Seo agaibh na Tosgairean: Raonaid Kellow // Meet the Ambassadors: Rachel Kellow

  1. Cò thu agus cò às a tha thu?

Is mise Raonaid Kellow, Tosgaire Òg na Bliadhna. ‘S ann à Inbhir Pheofharain a tha mi ach sna laithean seo tha mi a’ fuireach ann an Dùn Omhain.

 

  1. Innis dhuinn mu do cheangal leis a’ Ghàidhlig.

Chaidh mise tron t-siostam fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig bhon Chròileagan suas dhan Oilthigh. Chan eil Gàidhlig aig mo phàrantan ach cha robh sin na bhacadh dhomh idir agus tha mi glè thaingeil son na cothromanan a bh’ agam mo cheangal a dhaingeachadh leis a’ Ghàidhlig. A-nis tha Gàidhlig aig cridhe mo bheatha, ‘s i an luachan as motha agam is tha na cleachdaidhean is eachdraidh aig a’ Ghàidhlig air leth chudromach dhomh.

 

  1. Dè am facal Gàidhlig as fheàrr leat?

Ceist dhoirbh! Feumaidh mi a dhà ainmeachadh, agus ‘s iad ‘brùideil’ ‘s ‘bùrach’ na faclan Gaidhlig as fheàrr leam. ‘S fìor thoil leam cho Albannach ‘s a tha ‘brùideil’ agus tha gaol agam air cho cumanta ‘s a tha am facal ‘bùrach’ fiu ‘s anns a’ Bheurla – ‘s fìor thoil leam nuair a bhios na ceangalaichean sin eadar na cànanan.

 

  1. Innis dhuinn rudeigin annasach mu do dheidhinn – ‘fun fact’!

Aon rud a chuireas iongnadh air daoine, ‘s e nuair a dh’ionnsaicheas iad nach eil mise air a bhith ann an Ikea a-riamh…tha mi fhathast a’ feitheamh airson na meatballs ainmeil sin fheuchainn.

 

  1. Dè an seòrsa tachartas a chòrdadh riut faicinn air Seachdain na Gàidhlig / am bi thu fhèin a’ ruith thacharts(an)?

Bu mhath leamsa tachartasan nàdarra fhaicinn. Sin tachartasan a dhèanadh sibh gu làitheil co-dhiu ach gu bheil a’ Ghàidhlig aig a chridhe, am fòcas as làidire. ‘S iadsan na tachartasan a bhios nas buailtiche cumail a’ dol as dèidh na seachdaine.

 

  1. Dè a chanadh tu ri duine sam bith a tha airson pàirt a ghabhail san t-seachdain?

Ma tha sibh air a bhith a’ sireadh chothroman Gàidhlig a chleachdadh no a bhith a’ lorg do choimhearsnachd Ghàidhlig ionadail ‘s e seo an t-àm as fheàrr a bhith air do bhogadh ann. Theirg dhan duilleag Cleachd i agus cuir thu fhèin air adhart son gach rud a ‘s urrainn dhut. Cha tig ach buannachdan a-mach às!

Ma bhios sibh airson tachartas a ruith…tòisich beag. Chan fheum na tachartasan a bhith saoghlta is chan eil aon thachartasan ‘gòrach’ ann. Mar a chanas sinn…nì clachan beag càrn mòr.

 

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  1. Who are you and where are you from?

I am Rachel Kellow, Young Ambassador of the Year. I come from Dingwall but these days I live in Dunoon.

 

  1. Tell us about your relationship with Gaelic.

I went through Gaelic Medium Education from Cròileagan up until University. My parents don’t speak Gaelic but that never held me back and I am grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had to deepen my ties with Gaelic. Gaelic is now at the heart of everything I do, it’s my biggest asset and the traditions and history of Gaelic are hugely important to me.

 

  1. What’s your favourite Gaelic word?

A difficult question! I’d need to choose two and they are ‘brùideil’ (beastly, brutal) and ‘bùrach’ (a mess). I love how Scottish ‘brùideil’ sounds and I love how ‘bùrach’ has become commonplace even in English – I really like when you see these links between the languages.

 

  1. Tell us something about yourself – a ‘fun fact’!

It always amazes people when I tell them I’ve never been to Ikea…I’m still waiting to try those famous meatballs.

 

  1. What sort of events would you like to see during Seachdain na Gàidhlig / will you be running events?

I’d like to see natural events happening – events which you’d attend on a daily basis anyway but with Gaelic at the heart of it and as the prime focus. Those are the events which will be more likely to recur after Seachdain na Gàidhlig.

 

  1. What would you say to anyone who wants to take part in Seachdain na Gàidhlig?

If you’ve been seeking opportunities to use Gaelic or looking to find your local Gaelic community, this is the best time to become immersed in it. Go to the Cleachd i website and sign yourself up for everything you can. You will only benefit!

If you want to run an event…start small. The event doesn’t need to be too ambitious and there is no ‘silly’ event’. As we say… ‘Nì clachan beag càrn mòr,’ (small stones will make a big cairn.)

Prògram air leth beòthail gu bhith aig Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 // Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) unveils vibrant 2024 programme

Tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig san treas bliadhna agus thathar ag ullachadh airson prògram nas dian-thograiche na bh’ againn gu ruige seo is na h-eagraichean a’ cur fàilte air a’ chiad sreath de thachartasan sa phrògram airson 2024 a tha loma-làn de rudan fon chuspair Do Chànan. Do Chothrom.

Thèid a’ chiad seachdain cànain nàiseanta oifigeil d’ a leithid ann an Alba, Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 a chumail eadar 19mh is 25mh dhen Ghearran agus thèid pailteas de thachartasan beòthail a chumail air feadh na dùthcha agus thall thairis, an dà chuid aghaidh ri aghaidh agus air loidhne.

Eadar bùthan-obrach is tursan coiseachd, maidnean cofaidh is cèilidhean, tha coimhearsnachdan an ìmpis cruinneachadh airson am meas a th’ aca air dualchas agus dearbh-aithne chultarach na h-Alba a chomharradh.

Chaidh 53 tachartas ann an 17 sgìre comhairle am maoineachadh am bliadhna tro mhaoin nan tabhartasan beaga, le taic Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Ach chan ann dìreach dhan fheadhainn a fhuair taic-airgid a tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig , agus tha eagraichean na h-iomairt airson dèanamh soilleir gum faod a h-uile duine pàirt a ghabhail ann.

Mairidh an tachartas seo fad seachdain agus tha e airson fàilte a chur air daoine fa leth, coimhearsnachdan, buidhnean, clubaichean is sgoiltean air dòigh sam bith. Ge be còmhradh neo-fhoirmeil ann an Gàidhlig, co-roinneadh de dh’abairt Ghàidhlig no pàirt a ghabhail ann an gin sam bith dhe na tachartasan a chumar rè na seachdain ann an iomadh àite, cuiridh taic sam bith, beag no mòr, ri grèis-bhrat na fèille fad is farsaing seo. Faodaidh duine sam bith a tha airson pàirt a ghabhail an tachartas acasan a chur ri prògram na seachdaine tro leabhar-latha oifigeil aig: https://seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/events/.

Thèid tachartasan a chumail fad is leud na h-Alba agus thall thairis. Cumaidh Fèis Latharna An Seisean Seinn san Òban, bùth-obrach ciùil do dhaoine eadar 11 is 18 bliadhna a dh’aois o sgìrean an Òbain is Latharna, le taisbeantas neo-fhoirmeil dhan a h-uile duine aig deireadh an tachartais. Cuideachd ann an Earra Ghàidheal is Bòd, cuiridh Bun-sgoil Chàrdan Roiscafaidh air chois dhan sgoil air fad, a’ cur fàilte cuideachd air pàrantan is air a’ choimhearsnachd air fad agus tha Comunn nam Pàrant an Òbain a’ dol a chumail cèilidh teaghlaich do gach ball dhen choimhearsnachd, a’ toirt cothrom do dhaoine le Gàidhlig, ge be dè an ìre, na sgilean cànain aca a chleachdadh.

Cuiridh Buidheann Gàidhlig Mhoireibh, còmhla ri Colaiste Mhoireibh aig Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean, air chois prògram do luchd-ionnsachaidh is luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig agus duine sam bith aig a bheil ùidh ann an eachdraidh is cultar na Gàidhlig. Ann an Glaschu, cumaidh Suas leis a’ Bhingo oidhche bingo sa bhaile agus tha Urras Taigh-tasgaidh Iasgachd na h-Alba Earr. ann am Fìobha a’ cur air dòigh seisean air òrain obrach clann-nighean an sgadain, a’ toirt sùil air òrain obrach Ghàidhlig  do dh’aoighean an taighe-thasgaidh agus muinntir an àite le bùth-obrach eadar-ghnìomhach agus seisean for-ruigheachd sna Dreel Halls.

Tha pailteas de choimhearsnachdan air feadh na Gàidhealtachd a’ gabhail pàirt, eadar seiseanan criadhadaireachd aig Ionad Thròndairnis san Eilean Sgitheanach is clasaichean gluasaid is ciùil aig Sgoil Dannsa Cheryl Heggie ann an Inbhir Nis.

Tha eileanan na h-Alba a’ gabhail pàirt cuideachd, le Fèis Arainn a’ cumail taisbeanadh mu obair Iain Mac an Deòir as leth Dhiùc Earra-Ghàidheal agus tha Comunn na Gàidhlig Ìle a’ toirt cuireadh dhan choimhearsnachd gu feasgar sgeulachdan is òrain co-cheangailte ri bailtean Ìle, le cudrom air sgeulachdan is beul-aithris a chaidh air chall.

Bidh bùthan-obrach air loidhne ann gach lath am bliadhna cuideachd airson sgoiltean a tha a’ gabhail pàirt a’ chiad turas, le goireasan is bùthan-obrach ri am faighinn a tha iomchaidh dha na sgoiltean ge be dè an ìre de Ghàidhlig aca – eadar fìor luchd-tòiseachaidh is feadhainn a tha fileanta. Ma tha ùidh aig sgoil, mholar dhaibh seo a nochdadh aig https://seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/education/.

Mar phàirt dhen fhèill ann an 2024, ’s urrainn do dhaoine òga fo aois 18 pàirt a ghabhail ann an co-fharpais lèine-t, a’ dealbhadh stuth marsantachd oifigeil do thachartas na h-athbhliadhna. Airson cothrom a thoirt dhan ghinealach òg a dhol an sàs cultar na Gàidhlig iad fhèin tro obair-ealain, thèid iarraidh orra sa cho-fharpais dealbhadh a chruthachadh a chuireas an cèill na th’ anns a’ Ghàidhlig dhaibhsan.

’S e Latha na h-abairt Ghàidhlig a bhios air Diardaoin 22mh dhen Ghearran is thathar a’ toirt brosnachadh do dhaoine de dh’aois sam bith, ge be dè an eachdraidh aca fhèin agus dè an ìre de Ghàidhlig aca clip a chlàradh dhiubh fhèin a’ bruidhinn na Gàidhlig agus a cho-roinneadh sna meadhanan sòisealta leis an taga-hais #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2024 no #LathaNahAbairtGhàidhlig.

Cuiridh Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 fàilte cuideachd air dà thosgaire Gàidhlig, an tè a bhuannaich Duais Foghlam Gàidhlig 2022 agus Tosgaire Gàidhlig Òg na Bliadhna, Rachel Kellow, agus seinneadair Gàidhlig, preasantair tbh is Tosgaire Gàidhlig na Bliadhna Linda Nicleòid. Tha an dà bhoireannach air obair mhòr a dhèanamh thairis air na bliadhnaichean airson ’s gum bi Gàidhlig ann am beatha làitheil mhòran air feadh na h-Alba agus nas fhaide air falbh agus a chumas orra a’ dèanamh dìreach sin aig Seachdain na Gàidhlig am bliadhna.

Thuirt Joy Dunlop, Ceannard Seachdain na Gàidhlig: “’S e seachdain dhan a h-uile duine a th’ ann an Seachdain na Gàidhlig, chaidh a dhealbhadh airson brosnachadh a thoirt dhan a h-uile duine a chur an cèill na th’ anns a’ Ghàidhlig dhaibhsan is gaol a bhith aca oirre agus faodaidh e a bhith na fhèill chudromach dhen dearbh-aithne chultarach againn. San dà bhliadhna seo chaidh, bha freagairt dho-chreidsinneach ann is chuir luchd-labhairt agus luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig de dh’ìre sam bith gu feum an cothrom seo an cànan a chomharradh is a sgaoileadh air iomadh dòigh chruthachail.

“’S e àm air leth togarrach a th’ ann dhan chànan is sinne an ìmpis Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 is pailteas de thachartasan dearbhte againn mar-thà de dh’iomadh seòrsa. Ge be dè cho fileanta ’s a tha thu, tha sinn a’ cur fàilte chridheil ort pàirt a ghabhail ann, ann an Alba no àite sam bith eile! Chan eil e gu diofar a bheil thu a’ cur rudeigin air chois no a’ dol gu tachartas, a’ rùrachadh na làraich-lìn againn airson rudan a tha a’ dol faisg ort no a’ co-roinneadh videothan de dh’abairtean Gàidhlig, bidh an doras fosgailte dhan a h-uile duine rè na seachdaine seo – ge be dè cho fileanta ’s a tha thu. Dhan fheadhainn a th’ air ùr-thighinn dhan Ghàidhlig, seo puing-thòiseachaidh air leth dhan turas agaibh. Ge be cò th’ annad, seo do chànan ’s do chothrom.”

Thuirt Ealasaid Dhòmhnallach, Ceannard Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: “Tha Bòrd na Gàidhlig glè thoilichte taic a chumail ri Sheachdain na Gàidhlig tro Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beaga a-rithist am bliadhna. ’S e prìomh amas a’ Phlana Nàiseanta Gàidhlig ùr cleachdadh na Gàidhlig a mheudachadh agus tha Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ cruthachadh diofar chothroman gus Gàidhlig a chleachdadh tro ghnìomhachdan a tha gu math tlachdmhor. ‘S e deagh dhearbhadh a th’ ann an Seachdain na Gàidhlig gu bheil a’ Ghàidhlig beò agus air a chleachdadh ann an dachaighean, coimhearsnachdan, sgoiltean agus àiteachan obrach air feadh na h-Alba – mar sin gabh pàirt ann agus bi mar phàirt de seachdain a tha a bhios, a-rithist, air leth tarraingeach agus spòrsail.”

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Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is gearing up for its third and most ambitious year as organisers unveil the first wave of events in the week’s packed programme for 2024, with the theme Do Chànan. Do Chothrom, which translates to Your Language. Your Opportunity.

The first official nationwide language week of its kind in Scotland, Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 will run from 19th – 25th February and will see a plethora of vibrant events take place across the country and beyond, both in person and online.

From workshops to walking tours, coffee mornings to cèilidhs, communities are set to come together to share their appreciation for Scotland’s heritage and cultural identity.

This year, 53 events across 17 council areas have been funded with help from the Small Grants Fund, supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Seachdain na Gàidhlig is not just for those who have received financial support, however, with organisers keen to emphasise that everyone and anyone can get involved.

The essence of the week-long event lies in welcoming individuals, community groups, clubs and schools to take part in any way they can. Whether it’s a casual conversation in Gaelic, sharing a Gaelic phrase or joining any of the numerous events happening throughout the week, every contribution, no matter how small, enriches the tapestry of this widespread celebration. Anyone keen to take part can add their own event to the week’s programme through the official online diary at: https://seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/events/.

Events are happening across the length and breadth of Scotland and beyond. In Oban, Fèis Latharna will run An Seisean Seinn, a music workshop involving 11-18 year olds from the Oban and Lorn area, with an inclusive, informal performance set to round off the event. Also in Argyll and Bute, Cardross Primary are running a café for the whole school to attend, as well as parents and the wider community, while Comunn nam Pàrant An Òbain are planning a family ceilidh for all members of the community, providing Gaelic users of all levels an opportunity to use and practise their language skills.

Moray Gaelic Group, along with the University of the Highlands and Islands Moray College, are facilitating a programme that supports learners, speakers and anyone interested in Gaelic history and culture. Glasgow’s Suas leis a’ Bhingo is set to host a Gaelic bingo night in the city, while The Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust Ltd in Fife is running a Herring Lass Working Songs session, exploring Gaelic working songs for museum visitors and local families with an interactive workshop and an outreach session at the Dreel Halls.

A host of communities across the Highlands are taking part, from pottery sessions with Ionad Thròndairnis in Skye to music and movement classes at the Cheryl Heggie School of Dance in Inverness.

Scottish islands are also getting involved, with Fèis Arainnhosting a presentation on the work of John Dewar, on behalf of the Duke of Argyll, and the Comunn na Gàidhlig Ìle inviting members of the community to an afternoon of storytelling and songs associated with the local villages of Islay, with a focus on lost stories and folklore.

This year’s festival will also see daily online workshops for schools take place across the country for the first time, offering resources and workshops that are tailored to suit schools with all levels of Gaelic experience – from total beginners to fluent speakers. Schools are encouraged to register their interest at https://seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/education/.

Also as part of the 2024 festival, youngsters under the age of 18 will be invited to take part in a T-shirt competition, designing the official merchandise for the 2025 event. Serving as a platform for the younger generation to engage directly with Gaelic culture through artistic expression, the competition asks participants to create a design based on what Gaelic means to them.

Thursday 22 February will be dubbed Say a Gaelic Phrase Day, with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds encouraged to film themselves speaking the language and share it on social media, using the hashtag #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2024 or #SayAGaelicPhraseDay.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 also welcomes two Gaelic Ambassadors, 2022 Gaelic Education Award winner and Young Gaelic Ambassador of the Year Rachel Kellow and Gaelic singer, TV presenter and Gaelic Ambassador of the Year Linda Macleod. Both women have worked hard over the years to bring Gaelic into the everyday lives of countless people across Scotland and further afield, and will continue to do so throughout this year’s Seachdain na Gàidhlig.

Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Seachdain na Gàidhlig is an inclusive week, designed to encourage everyone to embrace and express what the Gaelic language signifies to them and act as an important celebration of our cultural identity. Over the past two years, we’ve witnessed an incredible response, with Gaelic speakers and learners of all proficiencies seizing the opportunity to celebrate and share the language through various creative avenues.

“It’s a very exciting time for the language as we embark on Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024, which is already boasting a diverse array of confirmed events. Regardless of your fluency, we extend a warm invitation for all to participate, in Scotland and beyond! Whether hosting or attending an event, exploring our website for nearby opportunities or sharing videos of Gaelic phrases, this week is an open door for everyone – regardless of your proficiency level. For those new to Gaelic, this serves as an ideal starting point on your journey. Whoever you are, this is your language and your opportunity.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:“Bòrd na Gàidhlig is very happy to support Seachdain na Gàidhlig through the Small Grants Fund again this year. A primary aim of the new National Gaelic Language Plan is to increase the use of Gàidhlig and Seachdain na Gàidhlig is providing varied opportunities to use Gaelic through some very enjoyable activities. Seachdain na Gàidhlig is a positive demonstration that Gàidhlig is active and vibrant in households, communities, schools and workplaces across Scotland – so join in and be part of what promises to be, once again, an engaging week.”

Over 1,000 people took part in more than 100 events forSeachdain na Gàidhlig 2023, both in person and online, with 51 of these receiving support from the Small Grants Fund.  Schools, community groups, libraries, musicians and football teams were among those who joined in the fun.

Organised by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland, Seachdain na Gàidhlig will take place from 19th – 25th February 2024.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig is a charity, donations to support its organisation can be made at https://handsupfortrad.enthuse.com/sng#!/.

For a full list of events running throughout the week and information on how to get involved, please visit: www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

 

Maoin nan Tabhartas Beag – Fosgailte gu 26.11 // Small Grants Fund – open until 26.11

Tha beagan làithean agaibh fhathast tagradh a chur a-steach do Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag, a dhùineas aig meadhan-oidhche air Latha na Sàbaid 26 Samhain, airson tachartas a ruith air Seachdain na Gàidhlig – gheibh sibh am foirm-iarrtais an seo.

Bidh Bòrd na Gàidhlig a’ toirt taic do Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag agus gheibh daoine fa-leth, buidhnean coimhearsnachd agus buidhnean eile air cuir a-steach airson suas ri £500. Chaidh a’ Mhaoin a stèidheachadh airson taic a thoirt do ghnìomhachd tro Sheachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 (19-25 Gearran) agus airson tachartasan coimhearsnachd a bhios a’ dèanamh fèill air a’ Ghàidhlig a leasachadh agus a lìbhrigeadh. ’S e ‘Do Chànan. Do Chothrom’ an cuspair a th’ againn airson 2024 agus tha sinn a’ sireadh phrògraman/thachartasan far a bheil seo aig cridhe na cùise

Bu chòir do thagraichean sealltainn mar a bhrosnaicheas na tha fainear dhaibh cleachdadh na Ghàidhlig sa choimhearsnachd aca, agus mholadh sinn teachd a-steach a bharrachd agus taic saor-thoileach fhaighinn far a bheil seo comasach dhaibh Biodh tagraichean mothachail nach eil airgead gu leòr sa Mhaoin airson taic a thoirt dhan a h-uile iarrtas.

Bheir sinn sùil air iarrtasan de gach seòrsa agus tha sinn an dòchas gum faigh sinn air a’ Mhaoin a thoirt seachad do dh’àiteachan fad’ is farsaing. Eisimpleirean de thachartasan is ghnìomhachd a ghabhadh maoineachadh: pop-up Gàidhealtachd, cafaidhean, geamaireachd air-loidhne, pròiseactan sgoile, cèilidhean is cuirmean, agus buidhnean ealain.

Gheibhear na duilleagan stiùiridh an seo.

Gheibhear eisimpleir de bhuidsead an seo.

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Applications for the Small Grants Fund are being accepted until midnight on Sunday 26th November for support towards events which will be run during Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 (19th – 25th February). Apply now here.

The Seachdain na Gàidhlig ‘Small Grants Fund’ is supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and offers grants of up to £500 for individuals, community groups and organisations. The fund aims to support activity during Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 (February 19th-25th) and assist in the development and delivery of community events that celebrate the Gaelic language. Our theme for 2024 is ‘Do Chànan. Do Chothrom / Your Language. Your Opportunity’ and we are looking for projects / events that have this theme embedded at their core.

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activity will promote use and development of Gaelic within their local community and are encouraged to seek income from other sources and support in-kind where possible. Applicants should bear in mind that funding is limited, and the Fund may not be able to support all eligible applications. 

We will consider applications of any kind and are keen to ensure a wide geographical spread of the funds available. Examples of events and activity that could be considered are: pop-up Gàidhealtachd, languages cafes, online gaming, school projects, cèilidhs and concerts, craft groups.

Full guidance information can be found here.

You can download a sample budget document here.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 // World Gaelic Week 2024

Thèid Seachdain na Gàidhlig a chumail an treas turas agus luchd na h-iomairt a’ toirt brosnachadh do luchd-labhairt is luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig na cothroman maoineachaidh a chaidh a chur air bhog an-diugh a chur gu làn-fheum.

Bidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig a’ dol eadar 19mh agus 25mh dhen Ghearran 2024, a’ chiad seachdain cànain oifigeach nàiseanta d’ a leithid ann an Alba ’s a bhrosnaicheas Gàidhlig dhan a h-uile duine.

Tha maoin aig an iomairt do thabhartasan beaga, le taic o Bhòrd na Gàidhlig, a bheir brosnachadh is cothrom do dhaoine tagradh airson maoineachadh a chur a-steach airson Gàidhlig a chomharradh sna coimhearsnachdan aca fhèin. ’S urrainn dhan fheadhainn a gheibh maoineachadh seo a chur gu feum airson tachartasan is gnìomhachdan ion-ghabhalach a chur air chois agus airson iomairtean ùra a chur air bhog sna coimhearsnachdan ionadail aca.

Ghabh barrachd air mìle neach pàirt ann an còrr is 100 tachartas san dàrna Seachdain na Gàidhlig am bliadhna – is barrachd air 50 dhiubh air am maoineachadh leis a’ mhaoin seo – agus tha muinntir na h-iomairte an dòchas gun gabh fiù barrachd dhaoine pàirt ann an 2024 air feadh na h-Alba agus san t-saoghal air fad.

’S e ‘Do Chànan. Do Chothrom’ an cuspair a bhios aig an tachartas chultarach seo ann an 2024. Thathar a’ toirt brosnachadh dhan fheadhainn a tha airson pàirt a ghabhail gun seall iad na buannachdan a thig an cois na Gàidhlig agus mar a chuireas i ri ar beathannan uile, a’ fosgladh dorsan airson dàimhean ùra, co-obrachadh agus soirbheas.

Faodar tagraidhean airson maoineachadh 2024 a chur a-steach a-nis air làrach-lìn Seachdain na Gàidhlig gu ruige meadhan-oidhche Didòmhnaich 26mh dhen t-Samhain 2023 airson maoineachadh suas ri £500.

Thuirt Joy Dunlop, Ceannard Seachdain na Gàidhlig: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte gum bi Seachdain na Gàidhlig ann an treas turas sa Ghearran 20204 fon chuspair Do Chànan. Do Chothrom. Tha sinn air ar bioran gum bi maoin nan tabhartasan beaga againn a-rithist am bliadhna, a bhuidheachas do Bhòrd na Gàidhlig agus tha sinn a’ toirt brosnachadh do dhuine sam bith aig a bheil beachd-smuaint airson tachartas an ath-bhliadhna tagradh a chur a-steach airson maoineachadh is an cothrom air leth seo a chur gu làn-fheum.”

“Tha a’ Ghàidhlig na pàirt de bhith is dearbh-aithne chultarach na h-Alba agus tha sinn airson cothrom a thoirt do dhaoine sealltainn is comharradh na sin a’ ciallachadh dhaibhsan. Fhuair sinn freagairt air leth o luchd-labhairt is luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig aig gach ìre an-uiridh agus a-bhòn-uiridh a ghabh an cothrom an cànan a chomharradh is a sgaoileadh air iomadh dòigh chruthachail.”

Rè Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2023, chaidh tachartasan a chumail ann an Alba agus thall thairis, aghaidh ri aghaidh agus air loidhne, eadar bùthan-obrach is maidnean cofaidh is cèilidhean agus fhuair 51 dhiubh seo taic o mhaoin nan tabhartasan beaga againn.

Bha sgoiltean, buidhnean coimhearsnachd, leabharlannan, luchd-ciùil is sgiobannan buill-choise am measg na feadhainn a bhrosnaich is a sgaoil a’ Ghàidhlig air dòighean spòrsail agus bidh taic-airgid Seachdain na Gàidhlig fosgailte dhan a h-uile duine a-rithist.

Tha an tachartas seachdaine seo a’ togail air soirbheas is cliù nàiseanta aig iomairtean mhion-chànan eile mar Seachtain na Gaeilge ann an Èirinn agus Mìos nan Gàidheal ann an Alba Nuadh, a’ toirt cothrom do luchd-labhairt is luchd-ionnsachaidh is luchd-taice na Gàidhlig an cànan a chomharradh an seo fhèin agus thall thairis.

Thuirt Ealasaid Dhòmhnallach, Ceannard Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: “Tha Bòrd na Gàidhlig air leth toilichte taic a thoirt do Sgeama nan Tabhartas Beag aig Seachdain na Gàidhlig. An-uiridh bha e math na h-uimhir de thachartasan eadar-dhealaichte fhaicinn ann an iomadh diofar àite air feadh na dùthcha, mòran dhiubh gan ruith le taic tron sgeama seo. Tha sinn air bhioran faicinn dè na rudan ùr-ghnàthach a thèid a lìbhrigeadh am-bliadhna.”

’S e buidheann cultar is ceòl tradaiseanta na h-Alba, Hands Up for Trad, a chuireas Seachdain na Gàidhlig air chois agus tha iad airson barrachd dhaoine fhastadh dhan sgioba aca. Tha fàilte ro thagraidhean airson dreuchd riochdaire rianachd neo-cheangailte a-nis gu ruige DihAoine 17mh dhen t-Samhain agus gheibhear barrachd fiosrachaidh air www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

Bidh Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024 ann eadar 19mh is 25mh dhen Ghearran 2024. Airson barrachd fiosrachaidh no airson tagradh airson maoineachadh a chur a-steach, tadhail air www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

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Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to return for a third year, with organisers encouraging Gaelic speakers and learners to make the most of an exclusive funding opportunity launched today.

Taking place from 19th – 25th February 2024, Seachdain na Gàidhlig, the first official nationwide language week of its kind in Scotland, aims to promote Gaelic for all.

The initiative is home to a Small Grants Fund, supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, which encourages and enables people to apply for funding to celebrate Gaelic in their communities. Successful applicants will be able to use the support to put on inclusive events and activities and launch new initiatives in their local communities.

Over 1,000 people took part in more than 100 events for the second annual Seachdain na Gàidhlig this year – over 50 of which were part of this fund – and organisers are hoping 2024 will see even more celebrations take place across Scotland and beyond.

The theme for the 2024 edition of the cultural celebration is Do Chànan. Do Chothrom, which translates to Your Language. Your Opportunity. Participants are encouraged to showcase how the Gaelic language benefits and enriches lives, opening doors for connections, collaboration and success.

Applications for the 2024 funding pot are open now on the Seachdain na Gàidhlig website, and people have until midnight on Sunday 26th November 2024 to apply for funding of up to £500.

Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that the third annual Seachdain Na Gàidhlig will take place in February 2024, with the theme Your Language. Your Opportunity. It’s so exciting to be able to offer our Small Grants Fund again this year, thanks to the support of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and we would encourage anyone who has an idea for an event for next year to apply for support and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

“Gaelic is a key part of Scotland’s cultural make up and identity and our aim is to give people the chance to showcase and celebrate what it means to them. The past two year’s events have seen a fantastic response from Gaelic speakers and learners of all levels embracing the chance to celebrate and share the language in all sorts of creative ways.”

Events for Seachdain Na Gàidhlig 2023 took place across Scotland and beyond, both in person and online, from workshops to walking tours and coffee mornings to cèilidhs, with 51 of these receiving support from the Small Grants Fund.

Schools, community groups, libraries, musicians and football teams were among those who joined in the fun to promote and share the Gaelic language and once again the Seachdain na Gàidhlig funding boost will be open to all.

The week-long celebration seeks to replicate the success and national recognition of other minority language initiatives such as Seachtain na Gaeilge in Ireland and Mìos nan Gàidheal in Nova Scotia, giving Scottish Gaelic speakers, learners and supporters the opportunity to celebrate the language at home and internationally.

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said:“Bòrd na Gàidhlig are delighted to support the Seachdain na Gàidhlig Small Grants Scheme. Last year it was great to see so many different events in so many places across the country, many of which were run with support through this scheme. We’re excited to see what innovative things will be delivered this year.”

Organised by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, Seachdain na Gàidhlig is also looking to expand its team. Applications are now open for a freelance Administrative Producer, which will close on Friday 17th November and is available to view at www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

Seachdain Na Gàidhlig 2024 will take place from 19th – 25th February 2024. For more information or to apply for funding, please visit www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.

JOB OPPORTUNITY – ADMINISTRATIVE PRODUCER

Come and work with the Seachdain na Gàidhlig team! An opportunity has arisen, thanks to support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, to join us as an administrative producer, who will be a highly motivated individual who will help to manage, help shape and deliver Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024. The successful applicant will work closely with Joy Dunlop (Seachdain na Gàidhlig’s Director) and will utilise a full range of leadership, creative, administrative and communicative skills, helping to drive Seachdain na Gàidhlig forward in 2024.

The full job description and details on how to apply can be found here: Job Description – Administrative Producer.

Deadline: 17th November 2023

Interviews: Week beginning 20th November 2023

Sùil air: OGE Peairt // Case Study: UHI Perth

Air Seachdain na Gàidhlig, le taic bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), chuir OGE Peairt tachartasan air dòigh san leabharlann do chloinn de gach aois aig diofar ìrean fileantais sa Ghàidhlig. Bha a’ chiad tachartas airson buidheann chloinne a bha san sgoil-àraich le ceangal ri OGE Peairt aig nach robh eòlas air Gàidhlig idir. Fhuair iad deagh thoiseach-tòiseachaidh ann an seisean làn spòrs, far na leugh tidsear bhon bhun-sgoil ionadail leabhar air an robh iad eòlach, a’ cleachdadh pupaidean agus rudan eile gus a’ chlann a bhrosnachadh gu bhith a’ cleachdadh faclan Gàidhlig. Thàinig e gu crìoch le òran sa Ghàidhlig far an robh clann bhon bhun-sgoil an làthair cuideachd.
Bha dà bhuidheann aig tachartas eile, clas 1-3 agus clas 4-7, aig an robh deagh eòlas air Gàidhlig. Chaidh sgeulachdan innse dhaibh agus rinn iad gnìomhachd às a dhèidh a chùm a’ dol sa Ghàidhlig. Bha an tidsear a rinn seo air leth math agus bha a’ chlann agus na h-inbhich cho deònach pàirt a ghabhail.

Leis gun deach an tachartas a chumail san leabharlann bha e uabhasach math airson daoine a bha ga chleachdadh a thoirt a-steach dhan ghnothach, agus airson oileanaich òg a thoirt ann cuideachd.

Mar dhìleab, fhuair clann san sgoil-àraich eòlas air na clad fhaclan aca sa Ghàidhlig agus chòrd an tachartas riutha gu mòr.

B’ e cothrom air leth a bh’ ann do luchd-obrach na Sgoil-àraich a bhith ann an suidheachadh far am b’ urrainn dhaibh a’ chlann fhaicinn ag ionnsachadh sgilean ùr. Thuirt an luchd-obrach gun robh e na iongnadh nach robh dragh air a’ chloinn mu bhith a’ cleachdadh chànan air nach robh iad eòlach, agus gun robh an tachartas air leth math don fheadhainn a bhiodh a’ dol a bhun-sgoiltean far an ionnsaich iad Gàidhlig.

Bha e na bhuannachd do chloinn na bun-sgoile na sgilean aca ann a bhith ag innse sgeulachdan sa Ghàidhlig a leasachadh. Fhuair iad air seo a chleachdadh le daoine eile ann an diofar àrainneachd.

Mar cholaiste, fhuair iad air ceangal a dhèanamh sa choimhearsnachd le bun-sgoil agus sgoil-àraich, a tha iad airson cumail a’ dol.

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On Seachdain na Gàidhlig, with support feom the Small Grants Fund (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), UHI Perth ran a series of fun library events aimed at 3 different groups of children of different ages and different exposure to Gaelic. The first event was run for a group of children from the nursery linked to Perth College, who had no knowledge of Gaelic. The session was a really fun introduction to the Gaelic language. A Gaelic teacher from the local primary run a story telling activity in Gaelic using a book that the children were already familiar with. She was using puppets and other prompts to make the kids interact in different ways, eliciting words in Gaelic that she was using during the story telling. They finished with a game where they were all singing in Gaelic. A number of primary children were also taking part in this session and contributing with their Gaelic to the story telling and game.

There were two other groups of primary children (P1-3 and P4-7) who have a good knowledge of Gaelic. They were told stories, and carried out a follow-up activity connected to the Gaelic theme. The teacher who ran the event was excellent, and the children and adults (nursery staff and primary teachers) engaged really well with this learning experience.

The event took place in the library so it was great to create Gaelic awareness within the college among library users, and to be able to invite younger generations of student to the college. 

The impact/legacy of the project include a group of nursery children learning the first words in Gaelic and having a pleasant association with the language as they had a good time during the activities that took place as part of the project.

It was an excellent opportunity for the nursery staff to be part of a learning experience where they could observe the children they normally work with acquiring new skills. Nursery members of staff mentioned how interesting was to see how the children were not afraid of using a new language. Familiarising with the Gaelic language was especially valuable as some of these children will be going to a primary school next year where they will be learning Gaelic. 

For the primary pupils the project provided a chance to increase their knowledge of Gaelic and to celebrate it through story telling. They were also able to share their knowledge with other people and within a different environment.

As a college, the project helped them each the local community by working with a local school and with a nursery, a collaboration they are keen to continue.

 

Sùil air: Farpais nan Gàidheal // Case Study: Farpais nan Gàidheal

Air Seachdain na Gàidhlig, le taic bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), chaidh Farpais nan Gàidheal a chumail ann an Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, a’ cur fàilte air sgiobaidhean iomain bho àrd-sgoiltean air feadh na dùthcha.

B’ e latha air leth soirbheachail de spòrs a bh’ ann. Cha deach air Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu an tiotal a bhuannachadh airson dàrna bliadhna, le Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis a’ dèanamh an gnothach air Drochaid an Easbuig sa chuairt dheireannach. Bha an t-Òban, a bha ùr dhan iomairt, soirbheachail ann am farpais leasachaidh, le Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu B san dàrna àite.

Chaidh Dòmhnall F a chur air adhart mar shàr chluicheadair, agus fhuair Seumas F urram mar a’ chluicheadair a b’ fheàrr sa chuairt dheireannach. Bha Z Menzies air leth math san sgioba agus bha R MacCoinnich mì-fhortanach nach d’ fhuair e tadhal no dhà leis cho math ‘s a chluich e.

Bha luach mhòr san tachartas a bharrachd air a bhith na cho-fharpais leis gur h-e an tachartas spòrs a bu mhotha ann an Alba eadar àrd-sgoiltean, le dà uidhir a’ gabhail pàirt ris na bha ann an-uiridh. Bha e na chothrom air leth do sgoilearan luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig a choinneachadh taobh a-muigh na sgoile. Bha cuid de na cluicheadairean uabhasach math air a bhith a’ bruidhinn sa Ghàidhlig fhad ‘s a bha iad a’ cluich, le Alfi agus Alasdair a’ dèanamh deagh oidhirp, le F Mor ga mholadh leis an luchd-teagaisg airson Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh am measg na bha a’ cluich. Bha a h-uile duine san èisteachd a’ brosnachadh na cluicheadairean agus fhuair iad buannachd mhòr bho bhith a’ cluinntinn na Gàidhlig ga bruidhinn le deugairean eile bho dhiofar àiteachan.

Cha bhi am farpais ga chumail aig Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu an ath-bhliadhn’ ach tha iad an dòchas gun tog Acadmaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis no Drochaid an Easbuig am bratach airson soirbheachail na farpaise a chumail a’ dol.

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On Seachdain na Gàidhlig, with support from the Small Grants Fund (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu played host to the annual ‘Farpais nan Gàidheal’ for shinty teams from high schools across the country.

It was brilliant day of sport and a great success. Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu did not retain the main trophy which went to the IRA (Inverness Royal Academy) with Bishopbriggs finishing runners-up. New entrants Oban claimed a new development competition beating SGG B in a close final.

Dòmhnall F was nominated for Best Player, while Seumas R was the Man of the Match for his performence in the final. Z Menzies was a particular rock while R MacCoinnich could be described as a shinty “machine” unlucky not have scored a number of goals.

In terms of the value of the event beyond its competitive credentials, it seems it was the largest inter high school Gaelic medium sport event to have been held in Scotland to date with almost double the number of pupils involved than last year. It was a great opportunity for pupils to meet other Gaelic speakers outwith the classroom, or indeed, academic context. Some of the players were particularly good at using their Gaelic skills on the pitch with special mentions going to Alfi and Alasdair, while the multi talented F. Mor gained special praise from other teachers for encouraging others on the pitch in our language. Good natured support from other pupils (primary and high school) gave a boost to the players while they benefitted from hearing Gaelic being used by teenagers from other parts of the country.

Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu will not be hosting Farpais nan Gàidheal next year but they hope either the IRA or Bishopbriggs will host the competition, continuing the success of the past couple of years.

Sùil air: Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil // Case Study: Bragar and Arnol Community Trust

Air Seachdain na Gàidhlig, le taic bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), bha sreath de thachartasan Gàidhlig aig Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil.

Chaidh sgeulaichean a-steach gu Sgoil an Taobh Siar far an cuala a’ chlann (ann am FtMG agus sa Bheurla) mu sgeulachdan na sgìre.

Chaidh taisbeanadh a dhèanamh de dealbhan agus film agus cuideachd rinn iad sealladh air filmaichean FilmG15 a rinn Sgoil An Taobh Siar, Sgoil Shiaboist agus Buidheann Dràma Ghrinneabhat le taic bho Chomunn na Gàidhlig. Cuideachd bha Oidhche Film agus Òrain gu math soirbheachail aca le mu 30 an làthair, far am faca iad dà fhilm, bha cothrom còmhraidh aca leis an stiùiriche Déirdre Ní Mhathúna agus chuala iad òrain bho Chairistiona Cheanadach.

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On Seachdain na Gàidhlig, with support from the Small Grants Fund (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), the Bragar and Arnol Community Trust held a series of Gaelic events for people of all ages.

Storytellers visited Sgoil an Taobh Siar where the children from all classes were able to hear stories from the area.

An exhibition was showing with art and film and they showed FilmG entries from Sgoil an Taobh Siar, Shawbost School and the Grinneabhat Drama Club, with support from Comunn na Gàidhlig. They also held a very successful Film and Song night with a screening of two films, a Q&A with the director, Déirdre Ní Mhathúna, and a song or two from singer Kristine Kennedy.

 

Sùil air: Freya NicLeòid & Colaiste MhicAmhlaigh CIC // Case Study: Freya MacLeod & Macaulay College CIC

Air Seachdain na Gàidhlig, le taic bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), lìbhrig Freya NicLeòid bùithtean-obrach mothachail ann an co-bhann le Colaiste MhicAmhlaigh (CIC) ann an Eilean Leòdhais.

Thug iad sùil air a’ cheangal eadar fuaim, buadhan agus obair ealain ann an cànan dùthchasach nan Eilean. Mar thoradh air a seo, chaidh mapa fhaclan a dhèanamh le faclan Gàidhlig a bha a’ freagairt air na fuaimean a bha na h-oileanaich a’ cluinntinn an àrainneachd an tuathanais.

Thairis air na trì làithean, fhuair na com-pàirtichean eòlas air na leanas:

A’ bruidhinn mun deidhinn fhèin sa Ghàidhlig (Is mise…)

Faclan Gàidhlig le fuaimean an tuathanais (splais, gag-gòg, mè mè, strùpag)

Dealbhachadh phostairean fiodha

Ag obair le diofar sheòrsan aodaich agus fiodh

A’ clàradh fuaim le microfòn is fònaichean-chluais

Ag aithneachadh àiteachan leis na fuaimean air gach làrach

Bha am pròiseact air leth soirbheachail le com-pàirteachadh uabhasach math bho na h-oileanaich agus luchd-obrach an tuathanais. B’ e amas a’ phròiseict gum deidheadh rudeigin a chruthachadh a sheasadh gu bràth ann am fiodh agus concrait le Gàidhlig aig a chridhe, agus chaidh seo a choileanadh. Leis gun robh diofar stèiseanan ann dha na h-oileanaich, cha robh uallach orra fuireach anns an aon àite. Bha e uabhasach sùbailte oir bha cuid a bha nas cofhurtail leis a’ chlàradh agus cuid eile a bha nas fheàrr air an obair ealain. Airson trì làithean, bha an t-seada beò le obraichean ealain agus còmhradh sa Ghàidhlig, agus bha feadhainn ann nach robh cleachdte ri bhith a’ bruidhinn sa Ghàidhlig. Bha e neo-fhoirmeil agus fhuair iad cothrom feuchainn air na h-innealan a bha aca.

Bha na nithean càilear agus furasta an làimhseachadh, a thug air falbh duilgheadasan sam bith aig com-pàirtichean fa-leth a thaobh tàlant, sgrìobhadh agus còmhradh. Bha iad brèagha agus tarraingeach, a bha feumail do dhaoine aig a bheil feumalachdan a bharrachd, a’ toirt cothrom dhaibh a bhith a’ faighinn eòlais air cuspair air nach robh iad buileach eòlach. Bha e cudromach gun robh teatha, cofaidh is briosgaidean ann ’s gum biodh iad uile cofhurtail. Bha e math gun robh obair ann a thaobh teicneòlais fuaim cuideachd, a’ toirt cothrom do dhaoine rudeigin eadar-dhealaichte fheuchainn. Feumaidh cùisean a bhith gu math furasta do na com-pàirtichean. Bha a h-uile càil air leth soirbheachail agus chòrd e ris a h-uile duine a bha an sàs.

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On Seachdain na Gàidhlig, with support from the Small Grants Fund (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), ‘Feuch Seo / Try this, Feel this’ was a Gaelic sensory workshop as part of an ongoing project by Freya Macleod in collaboration with Macaulay College (CIC) on the Isle of Lewis.

They explored the connection between sound, print-making and the senses through the indigenous language of the islands. This process resulted in a woodblock printed word-map made up of Gaelic onomatopoeia that students had recorded in the farm’s landscape.

Through the 3-day programme of activities, the students were offered the following experiences:

Gaelic language introduction (learned how to say “I am…/ is mise…”)

Gaelic language words relating to the sounds of the farm (eg splais, gag-gòg, mè mè, strùpag)

Graphic Wood-block poster design & layout (is mise posters)

Collaborative Fabric creation using same wood-block technique (Final piece)

Sound recording using microphone and headphones

Geographical map identification by mapping the sounds related to each location

The project went incredibly well, with extraordinarily high levels of engagement from the students and staff members at the farm. The desired outcomes were originally Gaelic and design orientated, to co-create a word-pattern that would be installed as physical, permanent sculpture later down the line of this project (concrete and wood). With the multi-station format, a participant didn’t have to stay on one activity for long, if they weren’t enjoying a particular element. Some preferred going for a walk with the microphones, while others were very in to the printing. It was flexible. For 3 days, they created a creative, vibrant shed space as an open, friendly environment where neither the art nor the Gaelic came across as intimidating. Rather, it was a social opportunity for people to just hanging out, speak a bit of Gaelic (many had never spoken a word in their lives) and having fun with the tools that were in the room.

Tactile objects are a great method to level the playing field in a creative language workshop – so that a level of required dexterity / skill in drawing / writing / talking / painting are removed. They were visually stimulating, and almost acted like ‘play objects’ at times, which works really well for those with additional educational or social requirements to engage with an unfamiliar topic. Creating a ‘buzzy’ atmosphere with music and tea, coffee and snacks is important to make people feel at home in a workshop. Having a sound-technology element was great for people with a technical mind, allowing them to flourish creatively but in a different way. Making things VERY simple from the participants’ point of view is essential. The workshops were very much enjoyed by all who took part.

Sùil air: Comhairle Siorrachd Dhùn Breatann an Iar // Case Study: West Dunbartonshire Council

Air Seachdain na Gàidhlig, le taic bho Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), thug roinn Gàidhlig Chomhairle Siorrachd Dhùn Breatann an Iar cuireadh do gach sgoil is sgoil-àraich san sgìre aig a bheil foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig, a bharrachd air aon Àrd-sgoil, tighinn còmhla gus fèill a dhèanamh air a’ Ghàidhlig tro sreath de chèilidhean.

Bha dà ionad ann nach b’ urrainn pàirt a ghabhail leis gun robh sgrùdadh ga dhèanamh orra aig an àm ach tro @WDCGaelic air Twitter, chuir bun-sgoil eile fios thuca a dh’iarraidh taic le bhith ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig.

On a bha Seachdain nan Cànanan ann san Fhaoilleach, tha Bun-sgoil agus Sgoil-àraich Naomh Eunan air tòiseachadh air Gàidhlg ionnsachadh cuideachd. Bha iad uabhasach misneachail mu dheidhinn agus bha iad cho deònach pàirt a ghabhail ann an Seachdain na Gàidhlig. Bidh iad a-nis a’ faighinn taic seachdaineil bho Sandra Steele, a bhios ag obair aig Comhairle Siorrachd Dhùn Breatann an Iar. Nuair a thòisich a’ Chomhairle air a’ phròiseact seo bha ceithir sgoiltean an sàs ann agus a-nis tha còig ann.

Thug iad Eriskay Lilt air bòrd airson a’ chèilidh mhòr aca – chuir a’ chomhairle taic ris a’ chosgais seo chuideachd. Sheinn an còmhlan sa Ghàidhlig agus bhruidhinn iad sa Ghàidhlig gus daoine a bhrosnachadh gu bhith ga cleachdadh.

Lìbhrig sgoilear a bha a’ gabhail pàirt ann an duaisean Saltire an oidhche air fad tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig. An ath latha bha agallamh aice airson ceum teagaisg a dhèanamh sa Ghàidhlig ann an Dùn Èideann fad còig bliadhna.

Bha Seachdain na Gàidhlig air leth soirbheachail ann an Siorrachd Dhùn Breatann an Iar agus chòrd e ris a h-uile duine gu mòr.

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On Seachdain na Gàidhlig, with support from the Small Grants Fund (Bòrd na Gàidhlig), the Gaelic department of West Dunbartonshire Council invited all West Dunbartonshire Gaelic Learning Primary Schools and Early Learning Childcare Centres, as well as one Gaelic Learning Secondary, to ‘come together’ to celebrate their Gaelic learning through a series of cèilidhean.

Two GLPS Primaries/ELCCs were unable to undertake Seachdain na Gàidhlig as inspections took priority. However, through @WDCGaelic and regular tweets, one further Primary reached out to enquire about learning Gaelic.

Since January’s Languages Week Scotland, St. Eunan’s Primary School and Early Learning Childcare Centre have begun to learn Gaelic too. This was done with such enthusiasm and they were more than willing to participate in Seachdain na Gàidhlig and continue to now receive weekly input from WDC’s Gaelic sessional worker Sandra Steele. When they started this process they had four Gaelic Learning Primary Schools and now have five.

They added to the Cèilidh Mhòr experience by hiring ERISKAY LILT – West Dunbartonshire Council contributed further for this experience too. The band used Gaelic in their songs and introductions to facilitate the Gaelic language and cultural learning and teaching.

One Saltire Pupil introduced the night all through the medium of Gaelic. The following day she had an interview for the 5 year Edinburgh University Gaelic and Teaching Degree.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig in West Dunbartonshire as a whole from start to finish was celebrated with great success.

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Seachdain na Gàidhlig

World Gaelic Week

Seachdain na Gàidhlig is facilitated by Hands Up for Trad, Scottish Charity No 035 190.

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