Cuairt-litir 2019/20 - Newsletter 2019/20 by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

G E A M H R A D H 2 019 / 2 0 W I N T E R

CUAIRT-LITIR|NEWSLETTER

FACAL-TOISICH BHON PHRIONNSAPAL Fàilte mhòr chridheil gu Cuairt-litir an t-Sabhail Mhòir! ’S i bliadhna air leth trang a th’ air a bhith ann, agus bu thoil leinn ar taing a chur an cèill an seo dha luchdobrach, oileanaich, luchd-tadhail, luchd-maoineachaidh, co-obraichean, alumni agus caraidean airson ur taic uile ann a bhith a’ toirt ar n-Ionad Nàiseanta airson Cànan is Cultar na Gàidhlig bho neart gu neart. Bidh Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, colaiste neo-eisimeileach a tha coisrigte gu leasachadh na Gàidhlig ann an Alba, leth-cheud bliadhna a dh’ aois ann an 2023, agus mar phàirt dhen ullachadh airson seo, bidh sinn a’ leasachadh ar sgeama airson Alumni agus caraidean an t-Sabhail, mar sibh fhèin a leughadair. Nach cùm sibh sùil air duilleag an t-Sabhail air an làraich-lìn. Chithear sna duilleagan a leanas gu bheil a’ Ghàidhlig ann an làmhan fìor mhath na h-òigridh agus luchd-ceumnachaidh, tro eisimpleirean bhon Bhun-Phreantasachd sna Meadhanan Cruthachail is Digiteach, le manaidsear ionad cùram-cloinne Gàidhlig Fàs Mòr, Lucy Hannah, agus le Lillidh Chaimbeul a thogadh le Gàidhlig sa choimhearsnachd agus san sgoil agus a tha a-nis na h-oileanach ag ionnsachadh còmhla rinn air a’ chiad bhliadhna dhen chùrsa aice. Leughaidh sinn cuideachd mun iomadach duine a cheumnaich bho SMO san Dàmhair 2019. Tha òraidean fìor chudromach gu beatha poblach an t-Sabhail. Am bliadhna, bha sinn air leth fortanach cluinntinn bho Catrìona Nic a’ Phì, bho Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, Cairistìona Walker, a lìbhrig òraid bhliadhnail Sir Iain Nòbail, agus chuir sinn meal a naidheachd air a’ cho-obrachadh eadar Taighean-Tasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba tron obair aig Dr Stuart Allan, Dr Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart is an t-Ollamh Ùisdean Cheape a thug, le chèile, Òraid an t-Sabhail dhuinn. Tha iomadh duine is pròiseact ga thaisbeanadh sa chuairt-litir seo, eadar soirbheas anns a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta, co-fharpaisean bàrdachd is rosg, iomairtean fìor inntinneach mar Dealas, Ceòl Mòr Ostaig, agus Fèis Beò, agus leasachadh nan àiteachan-fuirich againn aig a’ Cholaiste. Gun còrd an cuairt-litir seo ribh!

FOREWORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL A very warm welcome to the SMO Newsletter! It has been an extremely busy year and Sabhal Mòr would like to give special thanks to its staff, students, visitors, funders, partners, alumni and friends for all of your support in helping us take the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture from strength to strength. As we begin to plan for celebrating, in 2023, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s fiftieth birthday as an independent organisation devoted to Gaelic development in Scotland, we hope to grow our community – which you, dear reader, are a part of – through various initiatives. One of these will be to develop our SMO Alumni Association which will be for both graduates, friends and supporters - please keep an eye on the SMO website for further updates. This newsletter shows that we can have pride and confidence that Gaelic is in the safe hands of so many young people and new graduates, whether they be secondary school pupils studying with us on a Foundation Apprenticeship in Digital and Creative Media, the Fàs Mòr childcare facility manager Lucy Hannah, recently named as a Young Gaelic Ambassador for Scotland, or Lillidh Chaimbeul who grew up with Gaelic in the community and in school and who has recently begun her university education with us as a first year student. Many others, both young and not so young, have flourished at Sabhal Mòr this past year and have graduated with us, in October. Lectures are a very important part of the public life of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. This year, we were fortunate enough to hear Catrìona Nic a’ Phì from Glasgow Gaelic School at the graduation, Cairistìona Walker, who gave the Sir Iain Nòbail annual lecture, and we also celebrated our partnership working with National Museums of Scotland through the work of Dr Stuart Allan (NMS), and our own Dr Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart and Prof. Hugh Cheape, who together gave us Òraid an t-Sabhail. Many more individuals and projects are celebrated in this newsletter, for achievements such as the Mòd Nàiseanta, in national poetry and prose competitions, for exciting initiatives such as Dealas, Ceòl Mòr Ostaig, and Fèis Beò, and our new refurbished student and accommodation facilities. We hope that you find much of interest in this SMO Newsletter – enjoy!

Prionnsapal - Dr. Gillian Rothach

ÒRAID AN T-SABHAIL Chaidh Òraid an t-Sabhail a chumail am-bliadhna aig Taigheantasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba ann an Dùn Èideann, Diardaoin 7 Samhain agus b’ e tiotal na h-òraid, ‘Cuir eag anns a’ chasaceangal’: Gàidhlig ga cur gu feum. Bha an Òraid stèidhichte air co-obrachadh ùr eadar Taigheantasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba agus acadaimigich aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus a’ leantainn air an taisbeanadh Fiadhaich is Glòrmhor – Seallaidhean Romansach de dh’ Alba, a bha ri fhaicinn aig Taighean-tasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba, agus air an do dh’obraich an triùir a thug seachad an òraid – an Dr. Stuart Allan, Taigheantasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba, agus an t-Oll. Ùisdean Cheape is an Dr. Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart, bho Shabhal Mòr Ostaig. Bhruidhinn Prionnsapal Shabhal Mòr Ostaig, Dr. Gillian Rothach, mun Òraid: “’S e tlachd agus urram a th’ air a bhith ann dha Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a bhith ag obair gu dlùth le Taighean-tasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba air a’ chuspair seallaidhean nan Gàidheal air an linn Romansach. Bha an co-obrachadh san taisbeanadh nàiseanta Fiadhaich is Glòrmhor fìor shoirbheachail. San taisbeanadh, a tha dìreach air tighinn gu crìch, chualas guthan is DEALBHAN / CAPTIONS 1. John Knox, Landscape with Tourists at Loch Katrine, detail. National Galleries of Scotland

beachdan nan Gàidheal a bha gu tric eadar-dhealaichte bho na guthan a chuala sinn roimhe ann an cunntasan is taisbeanaidhean nàiseanta is eadar-nàiseanta air an linn Romansach is na Gàidheil. Bha a’ Ghàidhlig sgrìobhte ri leughadh agus guthan nan Gàidheal rin cluinntinn san taisbeanadh gu lèir air panailean is teagsaichean air feadh an taisbeanaidh. Ann an Òraid an t-Sabhail, bha cothrom aig an Ollamh Cheape, Dr. Stiùbhairt is Dr. Allan meòrachadh air a’ cho-obrachadh, agus rinneadh co-dhùnadh gum bithear ag obair còmhla a-rithist, gu maith ar n-eòlais nàiseanta air sealladh nan Gàidheal air eachdraidh.” Thug an t-Oll Ùisdean Cheape seachad a bheachd air an òraid agus an taisbeanadh: “’S e deagh chothrom a th’ ann an Òraid an t-Sabhail a bhith a’ cur an cèill beachd air staid a’ chànain san latha an-diugh agus a bhith a’ meòrachadh air slighean air adhart ri obrachadh tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig anns an fharsaingeachd. ’S e cothrom sònraichte math a bh’ ann dhuinn am-bliadhna a bhith a’ toirt seachad òraid air cuspair taisbeanadh an Taigh-tasgaidh, ‘Fiadhaich Glòrmhor’, mun Linn Romansach agus mar a chaidh a stèidheachadh ann am Breatainn agus air feadh an t-saoghail air cultar is cànan na Gàidhealtachd.

ANNUAL LECTURE This year's Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Annual Lecture, entitled ‘Put a notch in the rafter’: Setting Gaelic to work, was a collaboration with National Museums of Scotland in Edinburgh and took place there on Thursday Nov 7th. The Lecture linked thematically with the national exhibition, Wild and Majestic – Romantic visions of Scotland, which ran at the National Museums of Scotland until recently and on which all three experts who delivered the Lecture, worked – Dr. Stuart Allan, National Museums Scotland, and Prof. Hugh Cheape and Dr. Donald William Stewart, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. SMO Principal, Dr. Gillian Rothach, commented on the annual event: “It was a pleasure and an honour for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig to work in close partnership with National Museums Scotland, on the topic of Gaelic perspectives on the Romantic period. The collaboration, in the form of the national exhibition Wild and Majestic, was extremely successful. In the exhibition, which has just finished, the voices and opinions of Gaels were to be heard - voices which were often different from the voices we have heard previously in national and international accounts of the Romantic era and the Gaels. Written

Gaelic and oral recordings of Gaelic were present throughout the exhibition, on panels and in texts. In the SMO Annual Lecture, Prof. Cheape, Dr. Stewart and Dr. Allan reflected on their collaboration and concluded that they will work together again, for the benefit of our national understanding of the Gaels’ perspectives on history.” Prof. Hugh Cheape commented on the lecture and the exhibition: “The Annual Lecture is a wonderful opportunity to comment on the state of the language today and to look at possible opportunities for working through the medium of Gaelic in the future. This year gave us an excellent chance to deliver the lecture, on the back of the national exhibition, with regard to the Romantic era and how it was established in Britain and throughout the world, from the perspective of the Gaels.”

FHUAIR SINN COTHROM AIR LETH AM BLIADHNA AN ÒRAID A THOIRT SEACHAD BHO SHEALLADH NAN GÀIDHEAL

DEALBHAN / CAPTIONS 2. Image © National Museums Scotland 3. David Martin, James Macpherson with Ossian Fingal volume. From a private Scottish collection

4. Dr. Stuart Allan 5. An t-Oll Ùisdean Cheape

6. Dr. Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart

YO U N G G A E L I C A M B A S S A D O R 2 019 Choisinn Lucy Hannah, Manaidsear ionad cùram-chloinne Fàs Mòr, duais Tosgaire Òg na Bliadhna aig na Duaisean Gàidhlig 2019. ’S ann à Slèite san Eilean Sgitheanach a tha Lucy agus tha i air a bhith ag obair aig Fàs Mòr airson còrr is trì bliadhna a-nise. Tha i fhèin agus an sgioba aice a’ cruthachadh àrainneachd shàbhailte, spòrsail agus thaiceil airson clan, far an cleachd agus far an neartaich iad an cuid Gàidhlig. Bha Lucy na sàr sgoilear ann am Bun-sgoil Shlèite agus ann an Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh agus le ùidh ann an teagasg, thòisich i ag obair aig Fàs Mòr mar neach-cluiche ’s i fhathast a’ beachdachadh air na bha roimhpe. Ach chòrd an obair rithe glan agus bha cothrom ann an uairsin feuchainn air an dreuchd Manaidsear fo-thrèanadh. As dèidh dhi an SVQ3 a choileanadh, tha Lucy a-nise san dàrna bliadhna den cheum BA Childhood Practice mar phàirt den leasachadh luchd-obrach aice. A’ bruidhinn às leth Bòrd Fàs Mòr, thuirt Nicola NicThòmais: “Tha Lucy – no Lucy Mhòr, mar a th’ aig a’ chloinn oirre – cho math sa dreuchd seo agus na fìor thosgaire do dh’òigridh eile a tha airson fuireach san sgìre agus airson cothroman fhaighinn agus adhartas a dhèanamh sa Ghàidhlig. Tha i cuideachd cho brosnachail dhan chloinn, do na pàrantan agus dhan sgioba aice. “Tha e inntinneach a’ bhith a’ faicinn a’ bhuaidh a th’ aig Lucy, an sgioba agus gu dearbh àite mar Fàs Mòr, air òigridh agus pàrantan a’ gluasad an uairsin dhan Sgoil-àraich agus air adhart gu foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig sa Bhun-sgoil. Tha an codhùnadh agus an gluasad fhèin air a bhith nas fhasa do chuid air sàilleibh sin. “Tha sinn cho toilichte gu bheil Lucy air an aithneachadh seo fhaighinn dhi fhèin. Tha sinn dìreach cho fortanach cuideigin a leithid Lucy a bhith againn os cionn na sgioba. Chan eil sian na dhragh dhi agus tha i an còmhnaidh a’ cur a’ chlann air thoiseach. Mar a bhios na pàrantan fhèin ag ràdh, “Tha feum againn uile air Lucy Mhòr”! Bha màthair Lucy, Claire Rothach, am measg na pàrantan a thòisich Fàs Mòr, a dh’fhosgail ann an 2004 mar thoradh ‘s nach robh a leithid de sheirbheis ri fhaotainn san sgìre. Bha Lucy fhèin sa chiad bhuidheann de dh’òigridh a fhuair cùram-chloinne aig an ionad. Mar sin tha e air leth iomchaidh gu bheil i nise a’ faighinn aithneachadh airson a h-obair ann.

Lucy Hannah, Manager at Fàs Mòr childcare, was awarded the Young Gaelic Ambassador award at the 2019 Daily Record Gaelic Awards. Hailing from Sleat, on Skye, Lucy has been working at Fàs Mòr for over three years. She and her team have created a safe, nurturing and playful environment for children to use and develop their Gaelic language skills. Lucy was a grade A pupil throughout primary in Sleat and high school in Portree and with a keen interest in teaching, decided to spend some time as a Playworker at Fàs Mòr while considering her options. But she enjoyed the work so much she stayed on and was offered the role of trainee Manager. Having completed her SVQ3 she is now in her second year of the BA Childhood Practice as part of her professional development programme. Speaking on behalf of the Fàs Mòr Board, Nicola Thomson said: “Lucy – or Lucy Mhòr (Big Lucy) as the wee ones fondly refer to her – is just ideal for this role. She is a genuine ambassador to others in this area who might wish to stay on the island or are wondering what opportunities might be out there for a successful career in Gaelic. She has such an encouraging nature to the children, the parents and her own team. “Through the years, it is interesting to see the positive impact a place like Fàs Mòr, due to the likes of Lucy and her team, has had on children and families, as they then consider progressing to Sgoilàraich and Gaelic-medium education in school, often making the decision and transition easier. “We are delighted that Lucy has been recognised in this way. She is such an asset to Fàs Mòr and we are very fortunate to have her on the team. As all the parents often say, “Everyone needs a Lucy Mhòr!” Lucy’s mother, Claire Munro, was one of the founders of Fàs Mòr, which opened back in 2004 as a response to the lack of childcare services locally. Lucy herself was in the first cohort of children to use the service and so it is rather fitting that she should be recognised now in this role.

LUCY HANNAH

TOSGAIRE ÒG NA BLIADHNA 2019

Òraid Chuimhneachaidh Shir Iain Noble Chaidh an ochdamh Òraid Chuimhneachaidh air Sir Iain Nobail a thoirt seachad le Cairistìona Walker, à Leòdhas, aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Diardaoin 31 Dàmhair agus b’ e cuspair na h-òraid, “Cànan na coimhearsnachd, cànan nam bannan”. Rugadh is thogadh Cairistìona ann an Siabost air taobh siar Eilean Leòdhais far an robh a’ Ghàidhlig aca uile a’ fàs suas agus sin an cànan anns an deach na bannan a chur sìos leis a h-uile duine a bha sa choimhearsnachd. “B’ i a’ Ghàidhlig an cànan anns an do chuir sinn sìos na bannan agus anns an do chuir sinn eòlas air càch a chèile, anns an robh sinn a’ cluich agus a’ conaltradh, a’ dèanamh fealla-dhà ’s uaireannan a’ còmhstri, agus nuair a bhios sinn a’ coinneachadh, sin an cànan a chleachdas sinn chun an là ’n-diugh air sgàth gum b’ e sin ar toiseach tòiseachaidh. Sin cho cudromach ’s a tha e a bhith a’ cur sìos nam bannan agus tha mi cinnteach gun aontaicheadh Sir Iain ri buaidh na coimhearsnachd agus buaidh nam bannan.” The eighth Sir Iain Noble Memorial Lecture was delivered by Christina Walker, from the Isle of Lewis, on Thursday 31 October at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, where she gave an engaging and thoughtprovoking lecture entitled, ‘The language of community, the language of bonds.’ Christina was born and raised in the village of Shawbost on the west side of Lewis, where everybody in the community spoke Gaelic and it was in Gaelic that the bonds that held them all together were initiated. “We were connected together in Gaelic from the very beginning. It was in Gaelic we got to know one another, in Gaelic we played and conversed, had fun and also fell out, and to this day when we meet each other, it is Gaelic we use because that is what we had from the outset. That is why it is so important to have bonds that are rooted and I am certain Sir Iain would agree on the influence of community and roots.”

Thuirt Mark Wringe, Stiùiriche a’ chùrsa BA Cànan is Cultar aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus a bha na Fhear an Taighe: “Sheall Cairistìona dhuinn cho bunaiteach is riatanach ’s a tha na bannan pearsanta ann an togail cànain. ’S e cànan an t-aon mheadhan a tha againn gus brìgh a dhèanamh dhinn fhìn agus ri chèile. ’S urrainn dhuinn uile cànan ùr ionnsachadh, ach ’s e na bannan a tha eadar sinn fhìn agus ar caraidean, ar coimhearsnachd is ar teaghlach a chuireas blàths, dàimh is dìlseachd nar roghainn cànain. Às aonais coimhearsnachd, cha bhi a' Ghàidhlig buan. Dhearbh Cairistìona carson a tha na dhà an eisimeil air a chèile.” A bharrachd air an òraid, tha Urras an Eilein cuideachd air a bhith a’ toirt seachad duais bhliadhnail airson “Neach Òg na Bliadhna” a chomharrachadh, agus b’ i Alannah Pheutan, à Port Rìgh, a ghlèidh duais na bliadhna sa.

and Culture programme and host for the evening said: “Christina Walker demonstrated how fundamental the bonds of community are in the language choices we make. Language is our only medium for making sense of ourselves and to each other. Any of us can learn a new language, but it's the bond between ourselves and our community, friends and family that put warmth, humanity and loyalty into our choice of language. Without community, Gaelic can't survive. Christina showed us just how inseparable and co-dependant language and community are.” As part of the evening’s proceedings, Urras an Eilein have also given an award each year for Skye’s “Young Gaelic Person of the Year” and this year the award was presented to SMO graduate, Alannah Beaton from Portree.

Mark Wringe, course leader on the BA Language

Riochdairean bho Urras an Eilein agus SMO, Lucilla Nobail agus Neach Òg na Bliadhna, Alannah Pheutan Representatives from Urras an Eilein and SMO, Lucilla Noble and Skye’s Young Gaelic Person of the Year, Alannah Beaton

Òraidiche, Cairistìona Walker Speaker, Christina Walker

CEUMNACHD

2019

Chaidh Ceumnachd Shabhal Mòr Ostaig a chumail air Dihaoine 4 Dàmhair, far an robh luchd-ceumnachaidh, luchd-obrach agus aoighean an làthair, ’s iad a’ comharrachadh soirbheachas ann am pailteas agus 48 oileanaich a’ toirt teisteanas a-mach aig diofar ìrean.

Chaidh an duais airson Oileanach na Bliadhna aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a thoirt do Shannon NicIllEathain às Eilean Mhuile. Rinn Shannon an cùrsa ceum BA Gàidhlig agus na Meadhanan airson trì bliadhna agus an uair sin rinn i an Dioplòma anns na Meadhanan Gàidhlig às a dhèidh.

Thug Aonghas MacLeòid, Cathraiche Bòrd Stiùiridh an t-Sabhail Mhòir, seachad a’ chiad aithris is e ag ràdh: “Chan eil àite ann coltach ri Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Nuair a ghabhas sibh an ath cheum a tha romhaibh air an t-sligh’, agus gach ceum às dèidh sin, cleachdaibh ur cuid Gàidhlig. Bithibh moiteil às ur cànan, às ur coimhearsnachd, às ur cultar agus asaibh pèin – is cinnteach gu bheil sinne uile moiteil asaibhse.”

A thuilleadh air na teisteanasan acadaimigeach a chaidh a thoirt seachad, chaidh urram an t-Sàr-Ghàidheil a bhuileachadh air dithis a tha air saothair mhòr a dhèanamh a thaobh leasachadh coimhearsnachd, obair foillseachaidh agus craoladh sna meadhanan Gàidhlig. ’S iad sin Agnes Rennie, à Leòdhas, agus Cailean MacIlleathain, à Uibhist a Deas agus an t-Eilean Sgitheanach. Tric is minig tha sinn air an cluinntinn is am faicinn air prògraman rèidio agus telebhisein thar nam bliadhnaichean, agus anns a h-uile rud eile sa bheil iad air a bhith an sàs, tha iad air cumail gu dlùth ri cànan is coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig.

Thuirt Iar-phrionnsapal agus Stiùiriche Foghlaim SMO, Marsaili NicLeòid: “Tha sinn moiteil dha-rìribh às an luchd-ceumnachaidh ùr uile gu lèir. Tha e na thoileachas mòr dhuinn gun robh a’ chiad bhuidheann de dh’oileanaich a tha air teisteanas teagaisg a chosnadh tron cheum ùr, BA (Urram) Gàidhlig agus Foghlam, nam measg. Tha duais ùr mar chuimhneachan air Donnchadh MacGuaire an cois a’ cheuma seo airson an oileanaich a tha a’ sealltainn sàr sgilean teagaisg sa chlas. Tha sinn gu mòr an comain do theaghlach Dhonnchaidh airson na cuaiche seo, a thog Steven MacÌomhair à Poll Iùbh.”

Chaidh Òraid na Ceumnachd a lìbhrigeadh le Catrìona Nic a’ Phì, à Glaschu, a bha na h-oileanach aig an t-Sabhal o chionn fichead bliadhna. Tha Catrìona aithnichte bho a bhith tric air beulaibh camara air prògraman Gàidhlig ach ’s ann a tha i a-nis na tidsear eachdraidh a’ teagasg tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig.

DEALBHAN / CAPTIONS 1. Catrìona Nic a’ Phì 2. BA (le Urram) Gàidhlig is Foghlam

3. Oileanach SMO na Bliadhna, Shannon Nicilleathain 4. Sàr Ghàidheal, Cailean MacIlleathain

GRADUATION

2019

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Graduation Ceremony took place on Friday 4 October where graduates, employees and guests gathered to celebrate a wealth of achievement and success, with 48 students graduating.

The award for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Student of the Year was given to Shannon Maclean from the Isle of Mull. Shannon completed three years on the BA Gaelic and the Media degree course and then undertook the Diploma in Gaelic Media thereafter.

Chairman of the Board of Directors at SMO, Angus Macleod, addressed those present: “Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is unlike anywhere else. When you take your next step on your onward journey, and each step thereafter, be sure and use your Gaelic. Be proud of your language, of your community, of your culture and of yourselves – as sure as we are all proud of you.”

In addition to celebrating the academic achievements of students, the annual honour of Sàr Ghàidheal was awarded to two individuals in recognition of their tremendous contribution in the fields of community development, publishing and Gaelic media – Agnes Rennie, from the Isle of Lewis, and Cailean MacLean, from South Uist and the Isle of Skye. Regular voices and faces on radio and television over the years, they have, in all their various roles, always remained closely connected to the language and community from which they come.

Vice-Principal and Director of Education, Dr Marsaili MacLeod said: “We are extremely proud of all our graduates. We are delighted that our first group of graduates from our new BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education degree are amongst them. A new prize, in memory of Duncan MacQuarrie, was awarded in relation to this degree this year to the student who excelled in teaching skills in the class. We are very grateful to Duncan’s family for this prize, which was tonight awarded to Steven MacIver from Poolewe.”

The Graduation Lecture was given by Catriona MacPhee from Glasgow. A past student of SMO, Catriona is well-known for presenting Gaelic programmes on BBC Alba but has recently changed career and is now teaching History in Gaelic.

DEALBHAN / CAPTIONS 5. Na h-oileanaich ceumnachaidh 6. Sàr Ghàidheal, Agnes Rennie (nach robh an làthair aig a’ Cheumnachd)

BÙTHAN-OBRACH ‘DEALAS’

‘DEALAS’ WORKSHOPS

Chaidh dà latha de bhùthan-obrach do dh’oileanaich teagaisg, a tha a’ dèanamh BA (le Urram) Gàidhlig is Foghlam, a chumail aig a’ Cholaiste sa Chèitean far an d’ fhuair iad cothrom tighinn còmhla airson beachdachadh air a’ chùrsa agus na sgilean iomain aca a leasachadh! Mar phàirt den cho-labhairt bheag seo, air a robh ‘Dealas’, chaidh bùth-obrach a lìbhrigeadh le Katie Drain à Comann na Camanachd ann an trèanadh iomain do na h-oileanaich, mar thrèanadh CPD. Thug Shona NicCarmaig, Stiùiriche Foghlam Thidsearan aig a’ cholaiste, taing mhòr do phròiseact Iomain na h-Òige (le taic bho Iomain Cholmcille agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig) airson cùrsa cho soirbheachail a chur air bhog mar phàirt de ‘Dealas’.

Students on the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education degree programme got the opportunity to mix learning with fun through two days of workshops held at the college in May, where they came together to discuss the course and to enhance their shinty skills! As part of the event, ‘Dealas’, Katie Drain from the Shinty Association delivered a CPD workshop in shinty coaching to the students. Shona Cormack, Director of Teacher Education (SMO), thanked the Iomain na h-Òige project (with support from Iomain Cholmcille and Bòrd na Gàidhlig) for this contribution to ‘Dealas’: a two day programme of Gaelic medium teacher training workshops at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

Oileanaich am BA (le Urram) Gàidhlig is Foghlam le Ceitidh Drain Students on the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education with Katie Drain

Dè an t-ainm a th’ oirbh? Is mise Eilidh NicCoinnich Dè an obair a th’ agaibh? Tha mi a’ ruith an cafaidh aig Ionad Iain Nobail air làrach na colaiste Cò às a tha sibh agus cò ris a tha e coltach? ’S ann san Òban a rugadh mi ach thogadh mi faisg air Baile nan Granntach, àite uabhasach breagha faisg air a’ Mhonaidh Ruaidh. Bha na geamhraidhean gu math fuar le tòrr sneachd nuair a bha mi na b’ òige. Tha iomadh duine a’ tadhal air an àite airson diofar spòrs a dheanamh na làithean sa. Carson a dh’ ionnsaich sibh Gàidhlig? Bha Gàidhlig aig mo sheann-phàrantan air gach taobh. Nuair a thàinig ar clann, smaoinich mi gum biodh e math an cànan a’ thoirt air ais dhan teaghlach. Cuideachd, dh’ ionnsaich mi airson a bhith tuigsinn na rudan a bha iad a’ dèanamh aig an sgoil agus airson beagan taic a thoirt dhaibh. Thòisich mi air a’ Chùrsa Inntrigidh agus an uair sin rinn mi An Cùrsa Comais beagan nas fhaide air adhart. Ainmich aon rud a bu toil leibh fhaicinn tachairt airson na Gàidhlig? Tha sinn a’ cur seachad ar làithean-saora anns A’ Chuimrigh gach samhradh agus tha e cho snog cluinntinn na daoine òga a’ bruidhinn Cuimris ri chèile gu nàdarach. Bhiodh e math a bhith a’ cluinntinn Gàidhlig anns an aon dòigh. Leis an obair agam ’sa chafaidh, bhiodh e uabhasach cuideachdail faclair-bidhe fhaighinn neo barrachd leabhraichean còcaireachd ann an Gàidhlig! What is your name? Helen McKenzie What is your occupation? I run the café at Ionad Iain Nobail on the college campus. Where are you from and what is it like? I was born in Oban but was brought up in Grantownon-Spey, a beautiful town close to the Cairngorms. The winters were very cold with lots of snow when I was younger. Today it’s a very popular destination for visitors looking for all sorts of snow sports and activities. Why did you decide to learn Gaelic? My grandparents were Gaelic speakers on both sides of the family. When our children arrived, I thought it would be good for Gaelic to be in the family again. I also learnt so that I would understand what they were doing in school and so that I could help them. I started on the Cùrsa Inntrigidh and then continued with the Cùrsa Comais a bit later on. Name one thing you would like to see happen for Gaelic? We spend our summer holidays in Wales each year and it is so lovely to hear the young ones speaking naturally to each other in Welsh. It would be good to hear Gaelic in the same way. Regarding my work in the café, it would be excellent to have a food dictionary or more Gaelic cookbooks to work with!

EILIDH NICCOINNICH

Ann an co-bhuinn ri Ceòl is Craic ann an Glaschu, chùm SMO an tachartas bhliadhnail, Ceòl Mòr Ostaig, sa Ghiblean far an robh oileanaich bhon a’ chùrsa BA (le Urram) Gàidhlig agus Ceòl Traidiseanta a’ cluich le luchd-oide agus alumni na Colaiste. B’e seo an ochdamh bliadhna de Cheòl Mòr Ostaig agus b’e oidhche gu math soirbheachail a bh’ ann.

CEÒL MÒR OSTAIG @ CEÒL IS CRAIC In partnership with Ceòl is Craic in Glasgow, Sabhal Mòr held its annual event, Ceòl Mòr Ostaig, at the CCA in April where students on the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Traditional Music programme performed a concert alongside course tutors and college alumni. This was the eighth year of Ceòl Mòr Ostaig hosted by Ceòl is Craic and it was a very successful evening.

Oileanaich am BA (le Urram) Gàidhlig agus Ceòl Traidiseanta agus Stiùiriche a’ Chùrsa, Dr Decker Forrest BA (Hons) Gaelic and Traditional Music students with Programme Leader, Dr Decker Forrest

PREANTASACHD BUN-ÌRE ANN AM MEADHANAN CRUTHACHAIL

AGUS DIDSEATACH

Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media Thòisich seachdnar sgoilearan às Ard-sgoil Phort Rìgh air cùrsa ùr le SDS a tha air a lìbhrigeadh le Sabhal Mòr Ostaig san Lùnastal 2019. Tha a’ Phreantasachd Bhun-ìre ann am Meadhanan Cruthachail agus Didseatach ag amas air cothrom a thoirt do sgoilearan ann an S5 agus S6 na sgilean is an t-eòlas aca a leasachadh gus obair a dh'ionnsaigh SVQ aig ìre SCQF 6, agus leis an sin tòiseachadh air dreuchd sna gnìomhachasan cruthachail. Mar phàirt den chùrsa, tha na sgoilearan a’ faighinn latha teagaisg gach seachdain san sgoil còmhla ri neach-obrach bhon Cholaiste aig a bheil eòlas ann a bhith ag obair sna meadhanan ann an Alba. Bidh na sgoilearan ag ionnsachadh sgilean teicnigeach is cruthachail agus a’ faighinn eòlas air an àite-obrach. Bha iad fortanach latha fhaighinn a-muigh còmhla ri Young Films far am faca iad mar a tha iad a' clàradh an sreath dràma airson BBC Alba, Bannan. Cuideachd, air latha eile chunnaic iad mar a tha an sgioba a' deasachadh an sreath anns an edit. Thairis air an da latha sin fhuair iad cothrom tachairt ris an sgioba is coltas fhaighinn air na dreuchdan is dleasdanasan aca. Tha dùil ann gum bi a’ Cholaiste a’ tabhann a’ chothroim seo gu barrachd sgoiltean sa Ghàidhealtachd ann an 2020.

Seven pupils from Portree High School started on the Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media, a new course from Skills Development Scotland which is delivered by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, in August 2019. The Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media aims to provide pupils in S5 and S6 with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills to work towards SVQ at SCQF level 6, and to then continue to a career in the creative industries.

As part of the course, the pupils receive one day a week in school with a Sabhal Mòr tutor who has 20 years’ experience of working in the media in Scotland. The pupils learn a range of technical and creative skills and they also gain knowledge of the workplace. They were fortunate to get a day on location with Young Films in September to see how they film the BBC Alba drama, Bannan. Later in the production process they had another day where they got an insight into how the series comes together in the edit. In their time on set and in the edit, they were able to meet with the team and observe all the various roles involved in the production. It is hoped that Sabhal Mòr Ostaig will be offering this Foundation Apprenticeship to more schools across the Highland region in 2020.

Sgoilearan a’ chùrsa Phreantasachd Bun-ìre à Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh / Foundation Apprenticeship pupils from Portree High School

ABIGAIL BURNYEAT

CEANNARD RANNSACHAIDH ÙR

Chaidh fàilte a chuir air Abigail Burnyeat mar Cheannard Rannsachaidh ùr na Colaiste san t-Sultain. Fhuair a cuid foghlaim ann an Oilthighean Chambridge agus Ghlaschu, agus bha i na h-Òraidiche ann an Ceiltis agus Eòlas na h-Alba aig Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann. Tha i ag obair air ealain-aithris na Gàidhlig, agus air na sgeulachdan mòra gaisgeil, eadar làmh-sgrìobhainnean meadhan-aoiseach agus seanchas an latha an-diugh. Tha i cuideachd a’ rannsachadh an Ath-bheòthachaidh Cheiltich ann an Alba, agus mar a bhios clann a’ leughadh sa Ghàidhlig. Tha Abigail air grunn cho-labhairtean Ceiltis ùr-ghnàthach a chur air dòigh cuideachd, agus tha i air obrachadh còmhla ri sgoiltean, buidhnean nàiseanta, agus buidhnean ealain gus sgeulachdan Gàidhlig a thoirt gu luchd-èisteachd ùr, tro phròiseactan foghlaim, tachartasan, agus taisbeanaidhean. Thuirt Prionnsapal na Colaiste, Dr Gillian Rothach, “Cuiridh Abi gu mòr ri cliù na Colaiste mar sàr àite airson cholabhairtean rannsachaidh; agus bidh i a’ stiùireadh obair ullachaidh SMO airson Frèam Sàr-mhaitheis Rannsachaidh 2021.”

NEW HEAD OF RESEARCH In September, Abigail Burnyeat was welcomed to the post of Head of Research at the College. Abigail was educated at the Universities of Cambridge and Glasgow and was Lecturer in Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh. She works on Gaelic narrative and the great Gaelic heroic tales, from medieval manuscripts to contemporary storytelling, as well as on the Celtic Revival in Scotland, and children’s Gaelic reading. Abigail has also organised a number of ground-breaking

conferences in the field of Celtic Studies, and has worked with schools, national institutions and arts organisations to bring Gaelic tales to new audiences through educational projects, performances, and exhibitions. Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Dr Gillian Rothach, welcomed Abigail to the post saying, “Abi will add to the College’s reputation as an exceptional environment for research conferences; and she will guide SMO’s preparatory work for taking part in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021.”

Bhuannaich Lisa NicDhòmhnaill am farpais sgrìobhaidh bhliadhnail aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, mar chuimhneachan air Niamh NicEanraig à Malaig a dh’ eug gu h-aithghearr ann an 2017. Bha Niamh na h-oileanach air a’ chiad bliadhna aig a’ Cholaiste, a’ dèanamh Cùrsa Gàidhlig is Conaltradh. Tha Lisa a’ fuireach ann an Ach’ ‘Ille Bhuidhe sa Chòigich ach ’s ann do Cheann Tìre a bhuinneas i. Bidh i a’ teagasg ann an iomadach dòigh eadar Bunsgoil Ulapuil agus Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus bidh i cuideachd a’ cur taic ri buidhnean thràth-bhliadhnaichean air a’ Ghàidhealtachd. Tha an fharpais fosgailte do dh’ oileanaich ann an colaiste no oilthigh sam bith ann an Alba, agus b’e a’ chuspair ‘uamhas’ a bha ann am bliadhna. Bhuannaich Lisa £200 agus duais glainne air a thoirt seachad le teaghlach Niamh.

Lisa Macdonald won this year’s writing competition, in memory of Niamh Henderson from Mallaig who died suddenly in 2017. Niamh was a first-year student at the College, taking the Gaelic and Communication course. Lisa lives in Coigeach, Achiltibuie but is originally from Kintyre. She teaches in various places, from Ullapool primary school to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and also helps with early years learning groups in the Highlands. The competition is open to all college and university students in Scotland, and this year entrants submitted a Gaelic short story of 500-2000 words on the theme of “Uamhas” (Horror, Dread, Worry). Lisa received a prize of £200, as well as a trophy donated by Niamh’s family.

Lisa NicDhòmhnaill a’ faighinn a duais bhon Dr Tim Armstrong, Stiùiriche Chùrsa Gàidhlig is Conaltradh Lisa Macdonald receiving her award from Dr Tim Armstrong, Gaelic and Communication Course Leader

FARPAIS NIAMH

2019

Teisteanas Foghlam Àrd-ìre Gàidhlig is Conaltradh Cert HE Gaelic and Communication

à Slèite san t-Eilean Sgitheanach / from Sleat on the Isle of Skye Carson a thagh thu an cùrsa seo? Thagh mi an cùrsa Gàidhlig is Conaltradh leis gun robh mi airson na sgilean Gàidhlig agam a leasachadh oir gu bheil mi airson an cùrsa teagaisg BA Gàidhlig agus Foghlam a dhèanamh! Cò ris a tha e coltach? Tha an cùrsa toinnte ach sgoinneil! Tha e a’ cordadh rium gu mòr agus tha na dùbhlain a tha na chois gam phutadh! Dè bu mhath leat a dhèanamh nuair a bhios tu deiseil? Tha mi an dòchas a bhith nam thidsear nuair a tha mi deiseil aig an t-Sabhal agus tha Gàidhlig is Conaltradh gu bhith cho cuideachail leis a sin. Molaidhean sam bith? Mholainn a’ chùrsa gu duine sam bi aig a bheil Gàidhlig agus a tha airson fàs nas fhèarr. Tha mi mu thràth air mothachadh diofar nam sgilean agus nam mhisneachd sa Ghàidhlig.

Why did you choose this course? I chose to do the course Gàidhlig is Conaltradh because I wanted to improve my Gaelic skills as I hope to do the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education course. What is the course like? The course is intricate but excellent! I really enjoy the challenge and how much is pushes me to be better! What would you like to do on completion? I hope to be a teacher when I finish at Sabhal Mòr and I’m sure that Gàidhlig is Conaltradh will help me so much with that. Highlights so far? I would recommend this course to anyone with Gaelic that wants to improve. I have already noticed a difference in my confidence in speaking Gaelic. I really enjoyed organising my activity which you do on the course, and I’m looking forward to doing it again next semester.

Stiùiriche Ùr airson Tobar an Dualchais - Kist O Riches Chaidh Flòraidh Forrest a thaghadh mar Stiùiriche ùr Tobar an Dualchais san Ògmhìos. Tha am pròiseact nàiseanta air a bhith a’ ruith aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig fad 13 bliadhna ann an compàirteachas le tasglannan Sgoil Eòlais na h-Alba (Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann), Urras Nàiseanta na h-Alba agus BBC Alba. Thuirt Cathraiche a’ phròiseict, Donnie Rothach: “Tha sinn air leth thoilichte fàilte a chur air Flòraidh dhan dreuchd inntinneach seo, le a cuid eòlais is ùidh anns a’ phròiseact againn. Tha Tobar an Dualchais air leth chudromach mar ghoireas dualchas cultarail na h-Alba agus mar thasglann nàiseanta agus eadar-nàiseanta. Bidh cothrom aig Flòraidh togail air an obair ionmholta a rinn Mairead Dhòmhnallach bhon a thòisich e, ’s i fhèin a’ leigeil dhith a dreuchd aig deireadh an Ògmhios.” Thuirt Flòraidh: “ ’S e cothrom air leth tha seo dhomhsa na sgilean ’s an t-eòlas agam, gu h-àraid le òigridh is teicneòlas ùr, a chur gu feum ann a bhith a’ neartachadh cheanglaichean le na coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig, feuch an cùm na clàraidhean orra a bhith cho cudromach do dhaoine sam àm ri teachd sa bha iad nuair a chaidh an togail an toiseach.”

New Director for Tobar an Dualchais - Kist O Riches Floraidh Forrest was appointed as the new Director of Tobar Dualchais/Kist o Riches in June. The national project has been running at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for 13 years in partnership with organisations and archives such as Edinburgh University’s School of Scottish Studies, the National Trust for Scotland and BBC Alba. Chair of the project, Donnie Munro, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Floraidh Forrest to this exciting post, knowing that she brings a deep interest, a passion and commitment to the programme's work. Tobar an Dualchais/Kist O Riches, is a cultural heritage resource of immense national and international importance and Floraidh will now have the opportunity to build on the wonderful legacy achieved by the outgoing Director, Mairead MacDonald, who led the programme from its inception with distinction and dedication”. Floraidh said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge, especially with the new technologies, to the strengthening of links with our Gaelic communities to help ensure their recordings remain as important now as they were when created.”

Manaidsear Leasachadh Gnìomhachais ùr aig Cànan Graphics Studio Tha a’ chompanaidh Cànan Graphics Studio (CGS) air Garry Noakes fhastadh mar am Manaidsear Leasachadh Gnìomhachais ùr aca. Tha Garry a’ toirt iomadh bliadhna de dh’eòlas gnìomhachais is stiùiridh gu CGS, a tha stèidhichte aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus a tha a’ spèisealachadh ann an obair chruthachail is dealbhachaidh. Bidh Garry os cionn sgioba a tha èasgaidh, eòlach is sgileil, is iad ag amas air an gnìomhachas fhàs agus air an luchd-ceannachd a leudachadh. Thuirt Nicola NicThòmais, Stiùiriche Corporra aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig: ‘Tha an sgioba air an dòigh gu bheil Garry còmhla riutha agus le a chuid eòlais is spionnaidh, tha sinn a’ dèanamh fiughair ri bhith a’ leasachadh obair chruthachail CGS sna mìosan ri thighinn.’ Chuir Garry Noakes ris a sin, is e ag ràdh: ‘Tha mi gu math toilichte a bhith air m’ fhastadh le CGS an-dràsta. ’S e cothrom air leth a th’ ann obrachadh le companaidh a tha, an dà chuid, air duaisean a ghlèidheadh agus a tha air cliù a chosnadh dhaibh fhèin airson a bhith ùr-ghnàthaichte is adhartach ann an saoghal na Gàidhlig is nas fharsainge.”

Business Development Manager for Cànan Graphics Studio Cànan Graphics Studio (CGS) appointed Garry Noakes as their new Business Development Manager in November. Garry brings many years of business and leadership experience to the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig based design and creative specialists and will join the experienced and enthusiastic team as they look to grow the business and broaden their customer base. Nicola Thomson, Director of Corporate Affairs at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig said, ‘The team are delighted to have Garry on board and with his knowledge and enthusiasm, we look forward to developing CGS’s creative portfolio in the coming months.’ Garry Noakes added, ‘I am thrilled to be joining CGS at this time. The opportunity to work for an award-winning company, whose innovative approach is renowned in the Gaelic speaking world and beyond, is very exciting.’

AN LÃ&#x2019;CHRAN

Chaidh An Lòchran, neo am Penthouse mar a chleachd a bhith air, aig mullach an Tùir aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a dhèanamh suas am bliadhna agus e a-nis air a reic tro Air BnB. Tha An Lòchran a’ tabhann seallaidhean eireachdail tarsainn air a Linne Shlèite gu Cnòideart agus tha e na àitefuirich air leth freagarrach airson luchd-turais is duine sam bith a tha a’ tadhal air an t-Eilean Sgitheanach.

An Lòchran is Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s spectacular self-contained flat, forming the entire sixth floor of the Tower student accommodation block and is now available for booking through Air BnB. An Lòchran offers spectacular views across the Sound of Sleat to Knoydart and is an ideal place to visit and enjoy Skye. There is an outside balcony area or guests can admire the scenery from the large panoramic windows.

Bidh fàilte romhaibh chun An Lòchran!

A warm welcome awaits you at An Lòchran!

A’ C HEARNAG Chaidh obair-leasachaidh a dhèanamh sa Cheàrnag, aon de na h-àiteachan-fuirich againn, mar fhreagairt air iarrtas bho na h-oileanaich agus goireasan ùra fèin-còcaireachd air an cur ann dhaibh. Dh’ fhosgail a’ Cheàrnag san t-Samhain agus tha suas ri naoinear a’ cleachdadh na goireasan. Tha iad seo do dh’ oileanaich ceum làn-ùine a-mhàin. Improvements were made to the Ceàrnag student accommodation block in November where new, self-catering facilities were fitted. This was as a direct response to student feedback and up to nine students are now able to use the facilities. These are for full-time degree students only.

NA H-EALAIN THE ARTS

KIM ANDERSON

Neach-ealain Sgoilearachd Jon Schueler 2019 Jon Schueler Visual Artist 2019

B’ i Kim Anderson, à Astràilia, Neach-ealain Air Mhuinntireas fo Sgoilearachd Jon Schueler 2019, a tha air a bhith ruith le Sabhal Mòr Ostaig fad seachd bliadhna. Choisinn Kim, a bhuineas dha Ballarat, Victoria, ceum anns na h-Ealainean Finealta (le Urram) aig Oilthigh Bhallarat ann an Astràilia agus ann an 2007 choisinn i sgoilearachd airson ceum Maighstireil anns na h-Ealainean Finealta a dhèanamh aig Oilthigh Dhùn Dè ann an Alba. Thug Kim ùine a’ meòrachadh mun dòigh-obrach aice, airson a dealbhan tarraingte a leasachadh. “B’ e a’ chiad tagradh agam a bhith rannsachadh cuspairean caoidh is bròn mu atharrachadh na gnàth-shìde agus gu seach àraid cron air an àrainneachd nach gabh leigheas. Bha mi airson coimhead air cleachdaidhean Gàidhlig co-cheangailte ri bròn, agus sin far na thòisich mi. B’ e cothrom mìorbhuileach a bh’ anns an Leabharlann agus eòlas fhaighinn bhon luchd-obrach chliùiteach, nam measg Dr Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart, an t-Oll Ùisdean Cheape agus an t-Oll Meg Bateman.” Cumaidh an Sgoilearachd a’ dol airson trì bliadhna eile, le taic airgid bho Urras Chathrannais Jon Schueler agus taic bho Acadamaidh Rìoghail na h-Alba. Tha Sabhal Mòr ag amas air taisbeanadh a chumail de luchd-ealain na Sgoilearachd gu lèir ann an 2023. Cuideachd thèid cuid den obair a rinn Kim a shealltainn ann an dà thaisbeanadh an Astràilia ann an 2020 agus 2021.

Australian artist, Kim Anderson, was the 2019 Visual Artist in Residence under the Jon Schueler Residency Programme, which has been running at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for 7 years. Kim, who is from Ballarat, Victoria completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at the University of Ballarat, Australia, and in 2007 was awarded a scholarship to study a Master of Fine Art at the University of Dundee, in Scotland. Kim undertook a time of investigation and development of her drawing practice. “My initial proposal was to investigate grief and mourning in the face of climate change and, in particular, the concept of ‘solastalgia’. My intention was to relate this to Gaelic rituals around mourning, and this was certainly the starting point of my investigations. One of the highlights was having access to the fantastic library, and some expert knowledge from a number of people at the college including Dr Donald William Stewart, Prof Hugh Cheap, and Prof Meg Bateman.” The scholarship will run for a further 3 years having been awarded a grant from the Jon Schueler Charitable Trust and with continuing support from The Royal Scottish Academy. Sabhal Mòr is looking at hosting an exhibition of all the Schueler artists’ in residence in 2023. Meanwhile, work developed during Kim’s residency will be shown in two exhibitions – at Penny Contemporary in Hobart in December 2020, and at Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne in mid-2021.

JON SCHUELER 2020 ’Se an neach-ealain agus cùradair/glèidheadair, Conor O’ Grady, Sgoilear ùr Jon Schueler 2020. Tha Conor stèidhichte ann an Dùn nan Gall agus Contae Mhaigh Eo agus chaidh a theagasg ann an Ealain aig Ionad Theicneòlais Bhaile Àth Cliath agus aig a’ Cholaiste Nàiseanta Ealain is Dealbhachaidh. Tòisichidh Conor aig a’ cholaiste san Iuchar.

Conor O’ Grady, Neach-ealain ùr 2020 Conor O’ Grady, Jon Schueler Artist in Residence 2020, © Alison Laredo

Artist and Curator, Conor O’Grady, will be the Jon Schueler Scholar for 2020. Conor is based in Counties Donegal and Mayo and was educated in Fine Art at Dublin Institute of Technology and at the National College of Art and Design. Conor will take up his residency in July.

DUAIS BÀRDACHD

Duais Bàrdachd MhicDhòmhnaill Shlèite

MacDonald of Sleat Poetry Prize

B’ e dithis a bhuannaich Farpais Bàrdachd MhicDhòmhnaill Shlèite am-bliadhna – Flòraidh NicDhòmhnaill, a sgrìobh ‘An Duilleag’ agus Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir leis an dàn ‘Slànachadh’. Chaidh an fharpais, a tha air a ruith le Sabhal Mòr Ostaig ann an co-bhonn le Urras Oighreachd Chlann Dòmhnaill, a stèidheachadh leis an Ridire Iain MacDhòmhnaill Shlèite mar chuimhneachan air a nighinn, Deborah, a dh’eug aig aois glè òg. Rugadh agus thogadh Flòraidh ann am Beinn na Faoghla le ceanglaichean eachdraidheil ri Clann ’ic Ailein. Tha dachaigh aice an Uibhist a Tuath, far a bheil ceanglaichean aice ri Clann ’ic Dhòmhnaill Shlèite, ach tha i a’ fuireach ann an Glaschu. ’S ann an Lèanaidh faisg air Glaschu a thogadh Màrtainn, agus bhuineadh athair do dh’Uibhist a Deas, ach tha e air a bhith a’ fuireach an Dùn Èideann fad còrr air 25 bliadhna. ’S e cuspair co-cheangailte ri craobhan a tha aig an fharpais gach bliadhna agus b’ e cuspair na bliadhna seo, Craobh nan Ubhal. Chaidh an duais a thoirt seachad do Fhlòraidh aig cruinneachadh aig Taigh-tasgaidh nan Eilean ann an Caisteal Armadail, Disathairne 28mh Sultain le Sir Iain MacDhòmhnaill, Cathraiche Bhòrd nan Urrasairean air Urras Oighreachd Chlann Dòmhnaill. Cha b’ urrainn do Mhàrtainn a bhith an làthair. A’ bruidhinn às leth an t-Sabhail Mhòir, thuirt na britheamhan gum bu mhath leotha tuilleadh fhaicinn a’ cur a-steach airson na co-fharpais seo agus gum bu chòir feuchainn ri am facal a sgaoileadh nas fhaide an ath-bhliadhna.

This year’s Macdonald of Sleat poetry prize was shared by two winners, Flora MacDonald who wrote ‘The Leaf’ and Martin MacIntyre with ‘Healing’. The competition, which is run by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in collaboration with Clan Donald Lands Trust, was instituted by Sir Ian Macdonald of Sleat in memory of his daughter, Deborah, who passed away at an early age. Flora was born and raised in Benbecula, with historical links to Clanranald. She has a home in North Uist, where she also has links to MacDonald of Sleat, but her permanent residence is in Glasgow. Martin, whose father hails from South Uist, was raised in Lenzie, near Glasgow but has lived in Edinburgh for over 25 years. The theme of the competition each year relates to trees and this year an invitation was extended to anyone who writes poetry, or has an interest in doing so, to compose a poem on the subject, Craobh nan Ubhal (the Apple Tree). Flora was presented with her prize at a gathering at the Museum of the Isles in Armadale Castle on Saturday 28 September by Sir Ian Macdonald, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Clan Donald Lands Trust. Martin was unable to attend the ceremony.

Flòraidh NicDhòmhnaill a’ faighinn a duais bhon Ridire Iain MacDhòmhnaill Shlèite Flora MacDonald receiving her award from Sir Ian Macdonald of Sleat

AM MÒD NÀISEANTA RÌOGHAIL

THE ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD 2019

Meal-a-naidheachd air na h-oileanaich, an luchd-obrach agus na h-urrasairean a bha soirbheachail aig a’ Mhòd ann an Glaschu.

Congratulations to all students, staff and trustees who were successful at this year’s Mòd.

Sandaidh NicDhòmhnaill Jones, ball den Bhòrd Stiùiridh – Crùn a’ Bhàird Sandy Macdonald Jones, member of the Board of Directors – The Bardic Crown

LUCHD-CEUMNACHAIDH / ALUMNI SMO:

Saffron Hanvidge, oileanach an dàrna bliadhna - A’ chiad àite, Puirt à Beul Saffron Hanvidge, 2nd year student – 1st place, Puirt à Beul Buidheann Dràma SMO – Coinneach Lindsay, Stiùiriche as Fhèarr agus Dealbh-cluiche as Fheàrr. SMO Drama Group – Kenneth Lindsay, Best Director and Best Play

Crìsdean MacCoinnich, Dioplòma sna Meadhanan Gàidhlig – Bonn Òr an t-Seann Nòis Cristin Mackenzie, Diploma in Gaelic Media – Gold Medal, Traditional Calum MacColla, An Cùrsa Comais – An t-Aigeallan Airgid Calum McColl, An Cùrsa Comais – Silver Pendant Raonaid Deans – A’ Chiad àite, Seinn Càraid; Dàrna àite (Bonn Òr, Òran Mòr, Seinn Aon Neach) Rachel Deans – 1st place, Duet Singing; 2nd place (Gold Medal, Òran Mòr and Solo Singing) Màiri NicGilleBhràith – A’ Chiad àite, Seinn Seann Nòs (Luchd-ionnsachaidh) Mairi MacGillivray – 1st place, Traditional Singing (Learners)

Crìsdean MacCoinnich / Cristin Mackenzie Saffron Hanvidge

Meal a Naidheachd… Sandaidh NicDhòmhnaill Jones / Sandy Macdonald Jones

Congratulations

FEIS BEÒ Chaidh a’ chiad fhèis-ciùil gu tur sa Ghàidhlig a chumail ann an Slèite sa Chèitean. Ghabh Fèis Beò àite aig Caisteal Armadail agus bha iad ag amas air a’ chànan agus an ceòl a bhrosnachadh còmhla le Gàidhlig aig co-dhiù cuideigin bho gach còmhlan a chluich. Bha teanta aig sgioba margaideachd SMO ann agus thàinig grunn dhaoine a thadhal orra, an dà chuid luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig agus feadhainn a bha ag iarraidh barrachd fios fhaighinn.

DUOLINGO

The first all Gaelic music festival was held in Sleat in May. Fèis Beò took place at Armadale Castle Gardens and the aim was to bring Gaelic music and language together, with a west coast line-up where at least one member of each band was a Gaelic speaker. SMO’s marketing team had a tent on site and were inundated with visitors, both Alumni and other Gaelic speakers but also people who wanted to know more about the language and the college.

Thòisich an app Duolingo air cùrsa Gàidhlig a thabhann san t-Samhain, ga dhèanamh comasach do chòrr is 300 millean neach air feadh an t-saoghail an cànan ionnsachadh.

In November Duolingo launched a new Scottish Gaelic course, making it freely available to over 300 million learners worldwide, including 13 million in the U.K.

Chaidh a chruthachadh le buidheann bheag de dhaoine - Màrtainn Mac a’ Bhàilidh, a tha ag obair do LearnGaelic agus stèidhichte aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Ciaran MacAonghais, tidsear Bun-sgoile às a’ Ghearasdan, Iagan MacAonghais, tidsear Àrd-sgoil à Èirisgeidh, agus Joanne NicIllinnein, oileanach à Beinn na Faoghla – agus chaidh a chur air bhog nas tràithe na bhathar an dùil aig deireadh 2019, Bliadhna Eadar-nàiseanta UNESCO airson Cànain Tùsail.

Created by Martin Baillie, who works for LearnGaelic and is based at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Ciaran MacAonghais, a Primary school teacher from Fort William, Iagan MacAonghais, a Secondary school teacher from Eriskay - who provided a large number of the voice recordings for the course - and Joanne McLennan, a university student from Benbecula, the course was launched ahead of schedule in 2019, the UN’s year of Indigenous Languages.

FEASGAR ÀRAINNEACHD

ENVIRONMENT SESSION

Chaidh Feasgar Àrainneachd a chumail aig a’ cholaiste san t-Samhain far an d’ thàinig oileanaich is luchd-obrach còmhla gus beachdachadh air an àrainneachd agus ar pàirt sa ann a bhith a’ dèanamh diofar. Fhuair sinn sealladh math air cleachdadh cumhachd na Colaiste le Dòmhnall Angaidh; rinn sinn geama inntinneach fo stiùir na h-oileanaich mu ar cleachdaidhean fhèin; thug iad taisbeanadh inntinneach agus fiosrachail seachad mu ghnàth-shìde agus cho cudromach ’s a tha a’ chùis; dh’obraich sinn an uairsin tro dhiofar ghnìomhan agus modhan-smaoineachaidh le greis mhath a’ beachdachadh air nas urrainn dhuinn a dhèanamh a thaobh na h-àrainneachd agus chrìochnaich sinn le beagan seinn! Chaidh Buidheann-obrach a chur air dòigh agus bheir a’ bhuidheann seo air adhart na puingean bho na liostaichean de bheachdan a dh’èirich bhon an latha.

Staff and students came together in November for an afternoon focusing on the environment and how best to reduce the impact we at SMO have on it. During the afternoon, Dòmhnall Angaidh gave us a presentation on our energy consumption; we played an interesting game based on our own habits and the ways we do things; the students gave a very informative presentation on climate change and the importance of it; we brainstormed in groups and then finished off the day in song! Following on from the ideas and suggestions generated throughout the afternoon, a working group was set up and they will take forward points and issues that arose on the day.

Slighe Mhuc-mara Innse Gall

Hebridean Whale Trail

Tha a’ cholaiste a-nis a’ nochdadh air Slighe Mhuc-mara Innse Gall, a chaidh a chur air bhog san Ògmhìos le Urras Mhucan Mara is Leumadairean Innse Gall. Tha sinn aithnichte mar dheagh àite airson tighinn is teansa sgeul fhaighinn air na diofar chreutairean iongantach a bhios a’ siubhal gu tric tron Linne Shlèiteach is gu math faisg air a’ chladach againn. Mar sin, bidh sinn an dùil ri luchd-turais a’ nochdadh againn an seo aig Àrainn Chaluim Chille, agus le mullach togalach Fàs cuideachd sònraichte math airson a leithid de chur-seachad. Thàinig an co-obrachadh seo mar thoradh air obair a rinn CGS leis a’ bhuidheann roimhe.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is now listed as one of the sites on a spectacular new trail, the Hebridean Whale Trail. Launched in June by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, it showcases Scotland’s west coast as a world-class destination for spotting whales, dolphins and porpoises from land, and champion conservation of the Hebrides’ globally important marine wildlife and environment. We are recognised as being a good destination for spotting the various marine wildlife that regularly pass through the Sound of Sleat and often very close to our shoreline. Both ACC and the rooftop at Fàs are particularly suited to this kind of hobby. This collaboration was born out of previous work undertaken between the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and CGS.

FÈILL NA GÀIDHLIG 2019

Radio nan Gàidheal @ SMO Mar phàirt den chiad sheachdain air ais de semester an t-samhraidh, thàinig sgiobaidhean bho BBC Radio nan Gàidheal a chèilidh oirnn airson là craolaidh beò a dhèanamh bhon cholaiste airson a’ chiad turas riamh. Chaidh 4 prògraman a-mach beò, le Program Choinnich agus Feasgar a’ craoladh bhon stìùideo Skye Space ann am Fàs agus Siubhal gu Seachd le Derek “Pluto” agus Rapal a’ tighinn beò bhon atrium ann an ACC. Mar phàirt de phrògram Rapal, chluich 3 còmhlan beò air an oidhche cuideachd. Nochd gu leòr de mhuinntir na colaiste air na prògraman, eadar luchd-obrach agus oileanaich, agus bha grunn aoighean bhon choimhearsnachd ann cuideachd. Chaidh an oidhche a chrìochnachadh le pàrtaidh “cheesy pop” airson a h-uile duine anns an Talla mhòr agus luchd-ceumnachaidh SMO, Derek “Pluto” Moireach agus Emma NicLaomain aig an stiùir.

As part of the first week back of the summer semester, a team made up of various programmes from Radio nan Gàidheal visited us for a day of live broadcasts for the first time ever. Four programmes were broadcast live from the college, Prògram Choinnich and Feasgar from the Skye Space studio in Fàs, and Siubhal gu Seachd with Derek “Pluto” and Rapal came from the atrium in ACC. Rapal’s line-up included 3 bands who played live on the night. SMO was well represented in the output throughout the day, with many staff and students as guests, and also a number of the local community were also involved. The evening concluded with a “cheesy pop” disco in the Talla Mhòr with SMO Alumni Derek “Pluto” Murrray and Emma Lamont as hosts.

Coinneach MacÌomhair (Prògram Choinnich) le aoighean bhon Cholaiste is bhon choimhearsnachd / Kenny MacIver (Prògram Choinnich) with guests from the College and community

Kirsteen NicDhòmhnaill agus na h-oileanaich ùra Kirsteen MacDonald and the new intake of students

Mar phàirt den t-Seachdain Inntrigidh aig toiseach an t-Sultain,

As part of the Induction Week at the start of September, SMO

thàinig SMO Alumnus Kirsteen NicDhòmhnaill a thadhail air

Alumnus Kirsteen MacDonald visited the new students. Kirsteen

na h-oileanaich ùra. Rinn Kirsteen BA (le Urram) ann an Cànan

graduated from SMO with a BA (Hons) in Gaelic Language and

is Cultar na Gàidhlig nuair a bha i na h-oileanach a seo, agus

Culture and since then has become one of the main weather

bhon uairsin tha i air cliù a dhèanamh dhi fhèin airson a bhith a’

presenters, in both Gaelic and English, for BBC Alba and

lìbhrigeadh na h-aimsir, ann an Gàidhlig agus Beurla, airson BBC

Reporting Scotland.

Alba agus Reporting Scotland.

LATHA 2019 FOSGAILTE SMO OPEN DAY 2019

Chùm a’ cholaiste Latha Fosgailte Dihaoine 1 Samhain do sgoilearan àrd-sgoile, daoine òga agus duine sam bith eile le ùidh ann an cùrsaichean Gàidhlig. B’ e seo an latha a bu mhotha dhe leithid a bha a’ Cholaiste air a chur air dòigh gu ruige seo agus bha e gu math soirbheachail, le còrr is trì fichead neach a’ tadhal.

An Open Day as held at the college on Friday 1 November for secondary school pupils, young people and indeed anyone with an interest in the Gaelic courses on offer at SMO. This was the largest open day event the college had held to date and was very well attended with over sixty individuals on campus.

Fhuair na bha an làthair fàilte is fiosrachadh bho Phrionnsapal na Colaiste, an Dr. Gillian Rothach, agus bho gach Stiùiriche Cùrsa, a bharrachd air luchd-obrach is oileanaich na Colaiste. Chaidh an toirt air chuairt timcheall làraich na Colaiste agus fhuair iad sealladh air cò ris a tha e coltach a bhith nad oileanach ann, bhon fheadhainn a tha ann an-dràsta.

Visitors on the day received a warm welcome from college Principal, Dr Gillian Rothach, and also from Course Leaders, staff and students. They were taken on a tour around campus and got firsthand testimonies of what it would be like to be a student there from current SMO students.

Thàinig sgoilearan is an tidsearan bho ghrunn sgoiltean bho air feadh na dùthcha; Inbhir Nis, an t-Òban, Drochaid an Easbaig, Cille Bhrìghde an Ear agus Port Rìgh. Bidh cothrom eile aig daoine tadhal air a’ Cholaiste agus na diofar chùrsaichean a shanasachd do thagraichean nuair a thèid Latha nan Tagraichean a chumail aig SMO air an 20mh den Mhàrt, 2020.

Pupils and teachers travelled from a variety of schools from all around the country; Inverness, Oban, Bishopbriggs, East Kilbride and Portree. There will be another opportunity for individuals to visit Sabhal Mòr, engage with staff and learn about the many opportunities open to them at the Applicants’ Day, which will be held at SMO on 20 March 2020.

' Màrt march

20 2020

FOSGAILTE AIRSON IARRTASAN 2020/21

... TAKE YOUR PLACE ON THE STAGE Mas ann air post-d a b’ fheàrr leibh a’ chuairt-litir fhaighinn cuiribh fios gu litir@smo.uhi.ac.uk Mas annwould air post-d a b’ a’ chuairt-litir cuiribh please fios gu email litir@smo.uhi.ac.uk If you prefer to fheàrr receiveleibh an electronic copy fhaighinn of the newsletter litir@smo.uhi.ac.uk If you would prefer to receive an electronic copy of the newsletter please email litir@smo.uhi.ac.uk Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Ionad Nàiseanta Cànan is Cultar na Gàidhlig • National Centre for Gaelic Language & Culture Sabhal Ostaig, Sgitheanach, Ionad Nàiseanta is Cultar na(0)1471 Gàidhlig888000 • National Centre for Gaelic•Language & Culture Dealbhte le CGS| www.canan.co.uk Slèite,Mòr An t-Eilean AlbaCànan IV44 8RQ • +44 • fios@smo.uhi.ac.uk www.smo.uhi.ac.uk Slèite, An Mòr t-Eilean Alba IV44 +44 361752. (0)1471 888000 •Albannach fios@smo.uhi.ac.uk Dealbh aghaidh le Ross Christie Tha Sabhal Ostaig naSgitheanach, chompanaidh earranta clàraichte ann8RQ an Alba,•àireamh Àireamh Carthannas Clàraichte SC002578. • www.smo.uhi.ac.uk Dealbh aghaidh le Taighean-tasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland Number 361752 Registered charity no: SC002578. Tha Sabhal Sabhal Mòr Mòr Ostaig Ostaig isnaa 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 361752 Registered charity no: SC002578.

image courtesy Museums of Ross Christie Cover imageCover courtesy of National of Scotland Dealbhte le CGS| www.canan.co.uk