Cuairt-litir Am Foghar 2010

CUAIRT-LITIR

Samhradh 2010 Summer

rina NicIlleathain

Erin McHale, Kat

Bheir do chuid Ghàidhlig don ìre as àirde Faigh barrachd fiosrachaidh air na cùrsaichean fo-cheum dha fileantaich is luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig a cheanglas an cànan le caochladh chuspairean a leithid ceòl traidiseanta, na meadhanan agus teagasg.

Find out more about the range of undergraduate courses available for fluent speakers and learners of Gaelic which combine the language with a choice of subjects including traditional music, media studies and teacher education.

01471 888304 | iarrtas@smo.uhi.ac.uk | www.smo.uhi.ac.uk

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is Calum MacConai

ACAL-TOISICH OREWORD

Facal-toisich bhon Phrionnsapal Tha e na thoileachas dhomh gu bheil am meadhan ùr seo againn air fiosrachadh mu obair is mu bheatha an t-Sabhail a sgaoileadh fad is farsainn gu daoine aig a bheil ùidh anns na tha tachairt aig a’ Cholaiste.

Agus cha bheag sin, mar a chì sibh anns na duilleagan a leanas!

Tha mise air a bhith san dreuchd seo airson bliadhna gu leth a-nis agus tha mòran air tachairt anns an ùine sin. Tha a’ Cholaiste air atharrachadh o bhith na urras gu bhith na chompanaidh, tha structar ùr rianachd an sàs airson na Colaiste agus tha grunn obraichean ùra air an stèidheachadh. Leughaidh sibh san iris seo mu chuid dhe na pròiseactan agus na h-iomairtean a tha a’ dol aig a’ Cholaiste. Nam measg sin, tha am pròiseact rannsachaidh mòr eadar-oilthigh Soillse, co-labhairtean cudromach leithid Òran2010Sang agus Staid na h-Ealain, agus leudachadh air cùrsaichean agus goireasan ùra. ’S e aon nì a tha air riarachadh sònraichte a thoirt dhomh an aithne a tha a’ Cholaiste air fhaighinn airson ìre sgoilearachd an luchd-teagaisg agus an luchd-rannsachaidh. Tha sin ri fhaicinn anns an àrdachadh a fhuair dithis òraidichean gu inbhe proifeasair, anns na ceumannan PhD a choisinn dithis eile, anns an t-soirbheachadh le sgrùdaidhean neo-eisimeileach air diofar chùrsaichean agus anns an duais shònraichte a chaidh a bhuileachadh air aon dhen luchd-teagaisg mar Most Inspiring Lecturer air feadh Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean.

Foreword from The Principal I am delighted that we have this new medium for disseminating information on activities and developments at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig to those far and wide who have an interest in the life and work of the College. And there is much activity to relate as you will see from the following pages!

I have been Principal now for a year and a half and much has happened in that time. The College has become a company rather than a trust, a new organisational and administrative structure has been put in place and a number of new posts have been created. You will learn about some of the projects in which the College is engaged in this newsletter.

They include the inter-university research project, Soillse, important conferences such as Òran2010Sang and State of the Art, and ongoing developments relating to courses and new facilities.

One thing that has given me particular pleasure is the recognition that the College has received for the level of scholarship displayed by teaching and research staff. That can be seen in the elevation of two of our lecturers to the status of professor, in the PhDs recently attained by two others, in the successful outcomes of external evaluations of several courses and in the special award bestowed upon a member of our teaching staff as the Most Inspiring Lecturer throughout the University of the Highlands and Islands network.

Prionnsapal - Proifeasair Boyd Robasdan

ÒRAN 2010 SANG Thàinig eòlaichean, luchd-ciùil is seinneadairean às iomadh ceàrn de dh’Alba còmhla aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig san Ògmhios airson dualchas àraid òrain na Gàidhlig is na Beurla Gallda a rannsachadh.

Leading academics, musicians and singers from across Scotland gathered at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in June to celebrate and debate the twin traditions of Scots and Scottish Gaelic song.

Bha còrr is 70 neach a’ frithealadh na co-labhairt, Òran 2010 Sang, a chuir Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus Acadamaidh Rìoghail na h-Alba airson Ceòl is Dràma (RSAMD) air dòigh agus chualas òraidean bho shàr eòlaichean leithid Dr Mairead Bennett, an neach-ciùil is craolaidh Màiri Anna NicUalraig agus Dr Fred Freedman, eòlaiche air òrain Raibeirt Burns, thar nan trì làithean.

Over 70 people attended the three-day conference, Òran 2010 Sang, which was hosted by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama to hear from notable speakers including Dr Margaret Bennett, musician and broadcaster Mary Ann Kennedy and Dr Fred Freedman, an expert on the songs of Robert Burns.

“Tha a’ cho-labhairt Òran 2010 Sang na thoradh dhen cho-obrachadh eadar sinn fhìn agus an RSAMD a tha a’ sìor leudachadh chothroman ionnsachaidh is rannsachaidh mu eileamaid phrìseil de ar dualchas.”

Proifeasair Boyd Robasdan, Prionnsapal an t-Sabhail Mhòir

B’ e an sgrìobhaiche is eòlaiche ciùil Dr Iain Mac an Sporain, a thug a’ chiad òraid seachad air an dàimh eadar ceòl na Gàidhlig is na Beurla Gallda agus air an iomlaid eadar an dà fhreumh seo de dhualchas ceòl na h-Alba. Chuala muinntir na co-labhairt na h-òraidean aig na h-eòlaichean eadar-nàiseanta Dr Ruth Perry à Institiùd Teicneòlais Mhassachusetts agus Aindrias Hiort à Oilthigh Otago, Sealainn Nuadh.

The opening address to the conference was given by eminent composer and musicologist Dr John Purser, who spoke about the relationship between Gaelic and Scots song and the crossover that has occurred between the two linguistically distinct strands of Scottish musical heritage. Delegates also heard from overseas representatives Dr Ruth Perry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Aindrias Hiort of the University of Otago, New Zealand.

Thug Dr Thomas McKean à Oilthigh Obar Dheathain òraid seachad air dreach macaronach den tàladh a chlàraich Murchadh MacRath à Caol Loch Aillse airson an neach-cruinneachaidh òrain James Madison Carpenter à Ameireaga ann an 1931.

Closer to home, Dr Thomas McKean from the University of Aberdeen delivered a paper on a macaronic version of a child ballad recorded by Murdo McRae, Kyle of Lochalsh, for the American song collector James Madison Carpenter in 1931.

Bha a’ cho-labhairt na deagh shamhla air an dàimh eadar Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus an RSAMD airson taic is leasachadh a chumail ri ealain is cultar na Gàidhlig an Alba.

The conference reflected the strengthening relationship between Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the RSAMD in supporting and developing the Gaelic arts and culture in Scotland.

1. Luchd na Co-labhairt cruinn còmhla san Amharclann

1. Conference delegates gathered in the College’s outdoor ampitheatre, An Amharclann

2. Prìomh òraidichean an Dr Katherine Campbell, Dr Iain Mac an Sporain agus Mòrag NicLeòid

2. Keynote Speakers Dr Katherine Campbell, Dr John Purser and Morag MacLeod

3. Proifeasair Boyd Robasdan, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, agus Proifeasair John Wallace bhon RSAMD

3. Professor Boyd Robertson, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, and Professor John Wallace, RSAMD

4. Art MacCarmaig, Cathraiche Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a thug taic don cho-labhairt

4. Arthur Cormack, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, who provided funding for the conference

5. An Dr Mairead Bennett agus Christine Primrose a’ seinn còmhla

5. Acclaimed Gaelic singers Dr Margaret Bennett and Christine Primrose

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SOILLSE Thathar air grunn dhreuchdan aig a’ phròiseict rannsachaidh eadar-oilthigh, Soillse, a lìonadh a-nis. Thòisich Iain Caimbeul na dhreuchd mar Àrd-Mhanaidsear a’ Phròiseict air 12 Giblean agus chaidh an Dr Rob Dunbar, bho Oilthigh Obar Dheathain, ainmeachadh mar Phroifeasair Rannsachaidh.

Bidh an t-Oll Dunbar a’ tòiseachadh san dreuchd air 7 Sultain. Bidh an dà obair stèidhichte aig an t-Sabhal ach leis gu bheil dleastanas aca airson an lìonraidh air fad, cha bhi iad air làrach na Colaiste ach pàirt dhen ùine.

A number of the posts at Soillse, the inter-university research project, have now been filled. Iain Campbell took up his new post as the project’s Senior Manager on the 12 April and Dr Rob Dunbar of the University of Aberdeen has been named as Research Professor. Dr Dunbar will take up post on 7 September. The two posts will be based at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. However, since both have a remit for the entire Soillse network, they will only be at Sabhal Mòr part of the time.

Chaidh an Dr Tim Armstrong a thaghadh mar Neach Rannsachaidh agus choisinn Sìleas Landgraf sgoilearachd airson PhD taobh a-staigh pròiseact Soillse. Bidh an dithis acasan aig a’ Cholaiste làn-ùine.

Dr Tim Armstrong was appointed Research Fellow and Sìleas Landgraf was awarded a Soillse PhD scholarship. Both Tim and Sìleas will be based at the College full-time.

URRAS LEASACHAIDH AIG SRÀID DOWNING Chaidh Urras Leasachaidh Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a chur air chois airson taic a chumail ri obair na Colaiste mar Ionad Nàiseanta airson Cànan is Cultar na Gàidhlig. Chaidh cuirm shònraichte a chumail ann an Sràid Downing, leis an t-Seansalair aig an àm, am Fear Urramach Alasdair Darling BP agus a bhean Mairead, mar chomharra air soirbheachadh an t-Sabhail agus air ceum cudromach eile ann an leasachadh na Colaiste.

Bidh an t-Urras, a tha na charthannas le bhòrd fhèin, a’ togail airgid airson amasan agus pròiseactan sònraichte a tha san amharc aig an t-Sabhal, a’ toirt a-staigh leasachadh chùrsaichean, a’ togail ghoireasan spòrs is chur-seachadan agus a’ cur ri tachartasan cultarach do dh’oileanaich agus do mhuinntir na coimhearsnachd.

Chaidh ainmeachadh gun robh tiodhlac £100,000 ga thoirt seachad don Urras le Proifeasair Caroline Tisdall, is i fhèin agus Paul Van Vlissingen nach maireann air taic mhòr a thoirt don Cholaiste thar nam bliadhnaichean.

DEVELOPMENT TRUST AT DOWNING STREET A new Development Trust has been launched by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig to support the work of the College in its key role as the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. A reception was held at No 11 Downing Street, hosted by the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt. Hon Alasdair Darling MP, and his wife Margaret, to celebrate the work and achievements of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and to mark a new chapter in the development of the College.

The new, independent charitable trust, with its own Board of Trustees, has been established to help realise future plans and ambitions for the College which include expansion of course provision, development of recreational and sport facilities and broadening the range of cultural activities open to students and the wider community.

The launch of the Trust was given an additional boost with the announcement of a major legacy of £100,000 being gifted by Professor Caroline Tisdall, who along with her partner, the late Paul Van Vlissingen, has been a generous supporter of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig over many years.

INNEAL-AIRGID

CASH MACHINE

Tha inneal-airgid air a bhith aig a’ Cholaiste bho thoiseach an Lùnastail. Fhuaireas inneal-airgid bho Bhanca Rìoghail na h-Alba às dèidh rannsachadh a dhèanamh air na diofar sheòrsaichean. Cha tèid cosgais sam bith a chur air duine airson an t-inneal seo a chleachdadh.

A cash machine has been in place at the College since the beginning of August. Following a period of research into the different types of ATM available, the Royal Bank of Scotland installed the machine. There is no charge to use the ATM.

’S e inneal-airgid dhan choimhearsnachd a bhios ann cuideachd. Bidh an t-inneal suidhichte aig doras Àrainn Chaluim Chille agus faodaidh daoine a chleachdadh fhad is a tha an togalach fosgailte, bho 8m - 11f gach latha.

The wider community will have access to the machine which is located inside the front door of the main campus at Àrainn Chaluim Chille. The building is open from 8am to 11pm every day.

CùrsaCiùil le Urram ’S e adhartas air leth math a tha anns an dearbhadh ùr air a’ bhliadhna le urram aig a’ chùrsa chiùil, BA ann an Gàidhlig agus Ceòl Traidiseanta. Adhartas math airson na Colaiste, nan oileanach, agus ceòl traidiseanta air fad. Tha an cùrsa co-fharpaiseach a-nis leis na cùrsaichean ciùil aig Oilthigh Luimneach, An Caisteal Nuadh, agus an RSAMD. Tha an ceum le urram a’ toirt slighean soilleir gu dreuchdan san t-saoghal chiùil gu oileanaich, le modalan ann an teagasg ciùil, cruthachadh is cothromachadh, agus clàradh is riochdachadh, riochdachadh a tha a’ cleachdadh an stiùideo ùr a chaidh a chruthachadh am-bliadhna aig Àrainn Ostaig. Ach fear de na feartan as fheàrr mun chùrsa ‘s e an cothrom a bhith a’ dol a dh’Oilthigh Cheap Bhreatainn no Oilthigh Luimneach airson a’ chiad teirm. Tha an ceum le urram air feum a chruthachadh airson luchd-obrach ùr agus bithear gan sireadh sin a dh’aithghearr.

The recent validation of the honours year for the existing BA in Gaelic and Traditional Music is a tremendous development for the College, its students and for traditional music generally. The programme is now truly competitive with other established BA honours programmes, including those delivered at the Universities of Limerick, Newcastle and at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. The honours programme has been designed to offer students clearer pathways into a number of different areas of the music industry and includes modules in teaching music, composing and arranging and recording and producing – the latter making use of the new state-of-the-art recording studio at Àrainn Ostaig. One of is greatest features, however, is the option to study abroad in semester 1 at either the University of Limerick or University of Cape Breton. The honours programme has also created demand for new staff and recruitment will begin shortly.

Dr J. Decker Forrest, Stiùiriche Cùrsa, BA (le Urram) Gàidhlig agus Ceòl Traidiseanta

MusicCourse with Honours

Rody Gorman

Tha Rody Gorman air a bhith còmhla rinn mar Bhàrd air Mhuinntireas fad bliadhna a-nise. Mar a chì sibh tha bliadhna glè thrang is shoirbheachail air a bhith aige.

Rody Gorman has been Writer in Residence at the College for over a year. As you can see he has had a very busy and successful year.

“Rinn mi leughadh aig oidhche mhòr bàrdachd a chuir Carol Ann Duffy is Don Paterson air dòigh ann an Talla na Bànrigh, Dùn Èideann, sa Ghearran airson muinntir Haiti. Chaidh còrr is £12,000 a thogail. Am measg nam bàrd eile a bha a’ leughadh ann bha Kathleen Jamie, Douglas Dunn is Jackie Kay.

“I read at a major poetry night that Carol Ann Duffy and Don Paterson set up in Queens Hall in Edinburgh in February for the people of Haiti. More than £12,000 was raised. Amongst the other poets there were Kathleen Jamie, Douglas Dunn and Jackie Kay. http://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/shows/poets-for-haiti

http://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/shows/poets-for-haiti

Fhuair dàn leam Draghadh a’ chiad duais airson bàrdachd na Gàidhlig aig Farpais Bàrdachd Bheul nam Buillean sa Chèitean. Chaidh an àireamh as ùire den iris bhliadhnail bàrdachd ann an Gàidhlig na h-Alba is na h-Èireann, An Guth 6, air a bheil mi nam fhear-deasachaidh, a chur air bhog ri linn na Fèise cuideachd. www.strokestownpoetry.org Mar chuid den ghnothach a th’ agam anns an dreuchd agam ris a’ choimhearsnachd, leugh mi cuid de mo shaothair do Chomann Leasachaidh Chamas Chrois agus Dhuisdeil sa Chèitean. www.camuscross.org Thathar air buidheann-sgrìobhaidh a chur air chois aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus tha an stuth ri fhaicinn san iris Northwords Now agus air Guthan Gàidhlig air a’ cheangal: http://sgriobag.wordpress.com/

Thug dàn leam Bàn a’ chiad duais a-mach ann am Farpais na Gàidhlig aig Fèis bàrdachd Bhaile Ùige. http://www.wigtownbookfestival.com/poetrycomp/ Am measg nam mìrean air a bheil mi ag obair an-dràsta tha clàr air an tig brod luchd-ciùil is luchd-sgrìobhaidh na Gàidhlig còmhla, le Ailean MacEanraig, Ceòladair an t-Sabhail.”

Gheibhear barrachd fiosrachaidh air obair Rody air:

My poem, Draghadh, took first prize for Gaelic Poetry at the Strokestown International Poetry Festival in May. The most recent edition of An Guth, an annual anthology of 2 contemporary Gaelic poetry from Scotland and Ireland of which I am editor, was also launched at the Festival. www.strokestownpoetry.org

Also in May, I read from a selection of my work at a community event held by the Camus Cross and Duisdale Initiative. www.camuscross.org We have started a writing group at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and a selection of work can be found in the latest edition of Northwords Now and online at Guthan Gàidhlig: http://sgriobag.wordpress.com/

My poem Bàn also received first prize for Gaelic poetry in the Wigtown Poetry Competition. http://www.wigtownbookfestival.com/poetrycomp/ Amongst other things, I am working on a project with the College’s Musician in Residence, Allan Henderson, which will see various musicians, singers and writers come together to produce new Gaelic compositions to feature on a College CD.” For further information on the many projects in which Rody is involved go to: http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/Cultar-Ealain/sgriobhadair_gd.html

http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/Cultar-Ealain/sgriobhadair_gd.html Tha Sabhal Mòr Ostaig fada an comain Alba Chruthachail airson taic-airgid a chur ri Prògram nan Dreuchdan Ealan aig a’ Cholaiste

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is indebted to Creative Scotland for its continuing financial support of the College’s Artist in Residency programme

CO-LABHAIRT RUBH’ AN DÙNAIN Beir soraidh bhuam Chì mi am bàta Falbh gu siùbhlach ’S i dol timcheall Rubha an Dùnain ’S e mo Leannan-sa Tha ga stiùireadh Deas làimh a cheanglas ‘M ball ’s ga lùbadh

Chaidh co-labhairt Rubh’ an Dùnain a chumail aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig air 19 Giblean air cuspair nan seann bhàtaichean anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus na h-Eileanan an Iar. Bha sianar a’ toirt seachad òraidean, fear dhiubh Dr Morten Gøthche à Roskilde a bha an sàs le obair airceòlais mu bhàtaichean Lochlannach. Chaidh obair làraich a dhèanamh timcheall Rubh’ an Dùnain ann an 2009 le taic bho Alba Eachdraidheil agus dh’ionnsaich an luchd-èisteachd mun obair sin agus gun robh Clann Mhic Asgaill a bhiodh a’ fuireach ann a’ dèanamh obair caraidh air na bìrlinnean aig Tighearnas nan Eilean. Thathar an dòchas gum bi an obair seo fiosrachail agus soirbheachail airson na coimhearsnachd agus gum bi Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a’ toirt taic dhan phròiseact san àm ri teachd a thaobh cànain agus litreachais.

The conference Rubh’ an Dùnain was held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on 19 April on the subject of old boats in the Highlands and the Western Isles. There were six speakers, at the conference, one of whom was Dr Morten Gøthche from Roskilde who was engaged in archaeological work on Viking boats. Field work was done on Rubh’ an Dùnain in 2009 with support from Historic Scotland and delegates learnt about this work and that the MacAskills who lived there undertook repairs to the boats of Lord of the Isles. It is hoped that this work will be informative and successful for the community and that Sabhal Mòr will continue to support this project in respect of language and literature.

DUAISEAN TEAGAISG UHISA 2010 Tha sinn air leth toilichte gun deach urram sònraichte a bhuileachadh air grunn de sgioba teagaisg an t-Sabhail Mhòir. Bho chionn ghoirid, bha Comunn Oileanach OGE (UHISA) a’ sireadh mholaidhean airson aithne shònraichte a bhuileachadh air òraidichean, a’ comharrachadh teagasg a bha brosnachail, dòighean a bha taiceil ann a bhith a’ cur fios air ais gu oileanaich agus dòighean-cleachdaidh adhartach ann a bhith a’ cur teicneolas gu feum. Tha sinn air leth moiteil gun deach còignear bho Shabhal Mòr Ostaig a chomharrachadh anns na molaidhean sin – an t-Oll. Meg Bateman, an t-Àrd Oll. Richard Cox, an t-Oll. Tim Armstrong, Donnchadh Scott agus Murchadh MacLeòid.

Choisinn Murchadh MacLeòid, a tha na stiùiriche air a’ Chùrsa Adhartais agus a’ Chùrsa Chomais a’ phrìomh aithne air feadh OGE mar an neach-teagaisg as brosnachail. ’S e urram sònraichte a tha seo do Mhurchadh agus tha e mar chomharra air na dòighean teagaisg brosnachail, innleachdail agus adhartach a tha Murchadh a’ cur gu feum. Tha an duais na deagh shanas air èifeachd teagaisg cànain air na cùrsaichean seo agus a’ cur gu mòr ri cliù na Colaiste. Tha dùil gun tèid an Duais a thoirt seachad aig Ceumnachd 2009/10 aig toiseach an Dàmhair.

UHISA TEACHING AWARDS 2010 Five teaching staff from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig were nominated in the inaugural UHI Student Association Teaching Awards 2010.

They were Dr Meg Bateman, Professor Richard Cox, Dr Tim Armstrong, Duncan Scott and Murdo MacLeod.

We were particularly delighted that Murdo MacLeod was the winner of the Most Inspiring Lecturer award. The award recognises lecturers who demonstrate the ability to inspire students to achieve as much as they can through their approach to teaching and their engagement with both students and the subject. The student nominations bear testimony to Murdo’s dedication and innovative and successful teaching methodologies. The award will be presented at the 2009/10 Graduation.

CLUB COISEACHD Bho Mhullach na Beinne Tha an Club Streap is Coiseachd aig an t-Sabhal air a bhith gu math soirbheachail sna mìosan seo chaidh. Tha buidheann bheag stèidhichte againn a thèid air cha mhòr a h-uile cuairt agus a bharrachd air sin thig daoine diofraichte còmhla rinn airson tursan sònraichte cuideachd.

Tha na cuairtean air a bhith cho spòrsail agus an sgioba cho math, agus a-nis tha iad sin a’ dol a-mach còmhla gu tric fa-leth bho na cuairtean oifigeil. Tha dealbhan bho na cuairtean sin air an làraich-lìn cuideachd. Às dèidh geamhradh grianach le tòrr sneachda, chaidh sinn do Bhod(ach) an Stòrr anns a’ Mhàrt le ochdnar, agus ged a bha an t-sìde mosach, fuar, gaothach agus fliuch, rinn sinn a’ chùis ruighinn dhan mhullach agus air ais. Fhuair sinn ar blàths air ais le cupa tì is cèicichean mòra ann am Port Rìgh.

Seachdain às dèidh sin streap sinn a’ bheinn as àirde san Eilean, Sgùrr Alasdair, le deichnear, agus ged a bha streap aig ìre “doirbh” an sàs, rinn a h-uile duine a’ chùis fìor mhath agus bha deagh latha againn. Theirinn sinn an Great Stone Chute air ar tònan san t-sneachda agus bha deagh spòrs aig a h-uile duine… agus bha e fada na bu luaithe! Fhuair sinn cuireadh airson cupa tì le dithis bhon ostail-òigridh ann an Gleann Bhreatail às dèidh sin.

Streap sinn am Binnein Do-ruigsinneach anns a’ Ghiblean agus nuair a bha sinn an dùil streap aig Loch Coir’ Uisge, bha i cho garbh nach deach am bàta ann, ach dh’aontaich sinn a dhol a Chamas Fhionnairidh far an robh BBQ againn agus deagh spòrs anns a’ bhothan. Bha sin fada na b’ fheàrr na teantaichean ann an stoirm! Choisich cuid againn gu Loch Coir’ Uisge bho sin (chunnaic sinn tòrr ròn) agus cuid eile timcheall Loch na Creitheach. A-nis tha planaichean againn airson cuairt air na Beanntan Dearga agus deireadh-seachdain ann an Cnòideart. ’S e cothrom mìorbhaileach a th’ ann do dhaoine a dhol a-mach a choiseachd còmhla ri daoine eile agus ’s urrainn dhuinn uile ionnsachadh bho chàch a chèile. Tha sinn ag iarraidh cluinntinn bhuaibh dè tha sibh ag iarraidh a dhèanamh agus càit a bheil sibh ag iarraidh a dhol.

An-dràsta cha chluinn sinn ach bhon fheadhainn aig a bheil ùidh ann an streap, agus sin as adhbhar gu bheil a’ mhòr-chuid de na cuairtean aig an ìre seo. Siuthadaibh!

Innsibh dhuinn mu àite no cuairt shnog agus cuiridh sinn cuairt ri chèile. Is cinnteach gun tig daoine còmhla ribh!

Coimheadaibh air an làraich-lìn airson barrachd fiosrachaidh agus ma chlàraicheas sibh an sin, cluinnidh sibh na tha dol aig a’ Chlub Streap. Dealbhan, aithrisean, clàr-ama, fiosrachadh agus clàradh aig http://sic.smo.uhi.ac.uk (Gàidhlig a-mhàin). Am faic sinn an ath thuras sibh?

WALKING CLUB Bho Mhullach na Beinne The Climbing and Walking Club has been very successful in the past months. A small group of us go on almost every trip, but new and different people join us on separate excursions.

Thanks to the good fun we’ve had, some of us meet up outwith the organised trips to go out walking together. We publish pictures of those trips on our website too.

We had a great winter with wonderful snow walks, and when it was just time for spring to come, we had a wild and wet trip to the Old Man of Storr, but we made it to the top, and then rushed to Portree to warm up with coffee and cake.

The Walking Club is a great opportunity for people to go out walking or climbing with others, and to learn from each other. We would welcome suggestions on where you would like to go and what you would want to do. At the moment, we feel, we always hear from the same small group of people, usually those who like climbing, and this is why most of our trips at the moment have been at this level. So let’s hear your ideas, and we’ll arrange a trip.

Please visit our website for more detailed information on trips, and, if you register, you will be kept up-to-date.

Pictures, reports, schedule and information at http://sic.smo.uhi.ac.uk (Gaelic only). See you next time!

A week after, the weather turned better again and 10 of us climbed Skye’s highest mountain, Sgùrr Alasdair, and although we had to face a “difficult” climb, we all mastered it and reached the top easily. We took the fast way down the Great Stone Chute on our bottoms, and warmed up with a cuppa in the youth hostel.

In April, we braved the Inaccessible Pinnacle,but when we planned to go climbing at Loch Coruisk, the weather let us down, the boat didn’t sail, and we decided to walk to Camasunary for a bothy weekend instead, We had a great time setting up a barbecue in the fireplace! Some of us took a trip from there to Loch Coruisk (saw lots of seals), and some walked round Loch Creitheach. Now we’re planning a hill walk in the Red Hills and a weekend in Knoydart.

Club Coiseachd

... Naidheachd aig Fàs ... News from Fàs ...

AINMEAN-ÀITE NA H-ALBA

GAELIC PLACE NAMES OF SCOTLAND

Tha Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba na chom-pàirteachas comhairleachaidh nàiseanta airson ainmean-àite Gàidhlig ann an Alba. ’S e an t-amas againn cruthan ceart de dh’ainmean-àite Gàidhlig a stèidheachadh airson mhapaichean, shoidhnichean is eile.

Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba is a national advisory partnership for the Gaelic place names of Scotland. It is our aim to establish the correct forms of Gaelic place names for maps, signs and other uses.

Bidh sinn a’ cleachdadh sàr eòlas nam ball againn, fiosrachadh ionadail is tùsan eachdraidheil gus cruthan seasmhach de dh’ainmean-àite Gàidhlig aontachadh.

Cuideachd bidh sinn a’ cleachdadh phrionnsapalan stèidhichte leithid GOC agus an stiùireadh a rinn sinn fhèin gus litreachadh cunbhalach a stèidheachadh.

We utilise the extensive knowledge of our members, local information and historical sources to agree on permanent forms of Gaelic place names. Also, we use standard authorised principles such as GOC and the guidelines we have created ourselves in order to establish regularised spelling of names.

On bhliadhna 2000 a-mach, tha sinn air a bhith ag obair còmhla ris an t-Suirbhidh Òrdanais, comhairlean ionadail, ùghdarrasan rathaidean is buidhnean poblach eile gus ainmean-àite Gàidhlig a sholarachadh airson mhapaichean, shoidhnichean is eile. Chaidh Stòr-dàta Nàiseanta de dh’Ainmean-Àite Gàidhlig a chur air bhog san Lùnastal is tha e ri fhaotainn an-asgaidh air loidhne. Bheir e seachad fiosrachadh ùghdarrasach mu ainmean-àite Gàidhlig ann an goireas singilte, cuide ris an rannsachadh a chaidh a dhèanamh air na h-ainmean sin, fiosrachadh mu leabhraichean, agus àireamh-fiosrachaidh grioda siafigearach gus gach ainm a lorg. Carson nach feuch sibh e air www.ainmean-aite.org

Since 2000 we have been working in partnership with the Ordnance Survey, local councils, roads authorities and other public bodies to provide Gaelic place names for maps, signs and other uses. The Gaelic Place-names Gazetteer was launched in August and is now freely available online. It will provide a single source of authoritative information on Gaelic forms of place-names, including the research by which names have been determined, links to bibliographical information and a six figure grid reference which links to a map to locate each name. Why not try it out at www.ainmean-aite.org

• Tha blog ur ‘ainm-àite na seachdaine’ air www.ainmean-aite.org. Nach toir sibh sùil air agus na beachdan agaibh fhàgail.

• New blog ‘ainm-àite na seachdaine’ on www.ainmean-aite.org. Come and take a look and leave any comments you wish.

• Tha sinn air Facebook, Twitter agus mygaelic.com a-nis.

Cuideachd ma tha dealbhan inntinneach le soidhnichean Gàidhlig no àiteachan sònraichte agaibh, nach cuir sibh suas air Facebook iad!

• We are on Facebook, Twitter and mygaelic.com. Also if you have any interesting Gaelic signs put them up on Facebook!

AODAINN NA COLAISTE

PEOPLE AT THE COLLEGE

Air a’ mhìos seo bhruidhinn sinn ri Ruaraidh Iain MacLeòid, Cathraiche an t-Sabhail, agus ri Kyle Carey à New Hampshire anns na Stàitean Aonaichte a bha na h-oileanach air a’ Chùrsa Chomais agus a bhios a’ tòiseachadh air an dàrna bliadhna an teirm seo.

This month we spoke to Roddy John Macleod, Chair of the College Board of Directors, and Kyle Carey from New Hampshire in the United States who was a student on Cùrsa Comais and who will be starting her second year this term.

Dè an t-ainm a th’ oirbh?

Ruaraidh Iain MacLeòid

What is your name?

Roddy John Macleod

Dè an obair a th’ agaibh? ’S e Siorram a th’ annam ach tha mi an-dràsta a’ cur seachad a’ mhòr-chuid dhe m’ ùine mar Iar-Chathraiche Cùirt an Fhearainn. Tha seo a’ ciallachadh gu bheil mi an sàs ann an gnothaichean a’ buntainn ri lagh croitearachd agus thuathanachais agus bithidh sinn a’ cluinntinn chùisean air feadh Alba. Nuair nach eil feum aig Cùirt an Fhearainn orm bidh mi a’ suidhe mar Shiorram ann an Dun Èideann.

What is your occupation?

I am a Sheriff but, at the moment, I spend most of my time as Vice-Chair of the Scottish Land Court. This means that I am involved with matters relating to crofting and farming laws and we have sittings all over Scotland. When I am not needed at the Land Court, I sit as a Sheriff in Edinburgh.

Cò às a tha sibh agus cò ris a tha e coltach? ’S ann às Port nan Long, air taobh siar an Eilein Sgitheanaich, a tha mi ach ’s ann às na Hearadh a bha mo phàrantan le chèile. Thàinig iadsan, agus mòran eile às na Hearadh agus cuid à Leòdhas, a Phort nan Long anns na 1920an. Mar sin chan e baile Sgitheanach a th’ ann idir; coltach ri mòran bhailtean eile ’s ann a tha e a-nis caran Gallda. Ach tha an eachdraidh seo a’ ciallachadh gu bheil taobh làidir agam ris na Hearadh agus tha e tric na cheist dhomh, cò as fheàrr leam, na Hearadh no an t-Eilean Sgitheanach. Gu fortanach chan eil agam ri roghainn a dhèanamh eatorra!

Dè na cur-seachadan a th’ agaibh?

A bhith a’ leughadh, a’ coimhead air eòin, a’ coiseachd agus a’ coimhead ball-coise (Hibs!).

Ainmich aon rud a bu toigh leibh a dhèanamh airson Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh?

Cuideachadh le leasachadh an t-Sabhail Mhòir a thoirt chun na h-ath ìre le leudachadh a thoirt air àrainn na Colaiste fhèin agus le cur ris na tha Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a’ dèanamh airson ath leasachadh na Gàidhlig agus na Gàidhealtachd.

Where are you from and what is it like?

I am from Portnalong in the west of Skye but my parents were from Harris.

They and many others from Harris and Lewis came across to Portnalong in the 1920s. Therefore, it’s not a Skye village at all and, like many other villages, it’s not as Gàidhealach as it used to be. This history means that I have strong connections with Harris and I often ask myself which I prefer, Harris or Skye. Thankfully, I don’t have to choose between the two!

What are your hobbies?

Reading, bird spotting, walking watching football (Hibs!)

and

Name one thing you would like to do to for Gaelic?

Help with the development of Sabhal Mòr, taking it to the next level through extension of the College Campus and to assist with what Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is already doing to develop Gaelic and the Highlands.

Roddy John Macleod

Kyle Carey 1 2 3 4

Ceòl Country no Ceòl Ròc?

Ceòl Country - Bluegrass

Agalla mh a

nn a

n6 0

di o

g

5

hla m ò c

ri

6 7 8 9 10 11

A’ coiseachd no a’ campadh?

A’ coiseachd agus a’ campadh an dèidh làimh!

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Post-dealain no litir?

Litir, ach tha tiodhlacan sa phost nas fhèarr...

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Bradan no sgadan? ’S e vegetarian a th’ annam!

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Cabadaich no cadal?

Cadal is dòcha, ach tha mi a’ smaointinn gum bi mi a’ cabadaich nam chadal gu tric!

32 33 34 35 36 37

Òrain ghaoil no òrain luaidh? Òrain luaidh, gu h-àraidh Anna Bheag

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Tent no taigh-òsta?

Taigh-òsta no B&B

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Leabhraichean èibhinn no leabhraichean eagalach?

An dà chuid, tha mi air mo bheò-ghlacadh le litreachas!

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Agus mu dheireadh, dè am facal Gàidhlig as fheàrr leat? Òran

DEALBHAN

Andrew Dixon

IN PICTURES

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Bha e na thoileachas dhuinn fàilte a chur air ceannard ùr Creative Scotland, Anndra Dixon, don Cholaiste san Ògmhios.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig was delighted to welcome the new Head of Creative Scotland, Andrew Dixon, to the College in June.

1. Còmhla ri Julie Brook agus sgoilearan Bun-sgoil Shlèite a ghabh pàirt san taisbeanadh ealain Air Iomlaid 2. Le MG Alba a bhios a’ cumail taic do na duaisean Na Trads a-rithist am-bliadhna 3. Air chuairt aig a’ Cholaiste

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Fi s Dhuinn Fhìn/ Naidheachdan an Luchd-obrach Bha grunnan luchd-obrach samhraidh còmhla ri muinntir a’ chidsin agus muinntir sgeadachaidh na Colaiste – feadhainn aca an seo fhathast. Bha e math gun robh Gàidhlig aig barrachd dhiubh am bliadhna.

Bha triùir oileanach còmhla rinn am bliadhna tro sgeama Chomunn na Gàidhlig ‘s iadsan: Sonya Barrett còmhla ri sgioba nan Cùrsaichean Goirid; Ruairidh Neithercut anns an Leabharlann agus Kyle Carey còmhla ri Roinn Margaideachd.

Bha sinn toilichte chluinntinn gun robh nighean bheag aig Yvonne Nic a’ Ghobhainn bhon Ionad-fàilte. ’S e Leah NicFhionghain a th’ oirre agus tha an dithis aca a’ cumail gu math.

Thill Denis Woodtli dhan chidsin às dèidh dha obair-lannsa fhaighinn air a chridhe.

Thòisich Oisean MacUrcrin san Ògmhios mar Iar Cheannard Sgeadachaidh. Tha ùidh mhòr aig Oisean ann an gnothaichean Gàidhlig ’s e comasach air beagan a bhruidhinn mar-thà.

Fhuair Dàibhidh Meechan àrdachadh dreuchd gu “Trainee Chef” an àite Hannah Metcalfe a dh’fhàg ron t-Samhradh. Tha Dàibhidh ag obrachadh tron SVQ Còcaireachd aige.

Fhuair Alex Gruba obair leantainneach mar Oifigear nan Cùrsaichean Goirid. Bha Alex air sgeama ceumnachaidh Comunn na Gàidhlig an-uiridh. Tha i air obair ionmholta a dhèanamh dhuinn.

Thòisich Tormod Seathach mar Neach-ealain airson an dàrna leth den bhliadhna a’ leantainn bhon obair mhath a rinn Gill Ruiseal.

Bithear a’ sanasachd airson luchd-ealain ùr a dh’aithghearr seach gun d’ fhuair sinn maoineachadh bho Alba Chruthachail airson bliadhna eile.

Thathas toilichte gum bi Ailean MacEanruig còmhla rinn airson bliadhna eile mar Cheòladair na Colaiste. Seo a’ bhliadhna mu dheireadh aige mar Cheòladair ged a tha e cuideachd na Neach-teagaisg air a’ Chùrsa Ciùil.

Bidh Rody Gorman cuideachd a’ fuireach fad bliadhna eile le taing do dh’Alba Chruthachail a-rithist son post an sgrìobhadair a chumail a’ dol.

Bidh Gòrdan Camshron a’ fuireach fad bliadhna eile dà latha san t-seachdain a’ cur taic ri sgioba an Leabharlainn.

Tha Pete Chapman a-nise air gluasad gu Roinn Margaideachd na Colaiste.

Bha sinn uabhasach duilich Anna agus Chris Deplano a chall.

Tha sinn toilichte dhaibhsan ge-tà ’s iad a’ leantainn slighean ùra dhaibh fhèin. Bidh Anna a’ dèanamh cùrsa ealain ann an Glaschu agus bidh Chris a’ dèanamh cùrsa teagaisg bunsgoile tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig aig Cnoc Iòrdain.

Bidh Fiona NicIlleathain a’ tòiseachadh toiseach an t-Sultain mar Rùnaire a Phrionnsapail. Bha Fiona na h-oileanach fad dà bhliadhna aig a’ Cholaiste.

Soillse Thòisich Iain Caimbeul mar Àrd Mhanaidsear Pròiseict sa Ghiblean agus tha sinn toilichte innse gum bi an t-Oll Rob Dunbar a’ tighinn mar Phroifeasair Rannsachaidh tràth san t-Sultain.

Fhuair Tim Armstrong obair mar Neach Rannsachaidh le SOILLSE agus bidh esan a’ tòiseachadh ro dheireadh an t-Samhraidh.

Shoirbhich le Sìleas Landgraf le iarrtas airson sgoilearachd PhD mar phàirt den phròiseact seo cuideachd.

Meal-a-naidheachd dhan dithis aca a tha air obair mhòr a dhèanamh gach cuid mar oileanaich agus mar luchd-obrach an t-Sabhail gu ruige seo.

Cànan Bhathas toilichte fàilte air ais a chur air Eilidh NicFhionghain a bha na h-oileanach air a’ Chùrsa TBh o chionn beagan bhliadhnaichean.

Bidh Eilidh a’ dèanamh obair Fhloraidh Forrest fhad ’s a bhios i air fòrladh màthaireil. Tha sinn a’ guidhe gach dùrachd do Fhloraidh ’s gu Decker le Seonaidh beag a rugadh san Lùnastal.

Ainmean-àite na h-Alba Thòisich Michelle Cottar aig deireadh a’ Chèitein mar Mhanaidsear Pròiseict an àite Ròs-Mhùire. Bha Michelle ag obair do Chànan ron a seo agus tha i cuideachd na h-oileanach pàirt-thìde.

Dreuchdan sna Pàipearan Tha sinn an-dràsta a’ sireadh Luchd-sgeadachaidh làn-ùine agus Neach-taic an Ionaid Fàilte aig am bi uallach airson siostam-reic air-loidhne cuideachd (don bhùth).

Thathas toilichte innse cuideachd gum bi sanas a’ dol a-mach a dh’aithghearr airson Oifigear Poileasaidh Cànain. Fhuaireas taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig airson na dreuchd seo.

Naidheachd sam bith agaibh mun luchd-obrach? Bruidhnibh ri Nicola air 88301

St p press news/ Staff news Several summer staff, some of whom are still with us, worked with the Kitchen and Housekeeping teams. It was heartening that more of them spoke Gaelic this year.

Three students worked with us through the Comunn na Gàidhlig scheme this summer: Sonya Barrett with the Short Courses team; Ruairidh Neithercut in the Library and Kyle Carey with the Marketing Department.

We were delighted to hear that Yvonne Smith from the Reception gave birth to a little girl called Leah NicFhionghain and both mother and baby are doing well.

We welcomed Denis Woodtli back to the kitchen after heart surgery.

Oisean MacUrcrin started work in June as Housekeeping Deputy.

Oisean is very interested in Gaelic matters and he is already able to speak some of the language.

David Meechan has been promoted to Trainee Chef in place of Hannah Metcalfe who left before the summer. He is working through his SVQ Cooking course at the moment.

Alex Gruba has been permanently employed as Short Courses Officer. Alex was on the Comunn na Gàidhlig graduate scheme last year and has already done great work.

Norman Shaw took over as Artist-in-Residence for the second half of the year, to follow on from the great work of Gill Russell. Thanks to the award of funding from Creative Scotland for another year, we will soon be advertising for a new Artist-in-Residence.

We are very happy that Allan Henderson will be with us for another year as the College’s Musician-in-Residence. This is Allan’s final year as Musician-in-Residence although he is also a tutor on the Traditional Music course..

Rody Gorman will also stay with us for a further twelve months, with thanks to Creative Scotland who have funded the Writer-in-Residence’s post for another year.

Gordon Cameron will continue to work two days a week supporting the Library team.

Pete Chapman has now moved to the College’s Marketing Department.

It was a huge disappointment to lose Anna and Chris Deplano. We are delighted, though, that they will be following new paths. Anna will be studying on an art course in Glasgow while Chris will study Gaelic-medium primary teaching at Jordanhill.

Fiona MacLean will take up her post as the Principal’s Secretary at the start of September. Fiona previously spent two years as a student at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

Soillse Ian Campbell took up his role as Senior Project Manager in April and we are delighted to announce that Professor Rob Dunbar will join the project as Research Professor in early September.

Tim Armstrong was appointed as SOILLSE’s researcher and begins work with the project at the end of the summer.

Sìleas Landgraf has successfully secured a PhD scholarship as part of this project.

Congratulations to both Tim and Sìleas who have already achieved much as both students and staff members of Sabhal Mòr.

Cànan We were delighted to welcome Eilidh MacKinnon, formerly a student on the TV course, back to the College. She will cover for Floraidh Forrest who is on maternity leave. We send our very best wishes to Floraidh and Decker, and, of course, to little Seonaidh who was born in August.

Gaelic Placenames At the end of May, Michelle Cotter took over as Project Manager, replacing Rosemary Gibson. Michelle previously worked with Cànan and was also a part-time student of the College.

Job opportunities in the Papers At the moment, we are looking to hire full-time members of the Housekeeping team and a Receptionist who will have responsibility for the shop’s online sales.

We are also delighted to announce that adverts will soon appear for the post of Language Policy Officer. Support has been received from Bòrd na Gàidhlig for this post.

Do you have any news about staffing? Speak to Nicola on 88301

Dealbhte le Cànan | Design Cànan www.canan.co.uk

Mas ann air post-d a b’ fheàrr leibh a’ chuairt-litir fhaighinn cuiribh fios gu litir@smo.uhi.ac.uk If you would prefer to receive an electronic copy of the newsletter please email litir@smo.uhi.ac.uk Dealbhan na cuairt-litreach le Archie MacFarlane, Steve McKenzie, Wojtek Dziejma agus Mick MacNèill.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Ionad Nàiseanta Cànan is Cultar na Gàidhlig • National Centre for Gaelic Language & Culture Slèite, An t-Eilean Sgitheanach, Alba IV44 8RQ • +44 (0)1471 888000 • fios@smo.uhi.ac.uk • www.smo.uhi.ac.uk Tha Sabhal Mòr Ostaig na chompanaidh earranta clàraichte ann an Alba, àireamh 361752. Àireamh Carthannas Albannach Clàraichte SC002578.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland Number SC361752 Registered charity no: SC002578.