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Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia

Facal on Fhear-deasachaidh – Seumas Camshron Editor’s Report – James Cameron

This is the fifth edition in the annual format that I have edited. The feedback about this format and the recent editions has been very positive, so that has been very encouraging, and thus will continue with the bigger annual editions that are more of a keepsake for future years. I was fortunate enough to be in Scotland for the whole of September, to cover the referendum on Scottish independence as part of my PhD studies. I was also in Scotland in March and met with John Angus MacKay, the head of Bòrd na Gàidhlig (the body responsible for deciding on all Gaelic funding in Scotland), as well as Alasdair Allan, the Scottish Government Minister for Education and Scotland’s Languages. I informed them of Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia’s fundraising efforts for a lecturer of Scottish Gaelic at Sydney University. This year I received correspondence from Clì Gàidhlig, saying that the final printed copy of Cothrom was issued in December 2013, but online editions should be available in coming months. Therefore, An Teachdaire Gaidhealach looks forward to hopefully continuing its cooperation with Cothrom in this new format. The Canberra Gaelic learners’ group has had a hiatus this year, but maybe when I have more time I will reactivate the learners’group. As always, I’d like to thank everybody who contributes to An Teachdaire Gaidhealach. Special thanks also to Gaelic editor Katie Graham, whose ongoing advice is invaluable. An Teachdaire Gaidhealach is your magazine and your support is critical to its success. In future generations, Scottish and Gaelic enthusiasts will look back on An Teachdaire Gaidhealach editions as a visible and tangible record of our Gaelic activities and efforts in Australia, it informs current members and friends overseas, and thus it is important to keep An Teachdaire Gaidhealach going. Any material for the 2015 edition is very welcome – it is always preferable to have more rather than less material to choose from. Please send any articles you have for next year’s edition by the end of June 2015 – mìle taing!

“'S e Ghàidhlig bhi saodmhor, iuchair saorsa nan Gaidheal!”

The front cover photo was taken in early October 2014 by the editor from Arthur’s Seat, showing Holyrood Palace and Calton Hill in Edinburgh.

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Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia

Facal on Neach-cathrach – Ruaraidh MacAonghais Convenor’s Report – Rod McInnes

The following report was presented at the 2014 Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia AGM: This year has been focused on fundraising, but with a strong emphasis on teaching and promotion of Gaelic. We successfully transferred the Sgoil to Melbourne for the first time. There was a strong attendance, with Victorians, where Gaelic learning is strongest in Australia, now more able to attend in numbers. For the coming year the challenge will be to consolidate the Sgoil in its new location. In the year, I have continued to promote classes around the country, and teach in Sydney. Due to Graham Aubrey’s severe illness, the Newcastle classes were moved away from the Institue of Celtic Studies which had been unfortunately closed, to a private house in Cessnock. By late 2013 the classes were taught ocasionally as we were down to one student. However my intention is to continue this program when more students become available. Given that we now have interest on the Central Coast, there may be some way to do this across both areas. The classes in central Victoria that we had organised through Isabel Graham have continued on a weekly basis. Seonaidh MacFhraing organised a press release to celebrate Isabel’s 100 birthday. I’m sure she takes the record for the oldest language teacher in Australia! Shirley Oliver keeps us updated on her classes in Perth and the Brisbane classes are going well, now with two levels. In Sydney, the Cearcall (conversation circle) continues, with some efforts to bring in earlier learners by using the Litir Bheag. Kerry redeveloped our website through the year, so that it can now be used more easily on mobile devices and has a more modern format. We’ve been working hard to raise money for the Gaelic Tutor Fund at Sydney University. We have welcomed a new professor, Jonathan Wooding, and a new lecturer, Katherine Spadaro, who have revived the language course last run by her mother Katie Graham some ten years ago.

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James Cameron continues to do a great job with An Teachdaire Gaidhealach. . In early 2014 we ran a successful harp concert through the generous donation of Eilidh Munro, Gaelic harpist and Mod medal winner. We also ran workshops by Catriona Parsons from Nova Scotia on the Australia Day weekend on song, language and a lecture on Nova Scotian language development. My thanks to our committee and to members who have contributed to our activities this year. I’d call on anybody who can contribute to the society to consider joining our committee in the coming year, as it’s a rewarding and necessary role. Suas leis a’Ghàidhlig! Report from the Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria (SGSV) President’s Report by Maurice Fowler. A Chàirdean, As a result of changes to the Constitution in October 2012, the AGM was held in May for the first time and the Society saved $450 by having two Society members review the accounts instead of having them audited. As well as checking that the Society’s financial position is as the Council says it is, the review also provides members with an opportunity to comment on the financial management of the Society. Such comments are outside the scope of a professional audit. Webmaster, Damian Downie made further savings in the order of $150 per annum for the Society by changing its web host and domain name. Damian reports that the new site retains all the functionality of the old one but is much easier to maintain. The Society received funding from the Victorian Multicultural Commission of $900 for running costs over two years. Although this is less than the funding received for 2012-13, it is gratifying to know that the Government values the Society’s efforts and gives us some financial support in this tight budgetary time. After Rob Willis retired from being the editor of Seanchas in October 2011, the Society was without a magazine, and relied on the newsletter Dè Tha Dol? to communicate with members. It was decided at the 2013 AGM to combine Dè Tha Dol? with Seanchas, but that was easier said than done since we had no editor. Linda Howie came to the rescue by volunteering to be editor and she launched Seanchas Ùr in September 2013. The result is an excellent magazine of which the Society can be proud. Seanchas Ùr is important for the Society, and members are encouraged to contribute articles to express their views and share their experiences about anything pertaining to the Gaelic culture. Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia runs the Sgoil-Earraich Nàiseanta (National Spring School) every year. The Sgoil offers a program of learning Scottish Gaelic through reading, writing, comprehension and conversation, with classes for various levels from absolute beginners to advanced learners. In recent years the Sgoil has been held in Canberra, but in 2013 it was held in Melbourne making it more accessible for our members. The SGSV Council recognised the value of the Sgoil and offered two scholarships covering tuition costs to Society members.

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The Society was again promoting and cultivating the Scottish Gaelic language and culture at the 2013 National Celtic Festival at Portarlington. The singing workshop, with the choir organised by Barbara, song booklets printed by Catriona, and Joan as compere, achieved very good audience participation. The language workshop organised by Joan and Rob was very successful. It was held in the Community Room which was full to capacity. The Society received a very positive thank you email from festival organiser Una McAlinden. The choir sang at the 2013 Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan at Scots Church in July. Gaelic Society members were disappointed that there was no Bible reading in Gaelic. However, after protests by some members, including a letter from Doug McLaughlin, Scots Church has advised that a Gaelic Bible reading will be included in future Kirkin’ services. Linda Howie organised the 2013 Grand Ceilidh on St Andrew’s Day at Lifestyle Village in Cranbourne in conjunction with The Lifestyle Village Social Club. The ceilidh was a resounding success with people from Lifestyle Village as well as the Gaelic Society contributing excellent performances. The Society has continued to be active by being at Highland Gatherings at Daylesford, Bendigo, Geelong and Ringwood. On Australia Day, choir members took part in the March down Swanston Street then performed at the concert in the Queen Victoria Gardens. The choir and the language class continue to be the main areas of Society activities. In closing, I take this opportunity to thank all those Society members who have contributed to SGSV activities in both big and small ways. Mòran taing dhuibh uile! Maurice Fowler President Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria News from the Brisbane Scottish Gaelic Learners Group During 2014 Brisbane Gaelic has been meeting on the 4th Sunday of the month in the Brisbane Square Library, Community Room. The last formal class was held on 23 November 2014 as the December class is reserved for festivity. This year, part of our celebration is watching some short Gaelic films that are part of an annual competition, called Film G. Interestingly, our group has been asked if we would like to prepare a short film about our classes and the people who attend. This is something that we will give serious thought to. The numbers for the class are very healthy and we seem to have found a good format for the class that meets the needs of our learners. We continue to utilise the Speaking Our Language material because of the accessibility of the videos on YouTube. We are in the process of negotiating with the library about dates and times for the classes for 2015 and are looking forward to another successful year for Brisbane Gaelic. Diane Lingard

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News from the Gaelic Society of Western Australia The Perth groups are continuing on steadily and they are finding the new on-line dictionaries very helpful, especially where they can access the pronunciations. It makes it so much easier and saves such a lot of time rummaging through CDs trying to find the word they need to hear. One of the home-work ideas we use are extracts from the lessons, in the form of short sentences. The first line is in English, and the second line is in the Gaelic, all the way down the page. The challenge is to cover the Gaelic line and see if you can write the translation from English into Gaelic from memory, then uncover it to check if you were right. Over time, this gets easier and easier, and a whole lot of standard everyday language becomes memorised. Pages can be printed off at any time, and new ones compiled as needed. Some students like to have a page handy at coffee time, and just read down item by item, covering the Gaelic as they go. We now have a lot of pages of this type of study aid taken from the Speaking Our Language series. Some pages are based on questions which are set on the left side of the page. The answers are on the right hand side. This helps greatly with the Q & A type of conversation. Someone once said that it takes 17 repetitions before something is fixed in memory. It does have a ring of truth about it, but whether true or false, we all know a lot of repetition is required to get words, phrases and sentences to come to mind instantly. We are still seeking native Gaelic speakers who have some spare time to help with a study group. It is a shame that we haven’t found any, because through helping the students they will be keeping their own Gaelic current. Shirley Oliver, 5 July 2014 Sgoil-Earraich Nàiseanta 2014 From Barbara Crighton: The Sgoil-Earraich Naiseanta 2014 was held in Melbourne for the second year, at Glenn College, Latrobe University, Bundoora, where we also had our accommodation. It was very convenient to be staying in the same location as the classes. The meal at The Glenn Bistro on the Saturday night was very good, with an impressive haggis as an entree. Our teachers, Joan Mitchell, Ronald McCoy and Seonaidh MacFhraing had prepared some interesting and varied classes, with something for everyone, whatever their level of Gaelic learning. The ceilidh on Saturday night as usual revealed many talented people, who presented skits, Scottish Country Dancing, readings of poetry and prayers, and performances on the fiddle and recorder. Sgoil attendees are pictured below.

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Eilidh Munro, Musician and Singer Is mise Eilidh Rothach, agus ’s ann a Glaschu ann an Alba a tha mi. Thòisich mi air Gàidhlig ionnsachadh nuair a bha mi anns a’ Chròileagan (sgoil-àraich Ghàidhlig) aig aois trì, an uairsin anns a’ bhun-sgoil far an robh mi anns an aonad-Ghàidhlig ann an Drochaid an Easbaig. Chan eil mòran Gàidhlig aig mo phàrantan idir - ’s ann a Inbhir Nis a tha m’ athair agus mar sin dh’ionnsaich easan na h-àireamhan agus dathan agus a leithid ann an Gàidhlig anns an sgoil nuair a bha e òg, ach b’ e sin e. Air taobh eile mo theaghlaich, bha Gàidhlig aig seanair mo mhàthar, ged nach do choinnich mi fhèin neo fiù ’s mo mhàthair e a-riamh. Rinn mi beagan rannsachaidh beagan bhliadhnaichean air ais agus chuir mi fhèin agus mo phàrantan ri chèile seòrsa de ‘Craobh Theaghlach’ le cuideachadh bho sheanmhairean, antaidhean, uncailean agus cò-oghan. Lorg sinn gur ann à Eilean Leòdhais a tha pàirt dha teaghlach m’ athair bho thùs, agus ’s ann a Ìle agus Muile a tha sinnsearan mo mhàthair. Tha e a’ còrdadh rium fios a bhi agam gu bheil fuil Gàidhlig a’ ruith nam dhìtheanan gu deimhinne, ged a stad mo theaghlach Gàidhlig a’ bhruidhinn airson linn neo dhà.

Rinn mi barrachd Gàidhlig anns an àrd-sgoil, agus a-nis tha mi a’ leughadh Eòlas Ceilteach aig Sgoil Eòlais na h-Alba ann an Dùn Èideann, a’ dèanamh obair air measgachadh de chuspairean farsaing cò-cheangailte ri Gàidhlig na h-Alba, na h-Èireann agus Eilean Mhannain. Tha mi cuideachd a’ cleachdadh mo chuid Gàidhlig leis a’cheòl agam. Bidh mi a’ seinn òrain Ghàidhlig - bhuannaich mi am Bonn Òr aig a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail ann am Pàislig an-uiridh agus tha mi air a bhith trang a’ seinn aig cèilidhean agus consairtean air feadh Alba gu tric bhon uairsin. Bidh mi cuideachd a’ cluich na clàrsaich, an cello, a’ phiana agus na pìoban Gàidhealach, ’s mi a’ dèanamh tòrr teagasg, clàradh agus cluich aig tachartasan, consairtean, cèilidhean agus banaisean. An dràsta tha mi a’ cluich còmhla ri fìdhleadair a Baile Eilidh air taobh siar na h-Alba, Eilidh Steel - cha tug an t-ainm seo mòran ùine airson leum gu h-ìnntinn, ach ’s e ‘The Eilidhs’ a th’ againn oirnn fhèin! Chlàraich sinn EP mìos neo dhà air ais, agus tha sin a-nis ri fhaighinn air iTunes air feadh an t-saoghail, agus cuideachd bhon làrach-linn againn, www.theeilidhs.co.uk. Tha dà òran Gàidhlig, aon òran Beurla agus da seatan le dìreach na h-ionnstramaidean ri ’n lorg air a’ chlàr.

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Tha mi cho taingeal gun do rinn mo mhàthair an taghadh ud, grunn bhliadhnaichean air ais a-nis, airson ’s gum faigheadh mi fhèin ’s mo bhràithrean ar fòghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig. Chan urrainn dhomh fiù ’s àireamh a’ chuir ris an urrad de dhiofar chothroman a tha air an toirt thairis dhuinn seach gu bheil an cànan eireachdail seo againn. Mholainn gu dearbh do dhaoine a tha ag ionnsachadh na chànain - cùm a’ dol! Agus ma tha caraidean neo luchd-teaghlach agaibh a tha a’ smaoineachadh mu dheidhinn a’ Ghàidhlig ionnsachadh, bheir misneachd dhaibh! My name is Eilidh Munro and I’m from Glasgow, Scotland. I started learning Gaelic when I was in Cròileagan (Gaelic nursery) at age 3, then in primary school where I was in the Gaelic unit in Bishopbriggs. My parents don’t have much Gaelic at all - my father is from Inverness and was taught the numbers and colours etc. in school when he was young, but that was it. On the other side of my family, my great-grandfather spoke Gaelic, although neither myself or even my mother ever met him. I did a bit of research a good number of years ago and myself and my parents were able to compile a sort of family tree with help from grannies, cousins, aunties and uncles. We discovered that part of my father’s family are originally from the Isle of Lewis, and my mother’s ancestors are from Islay and Mull. I like the fact that there’s definitely Gaelic blood running in my veins despite the language not being spoken in my family for a few generations.

I continued to study Gaelic at high school, and am now reading Celtic Studies at the School of Scottish Studies at Edinburgh University, studying a mixture of wide topics to do with Scottish Gaelic, Irish and Manx. I also use my Gaelic in conjunction with my musical pursuits. I sing in Gaelic - I was overjoyed to win the Ladies’ Gold Medal competition at the Royal National Mòd in Paisley last year, and since then I’ve been very busy singing at ceilidhs and concerts all over Scotland. I also play the harp, cello, piano and bagpipes and do a lot of teaching, recording and playing at events, weddings, ceilidhs and concerts. At the moment I am playing with a fiddler from Helensburgh on the west-coast of Scotland, Eilidh Steel - it didn’t take long for this name to spring to mind, unsurprisingly, but we’ve called ourselves ‘The Eilidhs’! We recorded our debut EP a couple of months ago and it’s now available on iTunes worldwide and also from our website, www.theeilidhs.co.uk. There are two Gaelic songs, one English song and two instrumental tracks to be found on the EP.

I am extremely thankful that my mother made the decision to put myself and my two brothers through Gaelic medium education. It’s impossible to count the number of opportunities we’ve been presented with as a result of being able to speak this beautiful language. I would urge people who are currently learning the language - keep going! And if you have friends or family members that are interested in learning Gaelic, do encourage them!

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Interview with Canberra Gaelic speaker Paul Simpson Recently, An Teachdaire Gaidhealach had the opportunity to interview Paul Simpson, native of Ross-shire, and who has now been living in Australia for a number of years. Paul is an inspiration to all Gaelic learners, as despite not growing up in Gaelic speaking family, he has built up his level of spoken and written Gaelic to a high level, and is very fluent. ATG: A’ Phòil, innis dhuinn beagan mu do dheidhinn-fhèin. Caite an deach do thogail is dè cho fad ’sa tha thu air a bhith fuireach ann an Astràilia, is mar sin air adhart? ATG: Paul, tell us a little about yourself. Where you grew up, how long you've been in Australia and so on? Pòl MacShimidh: Chaidh mo thogail ann am baile beag ris an canar Alanais ann an Siorrachd Rois, Alba. Dh’ fhan mi an sin gus an robh mi ceithir bliadhna deug a dh’aois nuair a ghluais mo theaghlach gu Siorrachd Pheairt. As dèidh dhomh sgoil fhàgail an sin, chuir mi seachad ceithir bliadhna ann an Oilthigh Obar-Dheathain far an d’fhuair mi ceum le Urram ann an Innleadaireachd. As dèidh sin, dh’fhuirich mi ann an Sasainn airson beagan bhliadhnachan mus tàinig mi gu Astràilia gus dreuchd a ghabhail ann an teicneolas fiosrachaidh. Tha e doirbh dhomh-s’ a chreidsinn, ach tha mi air a bhith fuireach ann an Astràilia o chionn beagan is seachd bliadhna deug a-nise. Paul Simpson: I was brought up in a small town called Alness in Ross-shire, Scotland. I lived there until I was fourteen years old when my family moved to Perthshire. After I left school there, I spent 4 years at Aberdeen University where I graduated with an Honours degree in Engineering. After that, I lived in England for a few years before I came to Australia to take a position in IT. It is hard for me to believe, but I have lived in Australia now for a little bit more than 17 years. ATG: Dè’n aois a bha thu nuair a thòisich thu ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig agus cò ris a bha e coltach a bhith ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig nuair a bha thu na b’oige? ATG: How old were when you started learning Gaelic, and what was it like learning Gaelic when you were younger? Ma ’s math mo chuimhne, saoilidh mi gu robh mi mu cheithir bliadhn’ a dh’aois nuair a dh’ionnsaich mi mo chiad fhaclan Gàidhlig. Cha robh Gàidhlig sam bith aig mo phàrantan agus cha robh Gàidhlig air a bruidhinn mar chànan na coimhearsnachd anns a’ bhaile agam idir. A dh’aindeoin sin, bha feadhainn anns a’bhaile aig an robh an cànan. Bha bana-charaid aig mo mhàthair fileanta anns a’ chànan agus theagaisg i beagan fhaclan bunaiteach is abairtean dhomh aig an àm. Anns a’ bhun-sgoil ann an Siorrachd Rois, ged nach deach ar teagasg tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig, fhuair sin Gàidhlig mar chuspair na b’ fhaide air adhart anns an sgoil. Dh’ionnsaich sinn i le bhith a’ bruidhinn a’ chànain seach a bhith a’ leughadh leabhraichean sònraichte sam bith. Cha robh BBC Alba neo an t-eadar-lìon againn aig an àm sin a bharrachd. Mar sin, bha bìdeag bheag dhen chànan againn uile nuair a dh’fhàg sinn a’ bhun-sgoil. If my memory serves me well, I think I was about 4 years old when I learned my first Gaelic

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words. My parents spoke no Gaelic and Gaelic wasn’t spoken as a community language in my town at all. Despite that, there were some in the town who did have the language. A friend of my mum’s was fluent in the language and she taught me some basic words and phrases at the time. At the primary school in Ross-shire, although we weren’t taught through the medium of Gaelic, we did get it as a subject later on in the school. We learned it by speaking the language as opposed to reading any particular books. We didn’t have BBC Alba or the internet at that time either. Therefore, we all had a little bit of the language when we left primary school. ATG: Dè thug ort do Ghàidhlig a leasachadh gus ìre de fhileantas fhaighinn. ATG: What made you improve your Gaelic and become a fluent speaker? Leis an fhìrinn innse anns an Ard-sgoil ann an Siorrachd Rois, cha do thagh mi Gàidhlig mar chànan a dh’aindeoin ‘s gu robh i ri faotainn mar chuspair. Cha robh tòrr ùidh agam anns a’ Ghàidhlig idir nuair a chaidh mi don àrd-sgoil airson a’ chiad turas. ’S dòcha gun do shaoil mi gun d’ fhuair mi mo leòr dhith anns a’ bhun-sgoil! Co-dhiù nuair a bha mi nam dheugaire òg a’ fuireach an ann Siorrachd Pheairt, thòisich mi air leughadh mu eachdraidh na h-Alba agus eachdraidh na Gaidhealtachd, gu sònraichte. Dh’fhosgail sin mo shùilean gu eachdraidh nan Gaidheal agus eachdraidh na Gàidhlg. ’S ann bhon uair sin a thuig mi carson a bhathar a’ teagasg Gàidhlig dhuinn, gu ìre, aig sgoil ann an Siorrachd Rois. Ach gu mì-fhortanach, cha deach Gàidhlig a theagasg aig an àrd-sgoil agam ann an Siorrachd Pheairt. Bha agam ri fuireach gus an robh mi an Oilthigh Obar-dheathain gus an cànan ionnsachadh gu ìre reusanta. Bha clasaichean-oidhche, aig caochladh ìrean, air an cumail leis an oilthigh airson daoine aig an robh ùidh anns a’ chànan. Mar sin, ’s ann bho chlasaichean-oidhche, leabhraichean, teipichean agus le bhith a’ bruidhinn le daoine aig an robh an cànan aig oilthigh a dh’ ionnsaich mi Gàidhlig. To tell the truth at high school in Ross-shire, I didn’t select Gaelic as a language despite it being offered as a subject. I didn’t have a lot of interest in Gaelic at all when I went to high school for the first time. Perhaps I reckoned that I got enough of it in primary school! Anyway, when I was a young teenager living in Perthshire, I started reading about Scottish and Highland history, particularly. That opened my eyes to the history of the Gaels and Gaelic. I then understood why Gaelic was taught to us, to a degree, at school in Ross-shire. Unfortunately, Gaelic wasn’t taught at my high school in Perthshire. I had to wait until I was at Aberdeen University to learn the language to a reasonable level. The university held night classes at various levels for people who were interested in the language. Therefore, I learned Gaelic through night classes, books, tapes and by speaking to people who had the language at university. ATG: Ann an tric a tha thu a’ cleachdadh do Ghàidhlig ann an Astràilia? ATG: Do you use you Gaelic often in Australia? Feumaidh mi aideachadh nach ann ro thric a chleachdas mi mo chuid Ghàidhlig an seo. Chan aithne dhomh duine sam bith ann an Canberra a tha fileanta anns a’ Ghàidhlig. Ge-tà, tha mi a’ bruidhinn beagan Gàidhlig ris a’ chloinn agam, cha mhòr gach latha. Tha’d eòlach air faclan is abairtean bunaiteach, ach cha chanainn gu bheil an cànan aca. A bharrachd air sin, is tric a

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choinnicheas mi riut-fhèin anns a’ bhaile agus ’s e beagan Gàidhlig a bhruidhneas sinn an uair sin, mar tha sinn a’ dèanamh an-dràsta! I have to admit that I don’t use my Gaelic too often here. I don’t know anyone in Canberra who is fluent in Gaelic. However, I do speak a little bit of Gaelic to my kids almost every day. They know basic words and phrases, but I wouldn’t say they speak the language. As well as that, I often meet with yourself in the town and we speak a bit of Gaelic then, as we’re doing at the moment!

Paul Simpson, second from right with Canberra Gaelic learners, from left James Cameron, Mary Hamilton, Hannah Griffiths and Susan Cooke in December 2013.

ATG: A bheil thu misneachail mun àm ri teachd airson na Gàidhlig ann an Alba, Canada, Astràilia is àiteachan eile? ATG: Are you optimistic about the future for Gaelic in Scotland, Canada, Australia and elsewhere? Saoilidh mi gum feum a h-uile duine aig a bheil ùidh anns a’ Ghlàidhlig a bhith a’ gabhail misneachd mun àm ri teachd airson na Gàidhlig. Chanain gu bheil cothrom aig a’ Ghàidhlig fhathast ann an Alba agus ann an Alba Nuadh, ach ’s ann ann an suideachadh cugallach a tha i anns na h-àiteachan sin, fiù ‘s anns na h-Eileanan Siar. ’S iad na h-àiteachan sin as mò a bhios beagan cothroim aig a’ Ghàidhlig, nam bheachd-sa co-dhiù. I think everyone who has an interest in Gaelic needs to be optimistic about the future. I’d say that Gaelic still has a chance in Scotland and Nova Scotia, but it is in a precarious position in those places, even in the Western Isles. Those are the main places I’d say that Gaelic has a bit of chance, in my opinion anyway. ATG: Dè do bheachd air na neartan is laigsean a th’aig poileasaidh Gaidhlig ann an Alba?

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ATG: What’s your opinion of the strengths and weaknesses of Gaelic policy in Scotland? Tha tòrr ann a b’urrainn dhomh ràdh mu dheidhinn a’ chuspair seo! A-rèir a’ chunntais-sluaigh mu dheireadh ann an 2011, tha Gàidhlig fhathast a’ crìonadh, Mar eisimpleir anns na h-Eileanan Siar, chan eil ach 52% dhen t-sluagh aig a bheil an cànan. Tha e gu math coltach gum bi Gàidhlig aig a’ bheag-chuid anns na h-Eileanan Siar aig àm an ath-chunntais-sluaigh mura dèanar rudeigin mu deidhinn. Chan eil mi a’ creidsinn gu bheil am poileasaidh-canàin Gàidhlig làidir gu leòr an-dràsta. Chan eil e dol fada gu leòr gus Gàidhlig a shàbhaladh, nam bheachd. Tha adhartas ann gu dearbh, ach gu h-àraidh air a’ Ghaidhealtachd is anns na h-eileanan (ach a-mhàin na h-eileanan a-tuath), bu chòir dhan h-uile sgoilear foghlam fhaighinn tro mheadhain na Gàidhlig, air an aon dòigh a thathar a’ teagasg Cuimris anns a’ Chuimrigh an-dràsta. Aig an ìre seo, tha mi a’tuigsinn gum biodh seo do-dhèante a dhèanamh anns a’ mhòr-chuid de sgìrean air a’ Ghaidhealtachd. Tha Gàidhlig a’ fulang le gainnead mòr de luchd-teagaisg mar eisimpleir, ach bu chòir do Bhòrd na Gàidhlig is Riaghaltas Na h-Alba a bhith ag amas air seo mar ro-innleachd anns an ùine fhada. Dh’fhaodadh iad sùil a thoirt air poileasaidh mar seo a chur air bhonn anns na h-Eileanan Siar is air an Eilean Sgitheanach mar a’ chiad cheum, There’s a lot I could say about this topic! According to the last census in 2011, Gaelic is still declining. For example in the Western Isles, only 52% of the people speak the language. It is quite likely that Gaelic will be at a minority language in the Western Isles at the time of the next census if something isn’t done about it. I don’t believe that the Gaelic language policy is currently strong enough. It doesn’t go far enough to save Gaelic, in my opinion. There has certainly been progress, but particularly in the Highlands and Islands (with the exception of the Northern Isles), every school child should be taught through the medium of Gaelic in the same way that Welsh is taught in Wales at the moment. At this stage, I understand that this would be impossible to do in the majority of areas in the Highlands, Gaelic is suffering from a large shortage of teachers for example, but Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Government should be targeting this as a long-term initiative. They could take a look at establishing a policy like this in the Western Isles and Skye as a first step. ATG: Dè na comhlanan-ciùil is seinneadairean Gàidhlig as fheàrr leat? ATG: What are your favourite Gaelic bands and singers? Bha buaidh mhòr aig Runrig orm fhad ’s a bha mi anns an oilthigh. ’S iomadh uair a chunnaic mi iad. Bha na seann chlàran aca, leithid “Recovery” is “Highland Connection”, fìor fior mhath. ’S toil leam cuideachd Julie Fowlis, Caitlin NicAonghnais agus Capercallie. Runrig had a huge influence on me while I was at university. I saw them many times. Their old albums, such as “Recovery” and “Highland Connection” are excellent. I like also Julie Fowlis, Kathleen MacInnes and Capercaillie. ATG: Dè na h-ùghdaran is bàird Ghàidhlig as fheàrr leat? ATG: What are your favourite Gaelic authors and poets? ’S e Donnchadh Bàn Mac An t-Saoir, Uilleam Ros, Rob Donn is Somhairle MacGilleathain a bhiodh mo roghainnean.

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Duncan Ban Macintyre, William Ross, Rob Donn and Sorley MacLean would be my choices. ATG: Dè na prògraman Gàidhlig TBh as fheàrr leat? ATG: What are your favourite Gaelic TV shows? Gu mì-fhortanach, cha tèid againn air prògraman BhBC Alba fhaicinn taobh a-muigh na Rìoghachd Aonaichte! Mar sin, chan urrainn dhomh ràdh. A dh’aindeoin sin, tha mi ag èisdeachd ri Radio Nan Gaidheal gu math tric ge-tà, gu h-àraidh ris na prògraman naidheachdan, leithid Aithris Na Maidne is Aithris An Fheasgair. Unfortunately, we’re not able to see BBC Alba programmes outside the UK! Therefore, I can’t say. Despite that, I do listen to Radio Nan Gaidheal quite often however, particularly news programmes, such as Aithris Na Maidne and Aithris An Fheasgair. ATG: Tapadh leat, A’ Phòil. Bu mhòr a chord e rium bruidhinn riut. ATG: Thanks Paul. It’s been great speaking to you. ’S e do bheatha, A Sheumais. You’re welcome, James.

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Too Wee, Too Poor, Too Stupid: Governance and Succession Planning - What does this mean for Gaelic organisations?

By Jamie Wallace Most people in Scotland are beginning to believe in themselves again, their confidence is growing and they are beginning to find their voice. We can measure this looking at polls regarding Scotland's political independence from England, Wales and Northen Ireland - only today the papers are reporting the Yes and No campaigns are neck and neck, whereas this time last year the negative campaign to keep the Union was winning by a considerable margin [1]. We can also measure that people on the ground are finding their voice - the electoral commision has reported the highest level of sign ups, 75% of 16 and 17 year olds have signed up to let their voice be heard in September and more and more people from Scotland's most deprived areas are registering to make sure their voice is heard [2]. Confidence is on the up, younger people are taking an active interest in their futures and generations yet to come and people want to be heard - and represented and governed well. After all, in a nutshell, that is what the independence referendum in September is all about - who will govern the interests of Scotland better: (a) A Scottish Government or (b) a Westminster government. Of course, it is not just at a national or international level that we're governed from in one way or another. Organisations have the opportunity to make capital of this growth in confidence. All organisations have their own government whether it be called a Board of Management, Steering Group, Executive Office, Committee; and they all govern to protect the constitutional aims, articles or/and standing orders of their organisation - whether that organisation is a country (with exception of UK), a multinational business or a community voluntary organisation. There are different models of governance, and these are summed up nicely here [3]. In the case of Scottish Gaelic, there are 36 organisations involved directly in Gaelic language planning in Scotland [4]. There are also 11 'traditional' Gaelic organisations that help to promote the Gaelic language {(1) Acair, (2) An Comunn Gàidhealach, (3) An Lòchran, (4) Clì Gàidhlig, (5) Comann nam Pàrant Nàiseanta, (6) Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, (7) Comunn na Gàidhlig, (8) Deiseal Earranta Ltd (Ùlpan), (9) Fèisean nan Gàidheal, (10) Pròiseact nan Ealan, (11) Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig} [5]. Bòrd na Gàidhlig and MG Alba are the only two organisations created by a Scottish Act of Parliament and a Westminster Act of Parliament respectively. So that would be 49 organisations in total - with more than a dozen other organisations currently working on introducing their Gaelic plans. All of these organisations

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function in different ways and their constitutional aims are all different. This is a potential problem going forward as more and more organisations come on board. Many organisations with many people making many different views for many different reasons. This raises the question, is it practical then, for Bòrd na Gàidhlig to be able to manage this? A more streamlined approach to the governance of these organisations in relation to Gaelic Affairs may be a solution. Until recently, COSLA was doing a relatively good job (they should have foreseen potential challenges by political parties wanting to make political gains at the potential expense of constituents) and may be a model worth considering to support Bòrd na Gàidhlig in their remit. But what about at a smaller organisation level? It could be argued that, for example, some traditional Gaelic organisations are adapting well to macro-environmental developments and others not so well; and how well these organisations perform, especially in times of tight financial constraints across the sector is largely dependent on the skills, will and confidence of the those in governance and being able to effecitvely manage organisational strategy and change. Succession planning is an important part of ensuring the right people are in the positions of governance. It's best working practice, especially where Boards of Directors are concerned. The days where the chair or CEO of a Board has been in place for over a decade or more than a second term has come to an end (unless under special conditions), and best practice today indicates efforts to ensure future Boards are representative of their membership and stakeholders and that the performance of Board members is measurable. Always looking out for the next best directors and encouraging them to engage in the organisation is the best way forward today and this means that some organisations may need to make changes to their foundation documents, and this process usually involves creating a team of people to scrutinise the work of the Board, normally new to the industry or sector - as they scrutinise, they learn about how the organisation runs. According to PWC, current developments have "amplified the need for boards to ensure a succession plan is in place, current, and operational... A company’s long-term viability depends upon successfully identifying and grooming potential candidates for the CEO role." [6] We can't do that, our organisation is too small. We can't do that, we do not have the resources. We can't do that, we don't have the talent. Successful succession planning and implementation will ensure that opportunities open up and therefore the impossible becomes possible. Rather than say 'no we can't' it's time for organisations to take a strategic leading in thinking 'yes, we can'. So I would say 'Think yes!'. I would say that if the organisation is small, it offers more room for flexibility and the opportunity to work faster than larger organisation therefore resources and talent can be sourced much easier - of course strong leadership is crucial. What about the role of Gaelic organisations? Well, if the language is to develop in this fast-paced modern world, the talent of these organisations with their wide connections has to be ever-changing and dynamic too. Organisations which currently receive 100% funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig should be looking to source match funding from UK, EU, International organisations to meet the needs of those related stakeholders. After all, what happens if under a new Scottish (or UK) government some, most or all of the BnaG funding is taken away? Is it fair that the language should suffer because of the consequences of current organisational governance?

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Sources: [1] http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/National/article1396930.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2014_04_05 [2] http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/record-number-of-scots-have-registered-to-vote-in-referendum.23863620 [3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_Governance [4] http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/bord/en/our-work/gaelic-language-plans.php [5] Listed on the Bòrd na Gàidhlig website on 15.07.2013 and until the recent update of the site this month. [6] http://www.pwc.com/us/en/corporate-governance/management-succession.jhtml

"Ciamar a tha thu?" around Scotland Droitseach, 31 August 2013 The map includes all regions of Scotland in which there has been reported Gaelic speech as that of an established community during the last 300 years.

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Fhluir na h-Albann / Flower of Scotland O Fhluir na h-Albann,

cuin a chi sinn an seorsa laoich

a sheas gu bas 'son am bileag feoir is fraoich,

a sheas an aghaidh feachd uailleil Iomhair 's a ruaig e dhachaidh

air chaochladh smaoin? Na cnuic tha lomnochd 's tha duilleach Foghair

mar bhrat air lar, am fearann caillte

dan tug na seoid ud gradh, a sheas an aghaidh

feachd uailleil Iomhair 's a ruaig e dhachaigh

air chaochladh smaoin. Tha 'n eachdraidh duinte

ach air diochuimhne chan fheum i bhith,

is faodaidh sinn eirigh gu bhith nar Rioghachd a-ris

a sheas an aghaidh feachd uailleil Iomhair 's a ruaig e dhachaidh

air chaochladh smaoin.

Bho chionn ghoirid, tha aire air a bhith ’ga cur air “buaidh chruinneil” na h-Albann*. Tha a’ bhuaidh seo dhà-rìribh ri ’faicinn, chan ann a-mhàin an Canada, ach ann an Astràilia agus Sealain Nuaidh. Rud nach fhaicear cho tric, sin buaidh nan Gàidheal am measg muinntir na h-Albann a shuidhich agus a chur ris na dachaidhean ùr’ aca, ás déidh dhaibh a bhith air an sgapadh air feadh an t-saoghail. Ann a’ 2008, a’ bruidhinn aig Féis Nàiseanta Ceòl-dùthchais ann a’ Canberra, thug an Dr. Raghnull MacAoidh, ball de Chomann na Fìdhle Albannaich ann a’ Melbourne, tarraing air a’ rannsachadh a chaidh a dhèanamh le Eimilidh Lyle, Sgoil Eòlas na h-Alba, Oilthigh DhunÉideann, air Gàidheil Cuimrigh Nuaidh a Deas, Bhioctoria, agus Tasmainia ann a’ 1976-77. Bha mu 20,000 dhe na Gàidheil sin a dh’imrich ann an 1857, taing do thaic bho Chomunn Imrich na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eileanan. Mar a thuirt MacAoidh: “Bha eaglaisean Gàidhlig ann (an Eaglais Shaor), comainn agus eagrachais shochaire. B’ i a’ Ghàidhlig an ciad chànain, agus

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chaidh móran dhan uaigh gun smid Beurla aca”. Cha do chaith Gàidheil Hobairt ùine a’ tighinn le chéile, a’ cur a-mach a’ chiad àireamh ann an Astràilia dhen iris “An Teachdaire Gàidhealach” ’s a’ Ghearran, 1857. Cha deach a chur an clò aig an àm ach 10 àireamhan, fear gach mìos; ach a-nis, a’ tòiseachadh ann a’ 1998, tha Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia air a bhith a’ foillseachadh na h-iris, an ceathramh ath-bheòthachadh aice bhon a chaidh a cur an clò an Glaschu tràth ’s an ochdamh linn deug. (Gus barrachd fios ’fhaighinn air a’ Chomunn agus feadhainn dhe na h- irisean a leughadh, rachaibh gu www.ozgaelic.org.) Bho chionn ghoirid ann a’ Suidnidh, Astràilia, bha e ’na thlachd mhór dhomh coinneachadh le Ruaraidh MacAonghais, neach-eaconomachd àiteachail, agus neach-cathrach do Chomunn Gàidhlig Astràilia. ’S e duine aig a bheil dìoghràs dhan Ghàidhlig agus a tha ag obair gun sgìos air a son a th’ann a’ Ruaraidh. ’S ann do Mhùideart agus dhan Eilean Sgìtheanach a bhuineas a shinnsearachd; thàinig a shinn-sinn-sinn-seanair Dòmhnall MacAonghais air tìr ann a’ Suidnidh le mu chóig deug dhen teaghlach aige, anns a’ Mhàrt, 1840. Am measg na bhios iad a’ dèanamh a thaobh na Gàidhlig, bho chionn an deicheid mu dheireadh dhen fhicheadamh linn, tha buill a’ Chomuinn air a bhith a’ sàs ann a Cearcaill, coltach ri feadhainn a bh’aca ann an Inbhirnis, far an cuir iad seachad 30-60 mionaid ann a’ còmhradh agus an uair sin, bidh iad ag obair air a’ Litir do Luchd-Ionnsachaidh le Ruairidh Mac’Illeathain. Bidh fios aig luchd-leughaidh mar a tha Ruairidh, á Tasmainia bho thùs, air a bhith ’na chuideachadh air leth do luchd- ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig’s an là’n diugh. Cuide ri sin, bho chionn 1996, tha an Comunn air sgoil fad ceann seachdain a chumail gach bliadhna bho 1996; chaidh Sgoil 2013 a chumail ann a’ Melbourne. Aig an àm seo, thatar ag obair gu dìcheallach air airgead a thogail gus an téid neach-teagaisg na Gàidhlig ’fhasdadh aig an oilthigh ann a’ Suidnidh. Buaidh is piseach air na h-oidhirpean aig na caraidean againn ann an Astràilia air sgàth na Gàidhlig. Mar a tha an seanfhacal aig bonn na ciad duilleig ann an iris 2013 ag ràdh: “ ’S e a’ Ghàidhlig bhi saodmhor, iuchair saorsa nan Gàidheal!” *m.e. An Dàmhair, 2009, co-labhairt an Albainn fo’n tiotal “Buaidh chruinneil na h-Alba—Mar a dh’atharraich aon dùthaich bheag an saoghal” . Ceanglaichean (2): A’ Ghàidhlig ann an Astràilia Connections (2): Gaelic in Australia By Catriona Parsons In recent years, “Scotland’s global influence” has received attention*. This influence can readily be seen not only in Canada, but in Australia and New Zealand. What is less often specified in this diaspora is the influence of Scottish Gaels in their new homelands, since post-clearance Scottish emigrants were often of Gaelic lineage. In 2008, Dr. Ronald McCoy, member of the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, speaking at the National Folk Festival in Canberra, referred to the research done by Emily Lyle of the Edinburgh U. School of Scottish Studies in Australia (1976-77), specifically New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, where, in 1857, it was estimated there lived about 20,000 Scottish Gaelic speakers; for these people, cleared from their lands in Scotland, passage had been organized by the Highland and Island Emigration Society. As McCoy states: “There were Gaelic churches (Free Church), societies, and welfare organisations. For this group, Gaelic was their first language, and many went to their graves speaking no English at all”. The Gaels in Hobart, Tasmania, wasted no time

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in banding together, putting out the first Australian issue of the magazine “An Teachdaire Gàidhealach” in February, 1857. Although only 10 monthly numbers were published at the time, its fourth revival since the original publication in Glasgow in the early 1800s has been ongoing since 1998 under the auspices of Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia. (Check out the website www.ozgaelic.org for more information on the Comunn and to view some of the more recent newsletters). Recently in Sydney, Australia, Catriona Parsons had the pleasure of meeting Rod McInnes, an agricultural economist, and Convener for Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia, who is a passionate and tireless worker on behalf of Gaelic in present-day Australia. His ancestry is rooted in Moidart and Skye; his great-great-great grandfather Donald MacInnes, with about 15 family members, landed in Sydney in March, 1840. Aig a’ chléith-luathaidh ann an Eaglais Naoimh Fhransaidh Xavier, Bagh Lus-na-Tùise, Astràilia At the milling table in St. Francis Xavier Church, Lavender Bay, near Sydney, Australia Among their Gaelic activities, since the 1990s Comunn members have been taking part in 30-60 minute conversation circles, or ‘Cearcaill’ , based on one that ran in Inverness, Scotland, followed by reading Litir do Luchd-Ionnsachaidh by Ruairidh Mac’Illeathain—readers will be aware the latter, originally from Tasmania, has been, and is, a strong influence for good with today’s Gaelic learners. In addition, since 1996, the Comunn has held an annual weekend-long ‘sgoil’, the 2013 one in Melbourne. Currently, great fund-raising efforts are being made to secure a Gaelic instructor at Sydney University. All power to them in their efforts—and to all the work of our Australian friends on behalf of Gaelic. As the proverb at the end of page one of the 2013 edition of their magazine puts it: “ ’S e a’ Ghàidhlig bhi saodmhor, iuchair saorsa nan Gàidheal!” (‘The key to the emancipation/independence/liberty of the Gaels is the [continued] prosperity of Gaelic!’) *e.g. October 2009, conference as part of build-up to the year of homecoming in Scotland: “Scotland’s Global Impact—How one small nation changed the world”. Muinntir Cheap Breatainn a’ toirt taic dhan a’ Ghàidhlig a chumail beò Cape Bretoners help keep Gaelic alive By Catriona Parsons The Department of Gaelic Affairs submitted the following article in English and Gaelic in honour of Gaelic Awareness Month. Cape Breton boasts some of the strongest Gaelic communities on this side of the Atlantic. We hope those who speak Gaelic and those who wish they could enjoy this unique package which features Cape Bretoners who are working to preserve the historic language both here and abroad. MacKay is a Gaelic speaker and lives in Westmount. (Omar Bhochanan, tè de bhuannaichean a’ Bhursaraidh, le piuthar a sinn-seanmhar air taobh ’athar, Sìne NicAoidh. ’S e neach-labhairt na Gàidhlig a th’ ann a’ Sìne agus tha i a’ fuireachd ann a’ Westmount.) Cóigear á Albainn Nuaidh air Bursaraidh na Gàidhlig dhan t-Seann Dùthaich a Chosnadh

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Anns an fhoghar 2011, chuir an t-Urr. Alasdair MacAilein, a bha aig an àm ’na Mhinistear do Ionnsachadh, Eòlaidheachd agus Chànainean na h-Albann, ann a’ Pàrlamaid na h-Albann, an céill gun rachadh bursaraidh a stéidheachadh do luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig ann an Albainn Nuaidh gus cothrom a thoirt dhaibh na sgilean cànain ac’ a leasachadh ann an Albainn. Bidh am bursaraidh a’ pàigheadh cosgaisean siubhail, bidhe agus àitean-fuirich do chóigear ’s iad ag obair air barrachd eòlais ’fhaighinn air a’ Ghàidhlig ’s a dualchas; mar sin, bidh pàirt de dh’ àithne Bòrd na Gàidhlig (Alba) ‘ga cumail leis a bhith a’ toirt taic do thogail na Gàidhlig air taobh a-muigh na h-Albann. Tha Bearnard Camshron, neach-teagaisg aig Ionad Foghlam Sealladh a’ Bhàigh, Seastago, air a bhith a’ teagasg na Gàidhlig bho ’n bhliadhna 2000. Thàinig a shinnsearan a Mhàbu á Lochabar, Alba: Peutanaich air taobh a mhàthar; agus air taobh ’athar, Ailean Camshron á Giùthsachan, Loch Seile. Dh’fhàs Bearnard suas ann a’ teaghlach aig an robh a’ Ghàidhlig agus tha i aig a chlainn cuideachd. A thaobh carson a thagh e teagasg na Gàidhlig mar dhreuchd, innsidh e dhut an tlachd a th’ anns na cothroman seinn is seanchas a dhèanamh anns a’ chlas. Ann an Albainn, gabhaidh e cùrsa goirid na Gàidhlig aig Sabhal Mór Ostaig còmhla ris na buannaichean eile; ach tha e ’n dòchas cuideachd gun tadhail e air Gàidheil Lochabair is Mùideirt. Thàinig na daoin’ aig Beathaig Anna NicEachainn a Cheap Breatainn á Eilean Bharraigh agus á Arasaig, air còrsa siar na Gàidhealtachd; shuidhich iad ann a’ Bràigh na h-Aibhne, Siorramachd Inbhirnis agus ‘s An Acarsaid, Siorramachd Cheap Breatainn. Rugadh a seanair MacEachainn agus a phàrantan ann a’ Suidnidh a Tuath. Rugadh Beathag fhéin ann a’ ‘Howie Centre’ faisg air Abhainn Shuidnidh do theaghlach anns an robh a’ Ghàidhlig ’ga bruidhinn. Bha na dòighean beatha, na sgeulachdan agus ciad cànain a seanar cho cudthromach ’s inntinneach dhi ’s gu bheil i air a bhith ’ga teagasg a-nis faisg air deich bliadhna, an toiseach aig Colaisde na Gàidhlig bho oideas Eachainn MhicNìll; agus aig Àrd-sgoil an Dùin, Haileafags. Nuair a bha i aig Oilthigh Cheap Breatainn, fhuair i cothrom a dhol dhan t-Sabhal Mhór; a-nis ’na tidsear, bu mhath leatha barrachd ’ionnsachadh air dòighean-teagaisg bho na h-oidean-foghlaim a’ sin. ’S ann an Suidnidh, Ceap Breatainn, a rugadh Omar Bhochanan, agus ’s ann am baile Abhainn Shuidnidh a thogadh i. Air dà thaobh an teaghlaich, ’s ann do mhuinntir Leódhais agus Na Hearadh air Cladach a Tuath Cheap Breatainn a bhuineas i. “Tha mo shin-seanmhair beò fhathast agus a’ Ghàidhlig aice, cuide ri a bràthair’s a piuthar”, innsidh Omar dhut. Agus innsidh i dhut cuideachd mar a bhios i a’ faireachdainn ann a’ seòmar làn de luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig, sheinneadairean agus sgeulaichean : “beò is air mo dhòigh bho’n taobh a-staigh dhiom!” Thug e tlachd gu sònraichte dhi a bhith ag obair anns a’ Ghàidhlig aig a’ Chlachan Ghàidhealach as t-samhradh an uiridh. An dràsda, tha i a’ rannsachadh Saidheans Poilitigeach aig Oilthigh Cheap Breatainn. Aig an aon àm ’s gu bheil i airson ceangal a dhèanamh leis an dùthaich bho’n d’ thàinig a sinnsrean, bu toil leatha bliadhna a chur seachad aig an t-Sabhal Mhór, rud a bheireadh cothrom dhan tè bheag aice, Sadie, a dhol gu sgoil na Gàidhlig ’s an Eilean Sgìtheanach. Dh’fhàs Lòrag Stirling suas ann an Orangedale, Cape Breatainn. Canaidh i gur e seòrsa de bhreacadh a th’ anns an teaghlach aice: air taobh a h-athar, thàinig a sinn-sinn-seana-phàrantan, Lachlann MacLeòid agus Màiri (Nic’Illeathain) a dh’ Eilean a’ Phrionnsa ás an Eilean Sgìtheanach ann an 1870. Bhiodh a seanair ag innse do Lòrag mar a bhiodh Màiri a’ gabhail a h-ùrnaighean anns a’ Ghàidhlig nuair a bha esan òg. Thàinig feadhainn eile de chuideachd a h-athar á Dornoch, agus Inbhirnis, Alba. Air taobh a màthar, thàinig Iain MacLeòid agus Catriona (NicÌomhair) a Cheap Breatainn á Eilean Leódhais. Mar a thuigeadh tu, b’ e luchd- labhairt na Gàidhlig a bh’ annta gu léir. Thòisich Lòrag air a’ Ghàidhlig ’ionnsachadh nuair a bha i mu 20 bliadhn’ a dh’ aois agus i fhathast aig Oilthigh Dhalhousie, far nach robh a’ Ghàidhlig ’ga teagasg;

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mar sin, ghabh i ris a’ chànain ’ionnsachadh leatha fhéin, a’ tòiseachadh le òran. Dh’aithnich i tràth gnè bhrìghmhor na Gàidhlig ’s tha i air tighinn air adhart cho math ’s gu bheil i air a bhith ’ga teagasg’s a’ choimhearsnachd cóig bliadhna a-nis. Ann an Albainn, tha Lòrag an dòchas clàradh a dhèanamh de dhualchaintean ionadail an Eilein Sgìtheanaich agus a cuid Gàidhlig a neartachadh. Rugadh Jennifer Richards ann a’ Montreal do dh’inimrichean á Breatainn. ’S ann á Raineach air a’ Ghàidhealtachd ann a’ Siorramachd Pheairt, Alba, a bha a seanair air taobh a màthar; agus bha sinn-(sinn?)-seanair dhi ’na neach-teagaisg na Gàidhlig. Ghluais i-fhéin ’s an teaghlach aice gu Haileafags ann a’ 1991; agus ás déidh dhi a dhol dhan chlas bogaidh aig Caitlin ni’ Rodaigh, bha i air a glacadh. ’S e an dòchas aice a’ cuid sgrìobhaidh ’s a ‘Ghàidhlig agus na sgilean éisdeachd aic’ a leasachadh fhad ’s sam bi i ’s an Eilean Sgìtheanach ann a’ dùthaich a sinnsrean. Air dhaibh tilleadh a dh’Albainn Nuaidh, feumaidh buannaichean a’ bhursaraidh taisbeanadh a dhèanamh anns na coimhearsnachdan aca air na dh’ionnsaich iad an Albainn. Catriona NicÌomhair Parsons http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2014-05-30/article-3742926/Cape-Bretoners-help-keep-Gaelic-alive/2 Gaelic in Canada St. Francis Xavier University Celtic Studies Department "Na cnuic 's na glinn bu bhòidhche leinn"

Gaelic Settlements in North America: Into the middle of the 1800s Gaelic-speaking communities generally emigrated and settled together. The earliest of these migrations to North America began in the 1730s, when groups went to Georgia, New York state, and the Carolinas. Highland soldiers who had fought in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) were awarded with land grants in Quebec and New York state, creating magnets for chain migration. As conditions in the Highlands grew increasingly oppressive in the 1770s, emigration, especially to the Carolinas, accelerated. After the American Revolutionary War, however, most migration was redirected to Canada. It was estimated by churchmen in the late nineteenth century that 250,000 people in Canada spoke Gaelic. They could be found in many different regions, including Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, the Codroy Valley of Newfoundland, New Brunswick, the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Glengarry County in Ontario, Bruce County in Ontario, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.

Gaelic on map of Canada from 1901 census (Jonathan Dembling, 2006) http://sites.stfx.ca/celtic_studies/hist_gaelic_canada

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Leugh gu Caogad! / Sgeulachd gach seachdain airson bliadhna Acair Brath Naidheachd / Acair Press Release Tha leabhar ùr air nochdadh bho Acair anns an t-sreath ficsean Aiteal. Chaidh ‘Caogad san Fhàsach” bho pheann Dhòmhnall Iain MhicÌomhair ùr fhoillseachadh bho chionn ghoirid. Tha Dòmhnall Iain air a bhith a’ sgrìobhadh bho chionn iomadach bliadhna agus tha a chuid sgeulachdan agus bàrdachd air nochdadh ann an irisean agus leabhraichean. Seo a-nise, airson a’ chiad uair, cruinneachadh taisealach le caogad sgeulachd. Nochd cuid dhuibh roimhe seo ach tha cuid eile air am foillseachadh airson a’ chiad uair. Thuirt manaidsear Acair, Agnes Rennie; “Tha Acair moiteil cothrom a bhith againn an cruinneachadh luachmhor seo a chur an clò san t-sreath Aiteal. Se sàr sgrìobhaiche a th’ ann an Dòmhnall Iain MacÌomhair agus is math is fhiach an cruinneachadh seo a bhith air an sgeilp aig a h-uile duine le ùidh ann an litreachas Gàidhlig.” Tha na sgeulachdan anns an leabhar a’ gabhail a-steach cuspairean cho measgaichte ri cogadh, eachdraidh, poilitigs, dualchas agus daoine. Raon farsaing a tha na shamhla air farsaingeachd mac-meanmna an ùghdair. Thuirt Dòmhnall Uilleam Moireasdan, ceannard Stòrlann; “Tha iomadh saoghal, tachartas, faireachdainn agus iongnadh rin lorg anns an ultach chruthachail seo. Ultach de sgeulachdan a tha air an gintinn ann am mac-meanmna Dhòmhnaill Iain 'IcÌomhair agus air an tarraing ri chèile, fo chòmhdach grinn, le Acair. Caogad sgeulachdan airson trèana, plèana, leabaidh na tràigh agus eadhoin fàsach. Saoilidh mi gum bi an leabhar feumail mar ghoireas ann an seòmraichean Gàidhlig nan àrd-sgoiltean cuideachd – seòmraichean anns an robh an sgrìobhadair seo, uair, gu tur eòlach. Togaibh e!” Rugadh Dòmhnall Iain MacÌomhair ann an Lacasdal ann an Leòdhas, ach chaidh a thogail air an Taobh Siar. Thug e a-mach a bhith na mhaighstir-sgoile, is bha e a’ teagasg Gàidhlig ann an Sgoil MhicNeacail an Steòrnabhagh airson còrr is fichead bliadhna. Tha e air mòran de stuth ullachadh do luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig, agus tha e air dreuchdan a ghabhail an lùib bhuidhnean-taice leithid An Comunn Gàidhealach (thug e bliadhnaichean na Cheann-suidhe air a’ Chomunn), agus Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, agus tha e air mòran obrach a dhèanamh do dh’Ùghdarras Theisteanas na h-Alba. Choisinn Dòmhnall Iain crùn a’ bhàird aig a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta ann an 2000. Seo an treas leabhar san t-sreath Aiteal agus gheibhear iad uile bho Acair agus bho Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean. Fiosrachadh do luchd-deasachaidh: Cuiribh brath gu Acair aig na seòlaidhean gu h-àrd ma tha feum air tuilleadh fiosrachaidh no dealbhan Tha Acair a foillseachadh leabhraichean Gàidhlig de gach seòrsa airson clann agus inbhich. Tha Acair cuideachd a foillseachadh leabhraichean ann am Beurla le dlùth cheangal ri eachdraidh agus cultar na Gàidhealtachd s nan Eilean. Gheibhear fiosrachadh mionaideach mu na leabhraichean agus stiùireadh do luchd sgrìobhaidh air an làrach-lìn. www.acairbooks.com

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Battle royal over Gaelic College name Cape Breton Post, December 16, 2013 St. Anns — The MLA for Inverness says the addition of a particular word to the name of the Gaelic College isn’t sitting well with people who have a strong understanding of the history of the Gaels.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2013-12-16/article-3545873/Battle-royal-over-Gaelic-College-name/1 Speech by Allan McMaster, MP in the Nova Scotian legislature Delivered on 13 December 2013. MADAM SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness. MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Madam Speaker, I rise in response to the Speech from the Throne but my mind today is on the recent designation of, "Royal", for Colaisde Na Gàidhlig/the Gaelic College. Many people in the Gaelic community are disappointed with this and that it was done without consultation. Now I certainly wish no ill will towards Queen Elizabeth II or the Royal Family. I do know, as well, that especially during times like Remembrance Day, many people in my area sing God Save the Queen. They remember from times in the past when our country fought with other countries in the Commonwealth where we joined together and I respect that. Madam Speaker, the reason I'm rising to speak is, for me, and I think for a lot of other people, this is about loyalty to one's people and it's about understanding history and the importance of knowing from where you came. It is also about a small group of people asking to put a title on a school that is causing ill will and conflict. My question to those people is, why not let people enjoy their heritage and their culture, free of oppressive memories of the past? (Applause) Thank you, members, for the applause. Honestly, Madam Speaker, I cannot sing God Save the Queen. Some people may say well why is that? I will draw attention to the second verse of that song where it talks about: May by thy mighty aid Victory bring May he sedition hush And like a torrent rush Rebellious Scots to crush God Save the King. For me to sing that song would be an act of treason against my own people and I can't do that. If I go back in my family tree, I had three members of my family - they were Beatons - my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather and two of his brothers fought at the Battle of Culloden, in 1746.

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Madam Speaker, I'm not here to talk at length about war but we can see that language and culture, both in the past and in the present, certainly mean something to some people. One of my colleagues suggested that I deliver this speech in Gaelic and I would love to do that. As much as we smile about that, I think about Gussie Campbell, a man I visited, in the appropriately named community of Gussieville, in Hillsdale, in Judique. Gussie was an old man, really, when I met him. When I was going to university one of the projects I did in Celtic Studies was to visit with a member in the community who could still speak Gaelic, so I visited with Gussie. I'll tell you one of the reasons why I can't deliver this speech in Gaelic today is because there was a concerted effort to stamp out Gaelic. Gussie remembers as a young boy being in school where he was made to feel ashamed of his language and where he was also, in fact - I don't know how serious it was - he described it as being beaten if you were to speak Gaelic. Madam Speaker, that is one of the reasons why I can't deliver a speech in Gaelic today. Now I certainly went to university and I spent some time learning Gaelic and I can speak a little bit of it. It's ironic, I had a message today of all days, when I'm going to give this speech, from a person I used to work with in my office, Rachel Daigle, she's married to a Beaton now. Rachel sent me a little text today and said, Allan, it would be nice if you'd come up to the manor to meet with some of the older people because they are talking about how they would love to be able to converse in Gaelic. Sadly, a lot of those people don't have people to converse with in their native tongue. This is why it is such an emotional issue for me and this is why I want to speak about this here today. Just a little bit of history so people have an understanding of where this started, we go all the way back to the 1600s with the Statutes of Iona that required Highland Scottish clan chiefs to send their heirs to other parts of the country to be educated in a different language and essentially to be changed, ethnically cleansed. I'm going to read a quote from a piece of legislation that was drawn up by King James VI in First Privy Council; this was in 1616, after the Statutes of Iona, where the influential gentlemen in highland society were brought, they were tricked, were taken prisoner and were only released upon their promise to sign an agreement. It was to promise to follow the Statutes of Iona and I'm going to read something, I'll quote this and I'll be happy to table it. This is from 1616: "Forasmuch as the King's Majesty, having a special care and regard that the true religion be advanced and established in all parts of this Kingdom, and that all His Majesty's subjects, especially the youth, be exercised and trained up in civility, godliness, knowledge, and learning, that the vulgar English tongue be universally planted, and the Irish language . . ." and I will say for the benefit of the members of the House, Irish language at that time meant Gaelic - " . . . which is one of the chief and principal causes of the continuance of the barbarity and incivility amongst the inhabitants of the Isles and Highlands, may be abolished and removed." Today when we see a college being named Royal, that just brings back memories of what Royal meant in the past to my people. What happened after they signed the agreement, any man who had an estate, who owned 60 head of cattle or more, was required to send his son, and all his sons, to be educated in the English language. What this did was essentially separated the leadership from the common people and thus began the breaking of the society. My immigration story comes out of that because if we fast-forward to 1746 and the Battle of Culloden, the fallout in Highland society after that led to the immigration of my people. I know if you've ever travelled to Inverness County, there is a stone house which was built in the 1820s by two MacMasters who came over in 1802. That house still stands; they built it with their hands.

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What is interesting about it is it is actually not parallel to the road, it's off at an angle because it was built before the road was built. So they walked up the banks of those hills and they created a life for themselves. I have some other points here, but I know we're getting handy the Lieutenant Governor's arrival. I do want to make one quick point, and this may be of interest to members, we often wonder why we see Highlanders in uniform, say up at the Citadel, because, of course, they were fighting the British not long before that. In a lot of cases they were forced into service and the only alternative was, basically, to starve because things were made so bad for people living on such small pieces of land that there really was no way to have a living and that's why many of them came here. If we look in North Carolina, in the Cape Fear area, many of the Highlanders there sided with the British - why? Because they saw what happened to them in their homeland and they didn't want it to happen again. They knew that the British were often successful in their war exploits, so they joined the British forces and, of course, they lost in the wars of independence. This is also how history can be confused, and I know for young people it's probably confusing. It was confusing for me when I learned it and I, incidentally, didn't learn it through the education system in this province; I had to learn it outside the education system. I want to finish up by saying that I want to tell you a couple of quick stories. I was in Atlanta, Georgia, a few years back, and I was at the centre devoted to Martin Luther King. I was struck by a woman there who was obviously overtaken by what she was seeing. We were in a room that showed the cart that pulled his coffin on the day of his funeral. That cart was hauled by two mules, to symbolize his humility. When we think about what he went through and how he was able to live through all of that hate without fighting back, I think that is something very honourable and it's something that I admire. My point in telling this story is when I looked at the woman who was weeping, I was thinking about how important this moment was for her, and who knows where she was from, she was probably from somewhere in the U.S. and she may have been thinking of relatives of her own who faced hate and lived with it. Thankfully, Madam Speaker, we are moving ahead from days like that. I know in the world we are also thinking about Nelson Mandela this week. I visited South Africa as well. There are still certainly remnants there of the past but we see that country turning the corner. My point in my speech today, Madam Speaker, is why don't we let people enjoy their heritage and culture, free of the oppression of the past? I do give this speech in hopes that it helps to provide the government and all members of this Legislature with a clear understanding of this issue. It is not to be sensitive about it but it is to be respectful of it. I think that any one of us, no matter what our cultural background is, can point to some type of persecution in the past. My goal in this Legislature is to speak to ensure that our young people know about their past and that they have an ability to learn more about it and to live it, so they don't forget about things that have happened. Madam Speaker, I do think that the board of the Gaelic College should revisit their decision. That is certainly for them to do, and it is up to them, but I do think they should revisit the decision and consult with people in the Gaelic community, to see if this is actually something that is desired. With that, I take my place.

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Language as activism: the big Gaelic comeback

Cal Flyn, New Statesman, 6 March, 2014

The native tongue of the Highlands and islands seemed to be dying out – until the latest figures were released. http://www.newstatesman.com/2014/02/springtime-gaelic Growth of Gaelic education hailed a success Alistair Munro, The Scotsman, 8 July 2014 THE growth of Gaelic education throughout Scotland in the last year has been hailed a success by the language’s national body – despite a continuing decline in its historic heartland of the Western Isles. http://www.scotsman.com/gaelic/growth-of-gaelic-education-hailed-a-success-1-3470404

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Cunntas-sluaigh: Cleachdadh na Gàidhlig a' dol am meud Census: Census: Gaelic use on rise Francis Campbell, The Chronicle Herald, May 6 2014 “In the last census, 1,275 people cited that they spoke Gaelic,” Lewis MacKinnon said Tuesday at the Museum of Industry in Stellarton, which will host a bilingual Gaelic exhibit from Friday until the end of May. http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1205728-census-gaelic-use-on-rise

The non-issue of Gaelic in the Independence Referendum Debate Wilson McLeod, Bellacaledonia, September 5 2014

It has long been a commonplace observation that linguistic distinctiveness plays only a minor role in Scottish national identity and national movements.

http://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2014/09/05/the-non-issue-of-gaelic-in-the-indyref-debate/

Solace: a new film in Manx Gaelic For a language once considered ‘extinct’ by UNESCSO, the Manx language is doing remarkably well. As part of this renaissance, the Manx film ‘Solace’ is about to be premiered on September 14th at the Broadway Cinema. For further information about the film contact the Director, Andy North at: andy@iom.com and for information about the Manx Language then speak to Adrian Cain on 451098 or at greinneyder@mhf.org.im http://learnmanx.com/cms/featured_article_275506.html Gaelic will have 'central place' in an independent Scotland Michael Wilkinson, The Telegraph, 6 Aug 2014 Gaelic will have a 'central place in Scottish public life' if Scotland becomes an independent country.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scottish-independence/11015903/Gaelic-will-have-central-place-in-an-independent-Scotland.html

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Nova Scotia sees resurgence in Gaelic language CTV Atlantic, Wednesday May 7 2014 The ancient Gaelic language was once on the brink of extinction in Nova Scotia, but the number of people speaking Gaelic in the province has nearly tripled since the turn of the 21st century. With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/nova-scotia-sees-resurgence-in-gaelic-language-1.181109

Scottish government approves funding for Gaelic learning exchanges Cape Breton Post, November 29 2013 Sydney — The Scottish government has announced it will continue to fund student exchanges and Gaelic learning in Nova Scotia until 2016.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/section/2013-11-29/article-3524888/Scottish-government-approves-funding-for-Gaelic-learning-exchanges/1

Study suggests Gaelic worth up to £148.5m a year to economy

BBC, 12 November 2014 The use of Gaelic by businesses and organisations has the potential to generate up to £148.5m a year for the economy, according to new research. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-30004483

Councillors urged to learn basic Gaelic The Northern Times, 18 February 2013 Highland Councillors are being encouraged to take part in a new course aimed at developing basic Gaelic language skills. http://www.northern-times.co.uk/News/Councillors-urged-to-learn-basic-Gaelic-18022013.htm

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Council Receives £3m for Skye Gaelic School Alistair Munro, The Scotsman, 17 December 2013 Highland Council is to receive £3 million over two years towards building a new £10million Gaelic school in Portree, on the Isle of Skye. http://www.scotsman.com/gaelic/council-receives-3m-for-skye-gaelic-school-1-3234809 The (Welsh) language question Pól Ó Muirí, Irish Times, March 18 2014 The debate over who speaks Irish is one that regularly comes around this time of year – with those who speak the language aghast that anyone should think that it does not exist while those who do not speak Irish think that it is as real as “the little people”. http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/treibh/the-welsh-language-question-1.1729337 Irish Words Litter New York City Slang Brendan Patrick Keane, Irish Central, 23 January 2010 Just before he died, Daniel Cassidy released a pioneering book that begins to prove how American slang has a root in the Irish American urban experience. http://www.irishcentral.com/opinion/others/dirty-irish-gaelic-words-litter-new-york-city-slang-how-a-lot-of-american-words-for-vice-come-from-irish-88839767-238023821.html

Brian Ferguson: Bannan a welcome boost to Scottish TV Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman, 14 September 2014 Bannan, the relationships-based drama, has a cast of virtually unknown actors and a budget a fraction of that afforded to usual BBC drama series. http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/arts/news/brian-ferguson-bannan-a-welcome-boost-to-scottish-tv-1-3541551

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Learning second language 'slows brain ageing' BBC, 2 June 2014 Learning a second language can have a positive effect on the brain, even if it is taken up in adulthood, a University of Edinburgh study suggests. Researchers found that reading, verbal fluency and intelligence were improved in a study of 262 people tested either aged 11 or in their seventies.

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27634990

House of tutor: Dialect coach brings Gaelic authenticity to ‘Outlander’ Paige Albiniak, New York Post, 22 August 2014 The producers of “Outlander” are all about making the show as authentic as it can be. That starts with shooting in the foggy hills of the Scottish Highlands — including turning real-life ruin Castle Doune into fictional Castle Leoch, home of the MacKenzie clan, whose exploits are recounted in Diana Gabaldon’s best sellers — garbing the men in real kilts, which are composed of some 10 yards of tartan and then folded by hand; and having the Scots speak Gaelic, the language of the time. http://nypost.com/2014/08/22/dialect-coach-helps-outlander-cast-perfect-gaelic-language/ Unesco honour for Edinburgh's Carmichael Watson archive BBC, 19 June 2014 A collection of Gaelic culture and history has been recognised as one of the world's most important archives.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-27908871

How Language Seems To Shape One's View Of The World Alan Yu, NPR, 2 January 2014 Lera Boroditsky once did a simple experiment: She asked people to close their eyes and point southeast. A room of distinguished professors in the U.S. pointed in almost every possible direction, whereas 5-year-old Australian aboriginal girls always got it right.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/12/30/258376009/how-language-seems-to-shape-ones-view-of-the-world?utm_content=socialflow&utm

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HMI report shows high standards at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Stornoway Gazette, 27 June 2014

A report issued by HM Inspectors (HMI) - following an external review of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on behalf of the Scottish Funding Council and Education Scotland - highly commends the educational practices and the work of the College.

http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/local-headlines/hmi-report-shows-high-standards-at-sabhal-mor-ostaig-1-3457440 Gaelic science fiction novel wins literary prize Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman, 14 November 2013 An American writer has landed one of Scotland’s flagship literary prizes - with the first ever Gaelic science fiction novel. Tim Armstrong, a former singer in a Gaelic punk rock band, has scooped the Saltire Society’s prestigious “first book” prize with his book “Air Cuan Dubh Drilseach” (On a Glittering Black Sea). http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/arts/news/gaelic-science-fiction-novel-wins-literary-prize-1-3189330 OpEd For Scotland, independence is not (yet) about language

David Arminas, Ottawa Citizen, May 26, 2014 ADJUSTCOMMENTPRINT A “yes” vote for independence in the Scottish referendum on Sept. 18 could change the political map of the United Kingdom. It could also usher in a renaissance for Scotland’s Gaelic language. Unlike in Quebec, language rights haven’t been central to the independence movement in Scotland. http://ottawacitizen.com/news/world/oped-for-scotland-independence-is-not-yet-about-language Naoi sgoiltean a’ toirt taic do thionnsgnadh ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig Nine schools back Gaelic learning initiative Stuart Taylor, Lochaber News, 28 February 2014 A new approach to Gaelic teaching is to be piloted in a number of Lochaber primary schools. Pupils at nine local primaries are being given the opportunity to begin learning Gaelic through the Fèisgoil project delivered by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in partnership with Highland Council. http://www.lochaber-news.co.uk/News/Nine-schools-back-Gaelic-learning-initiative-28022014.htm

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Are Lewis Bilinguals the Key to Staving Off Old Age? Stornoway Gazette, 13 April 2014 Gaelic speaking islanders could be key to understanding if speaking two languages can reduce the mental decline associated with old age. http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/local-headlines/are-lewis-bilinguals-the-key-to-staving-off-old-age-1-3373590 Gaelic Broadcaster MG Alba Gets £2.1m Boost The Scotsman, 16 April 2014 The Gaelic broadcaster MG Alba has won an additional £2.1 million in funding from the Scottish Government. http://www.scotsman.com/what-s-on/tv-radio/gaelic-broadcaster-mg-alba-gets-2-1m-boost-1-3378765 Na h-Albannaich Móra: Tha an t-àm a dh’ aom a’ tighinn beò aig a’ Chlachan Ghàidhealach -Great Scots: The past comes to life at Highland Village Museum The Chronicle Herald, 1 June 2014 Caelean Hamish has had enough. He has been eking out an existence for his family, but the time has come to move. His landlord is making it difficult to earn any kind of living, and his religion and culture are being oppressed. http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1211615-great-scots-the-past-comes-to-life-at-highland-village-museum Cá Bhfuil Na Gaeilg eoirí? * Manchán Magan, The Guardian, 5 January 2007 Gaelic is the first official language of Ireland, with 25% of the population claiming to speak it. But can that true? To put it to the test, Manchán Magan set off round the country with one self-imposed handicap - to never utter a word of English. (*English translation: Where are all the Gaelic speakers?) http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2007/jan/05/ireland.features

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College Promotes Celtic Studies in Scotland Stornoway Gazette, 22 July 2014 Newbattle Abbey College, based in Midlothian near Edinburgh, is going Gaelic. The College will launch two new, full-time courses in September to promote Celtic Studies and Gaelic in Scotland. The courses will include mandatory Gaelic units for learners and native speakers, and have been developed with help from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Lews Castle College. For more information on the courses offered at Newbattle Abbey College, please visit www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk

http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/what-s-on/leisure/college-promotes-celtic-studies-in-scotland-1-3484180

Unionist party NI21 goes Gaelic in hunt for Euro election voters Noel Mcadam, Belfast Telegraph, 21 April 2014 Northern Ireland's newest unionist party is taking the bold step of using the Irish language in an attempt to reach out to the electorate. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/unionist-party-ni21-goes-gaelic-in-hunt-for-euro-election-voters-30202580.html In One Language and Out the Other: Why Learning Languages Gets Easier Each Time Meaghan, Language Learning, 5 May 2014 Ever heard that less is more? That may be so when it comes to applying makeup, but not when it comes to learning languages. The best way to become a great language learner is to learn more languages. For those of you learning your second language from scratch right now, this probably sounds extremely discouraging or overwhelming. But have faith: once you learn a second language, it’s a gateway to a third, a fourth, and so on. What sorcery is this? http://blogs.transparent.com/language-news/2014/05/05/in-one-language-and-out-the-other-why-learning-languages-gets-easier-each-time/ Foghlam na Gàidhlig a’ toirt cuideachaidh do chrìonadh na cànain a thionndadh air ais Gaelic education helps reverse language decline Stornoway Gazette, 27 July 2014 Bòrd na Gàidhlig has published its Annual Report for the 2013/14 financial year. And as well as demonstrating a positive and productive year for the Bòrd, it also highlights the growth of Gaelic education in the early years, primary and secondary sectors. http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/local-headlines/gaelic-education-helps-reverse-language-decline-1-3487621

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Cùrsa-bogaidh na Gàidhlig do luchd-teagaisg air a chur air bhog Launch of Gaelic immersion course for teachers University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Gaelic language teaching in Scotland's schools is being boosted by a University of Strathclyde training programme. The Gaelic Immersion for Teachers (GIfT) course at Strathclyde offers qualified teachers who have learned Gaelic to intermediate level the chance to become fluent speakers of the language and learn the specialist skills needed for working in Gaelic medium classrooms. http://www.strath.ac.uk/press/newsreleases/headline_853265_en.html A’ coimhead air adhart chun àm ri teachd - Looking to the future Andrew Rankin, The Cape Breton Star Clearing the Gaelic College’s $600,000 debt was Rodney MacDonald’s first priority when he took over as its CEO three years ago. http://thechronicleherald.ca/community/cape-breton/1242218-looking-to-the-future# Tha Rannsachadh a' taisbeanadh luach na Gàidhlig do ghnìomhachais agus do choimhearsnachdan ann an Albainn Research reveals value of Gaelic to businesses and communities in Scotland Highlands and Islands Enterprise, 11 November 2014 The economic and social value of Gaelic as a unique asset for Scotland is the focus of a pioneering study which is published today. Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has led a partnership project to research ways in which Gaelic is currently being used to deliver economic and social benefits to businesses, social enterprises and communities, and how its impact can be maximised. Ar Stòras Gàidhlig is available in full and summary forms on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website at www.hie.co.uk/Gaelicresearch http://www.hie.co.uk/about-hie/news-and-media/archive/research-reveals-value-of-gaelic-to-businesses-and- communities-in scotland.html

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A future for Gaelic, medium to long term Catherine MacLeod, The Herald, 27 November 2014

AS Gaelic-speaking students from Edinburgh, Dingwall and Stornoway battled for honours in the BT Scotland National Gaelic Schools Debate at Holyrood this week, they demonstrated the worth of every penny spent on Gaelic, whether in education, broadcasting or extra-curricular activities.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/columnists/a-future-for-gaelic-medium-to-long-term.25975658 CEANGLAICHEAN (1): Ministear an Fhoghluim á Albainn: “Tha dleasdanas iomlan againn….” CONNECTIONS (1): Scotland’s Minister for Education: “We have an absolute duty….” Misneach, Winter 2014 Roimh dheireadh na bliadhna, 2013, rinn Ministear an Fhoghluim agus Foghlum Fad-Beatha, Pàrlamaid na h-Albann, Mìcheal Ruiseil, air a bheil dleasdanas dhan Ghàidhlig agus do dh’ Albais, tadhal oirnn an Albainn Nuaidh. Bha cothrom aig buill an t-sluaigh coinneachadh leis a’ mhinistear aig Colaisde na Gàidhlig, Bail’ Anna, gus beachdan a cho-roinn agus ceisdean a chur air a thaobh cor na Gàidhlig ’s an àm ri teachd. The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, the Hon. Michael Russell, who has responsibility for both the Gaelic and Scots languages, visited Nova Scotia before year’s end, 2013. Members of the public had a chance to meet with the minister at the Gaelic College, St. Ann’s, to share thoughts and ask questions on the future of the Gaelic language. http://www.novascotia.ca/oga/pubs/Newsletter-Winter-2014.pdf The Gaelic renaissance

Clive Aslet, The Telegraph, 21 Jan 2010 Gaelic, soft as the beating of doves’ wings, used to be the medium of the Highlands and Islands – and 30 years ago you would have thought it was dying out even there. But not any more; its popularity has been steadily growing. Soon the Ordnance Survey will be printing place names in their Gaelic, not English, form. Goodbye Stornoway, welcome Steòrnabhagh. The language has been put, literally, back on the map. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/7038007/The-Gaelic-renaissance.html

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CCoommuunnnn GGààiiddhhlliigg AAssttrrààiilliiaa ((TThhee SSccoottttiisshh GGaaeelliicc AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ooff AAuussttrraalliiaa))

PO Box A2259 Sydney South NSW 1235

www.ozgaelic.org fios@ozgaelic.org

Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia (The Scottish Gaelic Association of Australia) is a

non-profit organisation supporting the language and culture of Scottish Gaels in

Australia. Members include native speakers and learners of the Gaelic

language. We welcome contact from anyone with an interest in these subjects.

Application for membership Ainm:.......................................................................................Name Seòladh: ............................................................. Còd: .............. Address Postcode

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Knowledge of Gaelic (please tick whichever applies):

Native speaker ..... Fluent ..... Learner ..... Beginner ..... None .....

Current involvement with Gaelic or Celtic cultural activities: ...................

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Tha ballrachd bhliadhnail a’ cosg: $30 Annual membership fee:

Forms and payment to: PO Box A2259, Sydney South NSW 1235, Australia

Please make cheques or money orders payable to Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia

Càit’ an cuala sibh mu dheidhinn Comunn Gàidhlig Astràilia? .................... Where did you hear about CGA?

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