachd air tachartasan Gàidhlig a chur air dòigh còmhla ri taigh-òsta: lorg-ulaidh far an robh e na amas faclan Gàidhlig a lorg ann an àiteachan poblach. Fhuair duine sam bith a lorg na faclan air fad siùcairean, teatha agus mapa de dh’Alba. Chuidich seo le bhith a’ togail aire mun Ghàidhlig agus mu chuairtean a bha ri thighinn.

Mu dheireadh chruthaich iad pasgain Gàidhlig do chloinn le leabhar, peansailean agus seata gheamaichean Bing. Tha iad air tòiseachadh gan sgaoileadh gu carthannasan agus buidhnean a bhios a’ toirt taic do chloinn.

Bidh a’ bhuaidh as motha aig a’ phròiseact air clann a gheibh na pasgain Gàidhlig (còrr is 100). Bhiodh na h-aoighean air gach cuairt nas mothachail air ceanglaichean na Gàidhlig ris a’ bhaile mhòr.

Chaidh seisean trèanaidh sa Ghàidhlig a chumail le Ann bho Chomhairle Dhùn Èideann do dhaoine a bha uair gun dachaigh (12 uile-gu-lèir) sa Mhàrt.

//

On Seachdain na Gàidhlig, with help from the Small Grants Fund made possible by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Edinburgh-based group Invisible Cities delivered two walking tours called “Gaelic in the City” to tourists, locals and residents.

The team of guides received training in Gaelic by Ann at the City of Edinburgh Council. They welcomed a total of 25 guests over the two days. The tours covered the birth and evolution of the language and some of the remaining elements of it in the city of Edinburgh. Invisible Cities were very happy with the number of guests on the tours as they remained manageable for the guides and feedback has been very positive overall. In the future they will look at organising two separate tours: one looking at the context of the language and how it fits with other languages in Scotland and one for more confident speakers for exploring more of the language itself.

They have also organised Gaelic activities in one of the hotels they partner with: a treasure hunt where the aim was to find Gaelic words hidden in communal spaces. Anyone finding all words won goodies (sweets, tea and a hand drawn map of Scotland). This helped raise awareness of Gaelic week as well as tours coming up.

Finally they produced and distributed Gaelic activity kits for kids that include an activity book, pencils and a Bing game set. They have started distributing them to charities and organisations working with children who are having a hard time right now (children being supported or currently staying in temporary accommodation).

The biggest impact of the project will be with all children receiving the Gaelic kits who will be able to discover the language and have fun while exploring different words (100 kits).

Guests attending the tours will have also been made aware of the language and its connections to the city.

Another training session “Introduction to Gaelic” for a new group of people who have experienced homelessness (12 people in total) was delivered by Ann from the City of Edinburgh Council in March.

Sùil air: Cruinneachadh Gàidhlig an Luirg // Case Study: Lairg Gaelic Gathering

Le taic bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag, air a thabhann le Bòrd na Gàidhlig, chuir Ionad Ionnsachaidh Sgìre an Luirg cruinneachadh Gàidhlig air dòigh air 26 Gearran. B’ e cèilidh traidiseanta a bh’ ann le sgeulachdan, ceòl, òran is dannsa bho luchd-ciùil ionadail is buidhnean coimhearsnachd. Bha seisean ealain ann cuideachd gus am biodh Gàidhlig faicsinneach aig an tachartas agus chaidh ceisteachan a dhèanamh gus cleachdadh is ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh aig an tachartas.

Bha e na amas dhaibh luchd-labhairt, luchd-ionnsachaidh is daoine aig nach robh Gàidhlig idir a thoirt còmhla gus fèill a dhèanamh air cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig. Thug iad a-steach buidhnean a bhios a’ cur ri ìomhaigh na Gàidhlig san sgìre: Còisir Ghàidhlig an Luirg, com-pàirtichean Fèis Chataibh, clann a bhios a’ dol tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig am Baile Dhubhthaich bho air feadh Chataibh is Shiorrachd Rois, cuid bho chomataidh Sutherland Sessions, luchd-ionnsachaidh a bhios a’ frithealadh chlasaichean air-loidhne tro Ionad Ionnsachaidh Sgìre an Luirg, agus daoine bho air feadh Chataibh is Shiorrachd Rois.

Bha 70 an làthair uile-gu-lèir – 38 inbheach is 32 pàiste.

Bhrosnaich iad na bha ann gus Gàidhlig ionnsachadh fad an fheasgair, fiù le bhith ag òrdachadh tì is cofaidh.

Bha iad an toiseach an dòchas an tachartas a chumail air an oidhche ach cha d’ fhuair iad àite freagarrach ach bha iad uabhasach soirbheachail leis an tachartas air feasgar na Sàbaid. Fhuair iad grèim air luchd-ciùil air leth tàlantach bhon sgìre fhèin. Bha an tachartas air leth math airson daoine a thoirt còmhla a-rithist an-dèidh a bhith sgapte bho chèile ri linn Covid-19, agus chuir e taic ri deagh shlàinte-inntinn is shunnd. 

Bha daoine uabhasach toilichte a bhith ann agus chaidh a ràdh gum biodh iad airson tachartasan mar seo fhaicinn san sgìre a-rithist, gu h-àraidh leis nach eil foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ri fhaighinn nas fhaisge na Baile Dhubhthaich. Bha buidhnean coimhearsnachd an dùil obrachadh còmhla gus pròiseactan dha leithid a chumail a’ dol.

//

With support from the Small Grants Fund, made possible by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Lairg Gaelic Gathering took place on the afternoon of Sunday 26th February organised by the Lairg & District Learning Centre.  The event took form of a traditional cèilidh featuring storytelling, music, song and dance from local artists and community groups. It also included a creative art activity to increase the visibility of Gaelic at the event and ran a quiz to increase the use and learning of Gaelic at the event.

The aim was to bring people (Gaelic speakers, learners and non-Gaelic speakers) together in one place to celebrate Gaelic language and culture. They included local groups who promote the use of Gaelic and traditional music – attendees (and performers) at the event included Lairg Gaelic Choir, Fèis Chataibh participants, GME pupils from Sutherland and Ross-shire who attend GME in Tain, some of the Sutherland Sessions committee, Gaelic learners who attend classes via LDLC’s online learning opportunities and people from across Sutherland and Ross-shire. 

There were 70 people in attendance. (38 adults and 32 children).

Attendees were encouraged to use Gaelic as much as possible, including when asking for tea/coffee/refreshments.

It was originally hoped to have the event on an evening but the venue was not available so they went for a Sunday afternoon which turned out to be a great success.  They we were able to source a talented line up from the local area.  This event was also a great way to bring people back together again after lots of time apart throughout the pandemic supporting mental health and well-being.

Feedback from the afternoon was hugely positive, with emphasis being put on the importance of Gaelic events in the area where there is no Gaelic Medium Education provision closer than Tain. Community groups involved were keen to carry on with project and events like this.

Sùil air: LOOM – Sin Agad E! // Case Study: LOOM – Sin Agad E!

Le taic bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag (Bòrd na Gàidhlig, chleachd stiùidio LOOM na sgilean grafaigeach aca gus Gàidhlig a thoirt gu sràidean Steòrnabhaigh. Nochd 10 facal is abairt air bùird air feadh a’ bhaile is chruthaich iad mapa didseatach, a’ piobrachadh dhaoine gus a h-uile bòrd a lorg. Mar stiùidio, bha iad airson dòigh a chruthachadh air faclan is abairtean a roinn le coimhearsnachd an eilein tro dhealbhachadh a bheireadh cothrom còmhraidh do dhaoine.
Bha e na mhiann dhaibh nòs ùr a thoirt do dh’aithne na Gàidhlig sa bhaile le bhith a’ cleachdadh làraich aithnichte – aig a’ chidhe, am meadhan a’ bhaile agus sa Ghearradh Chruaidh. Bha iad airson put beag a thoirt do luchd-ionnsachaidh gus facal no dhà ionnsachadh mar thoiseach-tòiseachaidh.
Chuir an sgioba dealbhan de na bùird anns na làraich aca air-loidhne agus leis a’ mhapa didseatach ga chur air na meadhanan sòisealta chaidh aig daoine air an lorg. Bha duilleag ri luchdadh a-nuas far am b’ urrainn do dhaoine de gach aois dath a chur ris.
Chaidh ciall gach facal is abairt a chur air na meadhanan sòisealta anns na seachdainean a thàinig an-dèidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig gus dìleab a thoirt dhan phròiseact. Bha cothrom aig gach buidheann is gnothachas aig an robh fear de na bùird a chumail dhaibh fhèin às a dhèidh. O chionn ghreiseag, leis gun robh e cho mòr-chòrdte, bha fear de na h-abairtean (’S Fheàrr Gàidhlig Bhriste na Gàidhlig sa Chiste) ri fhaotainn mar phostair fa-leth ri cheannach.
Chì sibh far an robh gach bòrd ri fhaicinn an seo!
//

 

LOOM, a graphic design studio based in the Isle of Lewis, used their skills as a tool to embed Gaelic language into the streets of Stornoway for the week of Seachdain na Gàidhlig with a little help from the Small Grants Fund, made possible by Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Physical, visually stimulating word-boards popped up in iconic locations around Stornoway, encouraging locals and visitors to follow the ‘phrase-hunt’ and collect all 10 Gaelic words/phrases on a digital map. As a studio, they wanted to create a way of sharing place-based Gaelic phrases and words with the island community, with the outcome of provoking and stimulating conversation and curiosity through design.

The aim was to bring a brand new style and face to Gaelic’s visual identity, against the backdrop of locations like the harbour, the town square and the castle grounds. This was to encourage learners to make that first push towards learning and engaging with the language, even by integrating a few simple phrases into their everyday vocabulary.

 

The installation and positions of these interactive graphics were photographed and shared online by the team. The digital phrase-hunt was led online through socials and their website allowed people to download a colouring-in sheet which was a mindfulness activity for all ages.

The meanings of the 10 phrases were shared over the next few weeks on social media which allow the legacy of this project to last for longer than just Seachdain na Gàidhlig itself. The local businesses/orgs that were involved had the option to keep a hold of the word boards that they generously displayed as a piece of wall art for their offices. Since Seachdain na Gàidhlig, one of the phrases (’S Fheàrr Gàidhlig Bhriste na Gàidhlig sa Chiste) was made into a print to be sold due to its popularity.

 
Here is a map of where the project took place with all locations of the boards marked.

Sùil air: CHARTS Earra-Ghàidheal & na h-Eileanan // Case Study: CHARTS Argyll & Isles


Air Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2023, le taic-airgid bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), chùm CHARTS (Culture, Heritage & Arts Assembly) Earra-Ghàidheal & na h-Eileanan latha de dh’òraidean air cànanan Earra-Ghàidheil. Thàinig daoine còmhla airson seisean neo-fhoirmeil fad ceithir uairean a thìde, air a lìbhrigeadh le triùir aig an robh eòlas air Gàidhlig, Albais, Beurla, cainnt an Torragair Ghallda, Sèirbis, Bulgarais, Vlach agus cainntean Slàbhais eile. Thòisich an latha le taisbeanadh air dualchainnt Ghàidhlig Earra-Ghàidheil, a chaidh a thoirt seachad le Oifigear Cultar na Gàidhlig aig CHARTS, Àdhamh Ó Broin, gu dà-chànanach. Thug seo sùil air fo-dhualchainntean gu tuath, deas is meadhan Earra-Ghàidheil, a’ coimhead gu mionaideach air còmhradh Chinn Tìre. Bhruidhinn Kathy Townsley McGuigan an uairsin fad trì chairteal na h-uaireach air cainnt, gnàthasan-cainnt is briathrachas an Torragair Ghallda. Fhuair na bha an làthair biadh an uairsin agus aig deireadh an latha lìbhrig Seumas MacDhòmhnaill Reid òraid air na ceanglaichean eadar Gàidhlig & cànanan Albannach eile agus cànanan is cultaran Bàlcanach. 

Bha an latha glè shoirbheachail ged nach robh uimhir san èisteachd na bhithear an dùil ris air sgàth na deagh shìde – nochd 10 aig a’ cheann thall seach 20.

Bha na h-òraidichean uile mìorbhaileach agus dh’ionnsaich na bha an làthair an t-uabhas fad an latha, gu h-àraidh mu chainnt an Torragair Ghallda, nach robh air mòran aire fhaighinn roimhe, agus cànanan Bàlcanach. Chaidh iarraidh air an luchd-èisteachd pàirt a ghabhail agus chaidh tòrr còmhradh a dhèanamh às dèidh làimh. 

Thug Kathy McGuigan leatha taisbeanadh fiosaigeach de chultar an Torragair, a bha air leth feumail dhan luchd-èisteachd a b’ urrainn làmh a chur orra agus a leughadh ro na h-òraidean agus aig àm bìdh.

Bha iomadach neach-labhairt na Gàidhlig an làthair agus mar sin chaidh Gàidhlig a bruidhinn agus a cluinntinn fad an latha. Bha an fheadhainn aig nach robh Gàidhlig uabhasach taingeil a cluinntinn agus bha iad air leth taiceil dhan chànan agus a h-àite an Earra-Ghàidheal.

//

On Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2023, with funding from the Small Grants Fund (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), CHARTS (Culture, Heritage & Arts Assembly) Argyll & Isles held an interesting day with a series of talks on the region’s languages. The project consisted of an informal 4-hour gathering of people interested in the languages of Argyll with three speakers and several languages represented including Gaelic, Scots, English, Traveller Cant, Serbian, Bulgarian, Vlach and other Slavic tongues.  The day began with an exposé on Argyll Gaelic dialect by CHARTS’ Gaelic Culture Officer Àdhamh Ó Broin, delivered partly in Gaelic and a partly in English, detailing the sub-dialects of North, Central and South Argyll, focussing on the speech of Kintyre.  This talk was followed by a 45-min sharing of Traveller Cant idioms and vocabulary by Traveller tradition-bearer Kathy Townsley McGuigan.  A lunch was provided for attendees, speakers and museum staff followed by an hour’s lecture by James MacDonald Reid on the connections and similarities between Gaelic – and broadly Scottish – and Balkan languages and culture.

The project went very well indeed and would have been perfect were it not for the fine weather which brought our numbers down from around 20 to only 10 in attendance.
The speakers were absolutely terrific and there was a sense all day that those who attended were in a constant state of learning, especially when it came to Traveller Cant – much of which had never before been shared in public – and Balkan languages.  There was an emphasis on listener participation and much interesting conversation flowed both during and after the talks that were given.
 
Kathy McGuigan also brought along a physical display of Traveller culture, meaning that there was a tangible expression available for attendees to examine, read and enjoy before the talks and during the lunch break.
There were several Gaelic speakers in attendance, meaning that the language was spoken and heard throughout the day.  Those who were not speakers were incredibly grateful to hear Gaelic spoken and very supportive of the language and its place in Argyll.

 

Sùil air: Siorcas Coimhearsnachd Phàislig // Case Study: Community Circus Paisley

Coimhead bhideo an seo!

Chùm Siorcas Coimhearsnachd Phàislig seachdain de threanadh airson luchd-obrach an siorcais agus do dhaoine eile gus an ionnsaicheadh iad briathrachas sa Ghàidhlig, agus bha bùth-obrach aca aig deireadh na seachdain far am biodh cothrom aig duine sam bith feuchainn air sgilean ùr ionnsachadh tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig.

Chaidh am bùth-òbrach mòran nas fheàrr na bha iad an dùil. Bha iad an dùil gum biodh 25 an làthair, ach thàinig daoine a bharrachd cuideachd, agus bha timcheall air 35 ann, ‘s mar sin, tha fios aca a-nis gu bheil uidh mhòr ann an tachartasan dhen sheòrsa. A rèir coltais, bha an seisean a’ còrdadh ri daoine gu mòr agus bha iad gu math toilichte gu robh rudeigin gu math fisigeach agus spòrsail ri fhaighinn air taobh a-muigh na sgoile.

Thuirt a h-uile duine gu robh an trèanadh feumail dhaibh agus gu bheil iad gam brosnachadh airson beagan Gàidhlig a chleachdadh nas trice. Airson an luchd-òbrach aig a bheil Gàidhlig (no Gàidhlig na h-Èìrinn), bha an seachdain air fad na brosnachadh gu mòr dhaibh a bhith a’ cleachdadh an cuid Gàidhlig nas trice agus bha e gu math spòrsail bruidhinn ri chèile.

Chaidh duine no dhithis bho na clasichean Beurla dhan Seisean Siorcais air Disathairne gus facal no dha ionnsachadh cuideachd agus bha sin uabhasach math fhaicinn.

Bha postairean Gàidhlig aca air na ballachan, agus bidh seo a’ leantail san àm ri teachd. Bha ùidh mhòr aig a’ chlann sna clasaichean Beurla anns na postairean seo, agus bha iad math airson a bhith a‘ togail mhothachas air a’ Ghàidhlig.

Cuideachd, chleachd iad sticearan Gàidhlig agus geammanan Gàidhlig agus bha sin a còrdadh gu mòr ris a’ chloinn, gu sònraichte na feadhainn beaga agus am pàrantan.

They used Gaelic stickers and Gaelic games which was greatly enjoyed by the children, particularly the little ones and their parents.


Seo cuid den mheasadh bho chom-pàirtichean:

“Had a lot of fun learning new Gaelic words!”

“Excellent afternoon, fantastic facility and staff, great opportunity to try something different”

“My child had a fantastic day today so much fun and great to see all the children enjoying themselves”

“Sgoinneil, glè spòrsail!”

“Circus training in Gaelic is an ideal way to encourage language use and receptive skills. It has the added benefit of being a health promoting and community building activity”

//

Watch a video here!

Community Circus Paisley held training sessions for the circus staff to learn Gaelic terminology for their work and they also held a workshop for people to try out new circus skills through the medium of Gaelic.

The workshop went much better than expected, with 35 turning up rather than the expected 25, proving that the demand for such an activity was there. The workshop was well enjoyed by all in attendance, who were delighted to see something physical and fun happening outwith school hours.

All who attended the training said it was of great benefit of them and encouraged them to speak Gaelic more often. For Gaelic and Gaeilge-speaking staff, the week was a huge motivator for them to use Gaelic and to enjoy speaking to each other.

A few of those who attended classes went to the circus workshop to learn a word or two which was very encouraging.

They had Gaelic posters on the wall and this will continue in future. The children in the English classes enjoyed these posters and they did well to promote the visibility of Gaelic.

They used Gaelic stickers and Gaelic games which was greatly enjoyed by the children, particularly the little ones and their parents.

Here is some of the feedback from participants:

“Had a lot of fun learning new Gaelic words!”

“Excellent afternoon, fantastic facility and staff, great opportunity to try something different”

“My child had a fantastic day today so much fun and great to see all the children enjoying themselves”

“Sgoinneil, glè spòrsail!”

“Circus training in Gaelic is an ideal way to encourage language use and receptive skills. It has the added benefit of being a health promoting and community building activity”

Sùil air: Tobar an Dualchais // Case Study: Tobar an Dualchais

Air Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2023, chuir Tobar an Dualchais (TAD) dà thachartas coimhearsnachd air dòigh, aon ann an Èirisgeigh agus fear eile ann am Beàrnaraigh na Hearadh. Thug Liam Alasdair Crouse, an t-oileanach PhD aca seachad òraid a bha freagairt airson gach eilean.

a. Ann an Èirisgeigh, thug Liam sùil air seanchas nan ainmean-àite ann an Èirisgeigh agus rinn e coimeas eadar na tùsan airson cuid de dh’ainmean agus na h-atharrachaidhean a thachair leotha thairis air nam bliadhnaichean. Chluich e taghadh de clàraidhean bho làrach-lìn TAD aig a bheil ceangal ri ainmean-àite Èirisgeigh. Chaidh an tachartas seo a chumail ann an Gàidhlig air fad.

Chaidh an òraid glè mhath agus bha e soilleir gun do chòrd an òraid ris na bha an làthair agus gun do phiobraich e beagan deasbaid. Bha deagh chòmhradh ann air ciall an ainm-àite Gleann an Fhir Mhòir agus air Sac na Làire Bàine, air an Staca Àrd.

Bha cuid de dhaoine a’ toirt seachad beachdan tron òraid air na bh’ aig Liam, agus iad a’ cur ris. Bha beachdan aig cuid de dhaoine a thaobh ainmean-àite, ach cha robh mòran idir air cluinntinn mu sheanchas Glaic na Còmhraig no Gleann an Fhir Mhòir. Anns an dol-seachad, fhuair Liam comharra airson grunn ainmean-àite eile ann an Èirisgeigh, cuid a nochd san rannsachadh agus air nach robh lorg aige orra cheana.

Bha Comann Eachraidh Èirisgeigh na chuideachd mòr anns an tachartas a chur air dòigh agus thug iad taic dhuinn gus fiosrachadh a sgaoileadh mu dheidhinn, an talla uallachadh, tì is cofaidh a dhèanamh, agus daoine a bhrosnachadh gus bruidhinn an dèidh na h-òraid.

Dh’fhuirich cuid airson mu leth-uair a’ còmhradh an dèidh na h-òraid. Bha 25 neach ann uile-gu-lèir.

b. Ann an Beàrnaraigh thug Liam seachad òraid air beatha Iain Peatarsan agus na clàraidhean a rinn e ann am Beàrnaraigh mar phàirt den obair a bh’ aig Iain aig Sgoil Eòlais na h-Alba. Chuich e taghadh de clàraidhean Iain bhon làrach-lìn againn mar phàirt den tachartas. Bha Liam a’ dol eadar Gàidhlig is Beurla san tachartas seo.

Bha e follaiseach gun do chòrd an òraid ris na bha an làthair agus tha Dòmhnall MacIlleathain (ball Chomainn Eachdraidh Bheàrnaraigh) ri mholadh gu mòr airson na chuir e ris an òraid, an dà chuid a thaobh eòlais phearsanta ach cuideachd ann a bhith a’ piobrachadh dhaoine eile gu bhith a’ bruidhinn air na cuimhneachain aca fhèin.

Bha mòran san èisteachd glè eòlach – fiù ’s càirdeach – ri Iain Fhionnlaigh agus Clann Shomhairle agus bha e math bruidhinn riuthasan.

Chaidh iarraidh air Liam òran a ghabhail, agus bha cofaidh, tì agus còmhradh neo-fhoirmeil ann an dèidh làimhe, fad mu uair an uaireadair. Fhuair Liam fiathachadh tilleadh air ais gus bruidhinn air cuspair eile. Bha 13 neach ann uile-gu-lèir.

//

On Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2023, Tobar an Dualchais hosted two community events, one in Eriskay and one in Berneray. Liam Alasdair Crouse, their PHD student, delivered lectures that were appropriate for each island.

a. In Eriskay, Liam studied the history of the place names in Eriskay and compared the sources for some of the names to the changes that have occurred over the years. He played a number of recordings from the Tobar an Dualchais website which had a connection with Eriskay place names. This event was held entirely in Gaelic.

The lecture went well and it was well received by all in attendance, and it inspired some debate. There was a great discussion over the meaning of Gleann an Fhir Mhòir and Sac na Làire Bàine, on Stac Àrd. The audience contributed to the lecture and had some opinions on place names although some had never heard of the history of Glaic na Còmhraig or Gleann an Fhir Mhòir. Liam was made aware of more place names, some which had already appeared in the research and some which hadn’t been heard of.

The Eriskay Historical Society were a great help in organising the event and helped in marketing, preparing the hall, making tea and coffee and encouraging people to speak after the lecture. Most stayed for about half an hour after the lecture. 25 people attended.

b. In Berneray Liam delivered a lecture on Iain Peterson and the recordings he made in Berneray as part of his work at the School of Scottish Studies. He played a selection of Iain’s recordings from the Tobar an Dualchais website. Liam went between Gaelic and English in this event for the benefit of the attendees. 

The lecture was very well received and Donald Maclean (a member of the Berneray Historical Society) is worthy of praise for his contribution to the lecture, both in speaking of his own personal experience and in encouraging others to share their own memories. A lot of the audience were familiar with (or related to) Iain Finlay and clan Sorley and it was great to hear from them.

Liam was asked to sing a song and people stayed for tea, coffee and informal chat for about an hour after the lecture. Liam was then invited to deliver another lecture in future. 13 people attended.

Buannaiche Farpais Lèine-t Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 // Winner of World Gaelic Week 2024 T-shirt Competition

Tha sinn air ar dòigh innse dhuibh gu bheil buannaiche againn airson farpais lèine-t Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024!

Abair gun robh dùbhlan ro na britheamhan agus aca ri buannaiche a thaghadh a-mach à 419 dealbh bho chlann-sgoile air feadh na dùthcha. Aig a’ cheann thall, roghnaich iad gur ann aig Holly bho Acadamaidh Alanais a bha an dealbh a b’ fheàrr a chòrd riutha agus a bhiodh iad airson faicinn air lèine-t oifigeil Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024. Seo agaibh Holly leis an dealbh snog aice. Nach math a rinn i!

Bu chaomh leinn ceud mìle taing dhuibh uile airson pàirt a ghabhail agus cuideachd don luchd-teagasg a bha cho èasgaidh ann a bhith a’ cur thugainn gach dealbh bho na sgoiltean agaibh. Bidh an lèine-t ri fhaighinn an ath-bhliadhn’ agus ’s i Holly fhèin a gheibh a’ chiad fear!

//

We are delighted to announce that we have a winner for the Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 t-shirt design competition!

Our judges faced a huge task when presented with 419 entries from individuals and schools across the country. In the end it was the design of Holly from Alness Academy which caught their eye as the best candidate to be the official t-shirt design for Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024. Here is Holly holding her winning design. Didn’t she do well?

We would like to thank everyone who took part, and also extend a special thank you to school staff who took the time to scan the entries and send them along. The t-shirt will be available for purchase next year and of course the first one will be sent to Holly herself!

Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 // World Gaelic Week 2024

Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024: 19-25 Gearran!

Cumaibh na cinn-làithean! Bidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ tilleadh an ath-bhliadhn’ airson an treas bliadhna. Tha sinn an dòchas gum bi sibh uile deiseil airson pàirt a ghabhail! Cumaibh sùil air na meadhanan sòisealta againn san àm ri teachd airson fiosrachadh air cuid de na tachartasan a bha a’ dol tro Sheachdain na Gàidhlig 2023.

//

World Gaelic Week 2024: 19-25 February!

Save the dates! Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return early next year for a third year. We hope you will all be ready to take part! Keep an eye on our social media for case studies on some of the events and projects run by individuals and organisations during Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2023.

Tapadh leibh uile! // Thank you all!

SEACHDAIN NA GÀIDHLIG 2023

Uill, Seachdain na Gàidhlig, dè chanas sinn? Tha sinn dìreach air ar dòigh glan leis mar a ghabh a h-uile duine rithe, bho luchd-ionnsachaidh gu fileantaich, buidhnean coimhearsnachd gu buidhnean poblach, sgoiltean gu iomairtean ionadail agus a h-uile càil eile. Tha sinn an dòchas gun chòrd an seachdain ribh uile agus gun d’ fhuair sibh cothrom a comharrachadh ann an seadh air choireigin. Innis dhuinn dè rinn sibh, dè chuala sibh ‘s a chunnaic sibh, agus a’ bhuaidh a bh’ aig Seachdain na Gàidhlig oirbh an seo: https://buff.ly/3m7Gfdv. Nam b’ urrainn dhuibh a lìonadh to dheireadh na h-ath-sheachdain bhiodh sinn fada nur comain.

Ceud taing dhan luchd-maoineachaidh is luchd-taic againn: Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Hands Up for Trad agus Alba Chruthachail. Às an aonais, agus às ur n-aonais, cha bhiodh Seachdain na Gàidhlig ann!

Cumaibh na cinn-latha nur leabhraichean-latha airson na h-ath-bhliadhn’…

SEACHDAIN NA GÀIDHLIG 2024 : 19 – 25 GEARRAN!

Chì sinn ann sibh!

//

Well, Seachdain na Gàidhlig, what could we possibly say!? We are absolutely delighted with the response and how the week was embraced by learners and fluent folk, community groups and public bodies, schools and local initiatives and everything in between. We hope you enjoyed the week as much as we did and that you were able to celebrate Gaelic in some manner. Let us know what you did, what you heard and what you saw by filling in our anonymous feedback form here: https://buff.ly/3m7Gfdv. Please fill this in by the end of next week if possible.

Huge thanks to our funders and supporters: Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Hands Up For Trad and Creative Scotland. Without them and without all of you, Seachdain na Gàidhlig would not exist!

Are you ready to put next year’s dates in your diaries..?

SEACHDAIN NA GÀIDHLIG 2024 : 19th – 25th FEBRUARY!

We’ll see you there!