Cuairt-litir An Geamhradh 16/17

G E A M H R A D H 2 0 1 6 -1 7 W I N T E R

CUAIRT-LITIR|NEWSLETTER

CÙRSAICHEAN GOIRID EASTER & SUMMER SHORT COURSES Thig còmhla rinn airson seachdain san Eilean Sgitheanach aig àm na Càisge agus as t-samhradh airson cùrsaichean air leth ann an àrainn eireachdail.

2017

Join us for a week on the Isle of Skye this Easter and Summer for exceptional courses in a stunning location.

a’ chàisg easter

Samhradh summer

10 - 14/04/17

19 - 23/06/17

24 - 28/07/17

Gaelic Song with Christine Primrose

Gaelic for Beginners in the Quiraing Lodge

Flute & Whistle with Hamish Napier

Learning through Living Culture (Gaelic in Flodigarry)

Exploring Skye with Gaelic hosted by Muriel Fisher (Beginners)

Advanced Gaelic Conversation with Iain & Muriel Urquhart

17 - 21/04/17

26 - 30/06/17

31/07 - 04/08/17 Gaelic Pronounciation with Iain & Muriel Urquhart (Advanced Learners)

Fiddle Course with Ewen Henderson

Gaelic on the Island hosted by Muriel Fisher (Intermediate Learners)

Gaelic in the Landscape with Roddy MacLean

03 - 08/07/17

Aspects of Highland Material Culture with Margaret Stewart

Piping & Drumming for under 18s

07 - 11/08/17

Family Learning Week

Clarsach with Ingrid Henderson

17 - 21/07/17 Gaelic Conversation Course with Muriel Fisher Beartais Cainnt with Iain & Muriel Urquhart

Gaelic for Irish Speakers (Advanced Learners) Gaelic Conversation Course with Joy Dunlop

‘The Music in the Fiddle’ with Charlie Mckerron ‘A Seascape of Gaelic Song’ with Margaret Stewart

Òrain Ghàidhlig with Christine Primrose

14 - 18/08/17

Piano Accordion with Addie Harper Jr

Digital Photography

Button Box with Robert Nairn & Fergie MacDonald

Gaelic Creative Writing with Alison Lang

Gaelic for Irish Speakers (Beginners)

22 - 28/07/17 Fiddle course with Alasdair Fraser Cello course with Natalie Haas

Skye Piping School

21 - 25/08/17 Adam Sutherland School of Fiddle Summer Camp Learning through Living Culture (Gaelic in Flodigarry) Accordion Course with Mairearad Green

Tha cùrsaichean a bharrachd air an làrach-lìn againn a leithid na cùrsaichean Gàidhlig Ìrean 1-10.

A full list of courses is available on our website including Gaelic Levels 1-10.

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FACAL-TOISICH BHON PHRIONNSAPAL Bidh Plana Nàiseanta Gàidhlig ùr air a chur air bhonn le Bòrd na Gàidhlig tràth air a’ bhliadhna seo. Seo an treas plana nàiseanta a tha am Bòrd air a dheasachadh airson Riaghaltas na h-Alba. Car mun aon àm, bithear a’ taisbeanadh ro-innleachd ùr na Colaiste a bhitheas a’ ruith thairis air an aon chòig bliadhna ris a’ Phlana Nàiseanta.

Bidh amasan co-ionann aig a’ Phlana agus aig Ro-innleachd an t-Sabhail: neartachadh suidheachadh na Gàidhlig, cur ri àireamhan luchd-labhairt, leudachadh cleachdadh a’ chànain, meudachadh ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig agus foghlam sa chànan, na h-ealainean Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh etc.

Bidh làmh mhòr aig an t-Sabhal ann a bhith a’ lìbhrigeadh a’ Phlana Nàiseanta. Mar Ionad Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig, a tha a’ cur a’ chànain gu feum gu làitheil mar mheadhan teagaisg agus mar mheadhan obrach is rianachd, tha sinn air ar deagh uidheamachadh airson mòran dhe na ceumannan leasachaidh air a bheil feum a thoirt gu buil. Mar Cholaiste a tha na phàirt de dh’oilthigh, tha sinn gu sònraichte uidheamaichte airson cur an gnìomh amasan a’ Bhùird ann am foghlam, trèanadh agus rannsachadh. Mar phrìomh ionad ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig, tha sinn a’ tabhann chothroman do dh’òigridh is do dh’inbhich air feadh na dùthcha agus thall thairis ceumannan a ghabhail air slighe gu fileantachd sa chànan agus gu tuigse air cultar is dualchas na Gàidhlig.

Tha a’ Cholaiste a’ tairgse slighean ionnsachaidh, le diofar ìrean tòiseachaidh agus le caochladh ìrean crìochnachaidh, cuid air làrach an t-Sabhail, cuid ann am badan eile dhen dùthaich agus cuid air astar. Faodaidh tu tòiseachadh le cùrsa goirid as t-samhradh no aig a’ Chàisg agus a dhol air adhart gu Cùrsa Inntrigidh is Cùrsa Adhartais air astar no gu Cùrsa Comais an seo fhèin. Mas e sin as miann leat, faodaidh tu a dhol air adhart gu cùrsa ceum a bheir dhut oideachadh domhain sa chànan agus trèanadh son obraichean mar teagasg, na meadhannan no ann an ceòl is leasachadh. Ma tha thu son a dhol nas doimhne buileach, faodaidh tu cùrsa for-cheum no rannsachadh PhD a dhèanamh. Tha e comasach ceum is for-cheum a dhèanamh sa Ghàidhlig bho do dhachaigh fhèin agus bha deagh eisimpleirean aig a’ Cheumnachd an-uiridh de dh’oileanaich a rinn sin.

FOREWORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL A new National Gaelic Language Plan will be published by Bòrd na Gàidhlig early this year.

This will be the third national plan that the Bòrd has prepared for the Scottish Government.

Around the same time, the College will unveil its new institutional strategy which, like the national plan, runs for a five year period. The Bòrd’s plan and the Sabhal Mòr strategy will have similar aims: strengthening the language, increasing the number of Gaelic speakers, extending the use of Gaelic, expanding the learning of Gaelic and of education in the language, fostering the Gaelic arts etc.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig will play a major part in the implementation of the National Plan.

As the National Centre for Gaelic, which employs the language day and daily as its teaching medium and as the language of the workplace, we are well equipped to deliver many of the development initiatives that are required. As a College and constituent part of a University, we are particularly well placed to implement the Bord’s aspirations in education, training and research. As the premier Gaelic learning establishment, we offer youngsters and adults throughout the country and overseas opportunities to take steps on a path to fluency in the language and to an appreciation of Gaelic culture and heritage.

The College offers learner journeys, with different entry and exit points, some on campus, some in other parts of the country and some by distance learning. You can begin with a short course at Easter or in Summer and go on to two distance learning courses, An Cùrsa Inntrigidh (Access Course) and An Cùrsa Adhartais (Progression Course), or to an equivalent face to face immersion course, An Cùrsa Comais. If you wish, you can then enrol on degree courses which provide both an in-depth education through Gaelic and a training for a career in teaching, the media, music or development. Should you wish to progress further still, you can undertake postgraduate study or research leading to a PhD. You can complete both degree courses and postgraduate studies from your own home and there were splendid examples of students who did just that at last year’s Graduation.

Prionnsapal - An t-Oll Boyd Robasdan

CEUMNACHD Faisg air 1,000 oileanach air ceumnachadh bho Shabhal Mòr Ostaig Cheumnaich 53 oileanaich Dihaoine 7 Dàmhair aig ceumnachd Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus tha sin a’ ciallachadh gu bheil faisg air 1,000 oileanach air ceumnachadh bhon Cholaiste a-nis. Tha 985 oileanaich air teisteanas no ceum a thoirt a-mach bho thòisich iad a’ ceumnachadh ann an 1985.

Thuirt Leas-Phrionnsapal agus Stiùiriche an Fhoghlaim, Iain Tormod MacLeòid: “’S e fìor adhbhar toileachais a th’ ann gu bheil còrr ’s leth-cheud a’ ceumnachadh a-rithist am-bliadhna agus gu bheil an luchd-ceumnachaidh air ìrean acadaimigeach fìor àrd a ruigsinn, le fichead a’ cosnadh ceum BA, BA le Urram, MSc agus PhD. Le cha mhòr mìle neach air ceumnachadh uile-gu-lèir bhon Cholaiste, chan eil teagamh ann nach eil luchd-ceumnachaidh an t-Sabhail air cur gu mòr ri gleidheadh is ath-bheothachadh na Gàidhlig.”

Am measg nan daoine a fhuair urram sònraichte air an oidhche bha an Dr Christopher Dracup, a thug a-mach ceum BA (le urram) ann an Cànan is Cultar na Gàidhlig aig a’ chiad ìre agus a choisinn an duais iomraiteach aig Comann Gàidhealach Lunnainn airson an tràchdais as fheàrr le oileanach fo-cheuma bho OGE air cuspair cocheangailte ris a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus na h-Eileanan ann an roinn nan Daonnachdan.

A bharrachd air na duaisean is teisteanasan acadaimigeach a chaidh a thoirt seachad, chaidh an t-urram Sàr Ghàidheal a bhuileachadh air dithis a tha air an t-uabhas a dhèanamh ann an saoghal litreachas na Gàidhlig, am foillsichear Lisa Storey agus am bàrd agus sgrìobhadair Aonghas ‘Dubh’ MacNeacail.

Thuirt Prionnsapal Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, an t-Ollamh Boyd Robasdan: “Tha Sàr Ghàidheil na bliadhna seo air cur gu mòr ri saoghal na Gàidhlig ann an caochladh dhòighean. Tha iad le chèile air cur ri beairteas agus farsaingeachd stòras litreachais na Gàidhlig, Lisa tro na tha i air fhoillseachadh de leabhraichean agus Aonghas tro a chuid sgrìobhaidh is a bhàrdachd. Tha iad cuideachd air a bhith a’ coiteachadh gu dian is gu dealasach às leth an cànain is an dualchais. B’ e Lisa a’ chiad neach-teagaisg a bh’ ann am Bun-sgoil a’ Mheadhain ann an Inbhir Nis nuair a thòisich foghlam tron Ghàidhlig sa bhaile ann an 1985 agus choisinn Aonghas duais Sgrìobhadair Albannach na Bliadhna ann an 1997 airson an treas cruinneachaidh bàrdachd aige, Oideachadh Ceart agus Dàin Eile.”

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GRADUATION Sabhal Mòr Ostaig closes in on 1,000 graduates A total of 53 students graduated last Friday (7 October) from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig which brings the overall number of students to have graduated from the College since graduations began in 1985 to 985.

The College’s Vice-Principal and Director of Studies, John Norman MacLeod said: “We are particularly delighted that there are over 50 students graduating again this year and that the graduates have achieved such high academic standards, with 20 gaining BA, BA (Hons), MSc and PhD awards. With nearly a thousand students having graduated from the College to date, undoubtedly Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s graduates have had a significant impact on the maintenance and regeneration of Gaelic.”

Among those receiving awards for academic excellence was Dr Christopher Dracup, who graduated with a first-class BA (Honours) in Gaelic Language and Culture and who received the prestigious Highland Society of London Award for the best Highlands and Islands themed dissertation in the Humanities and Gaelic subject network by an undergraduate student.

In addition to the academic awards and qualifications, the

outstanding contributions of publisher Lisa Storey and poet Aonghas MacNeacail to Gaelic literature and culture were recognised when they were awarded the Sàr Ghàidheal honour.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Principal, Professor Boyd Robertson, said: “The recipients of the Sàr Ghàidheal awards this year have made impressive contributions to Gaeldom in a variety of ways. They have extended and enriched the canon of Gaelic literature, Lisa through her initiatives in publishing and Aonghas through his writing and poetry. They have also been ardent and relentless advocates on behalf of their language and heritage. They both broke new ground, Lisa as the first teacher in Central Primary School in Inverness when Gaelic Medium education was introduced there in 1985 and Aonghas as the winner of the prestigious Scottish Writer of the Year award in 1997 for his third poetry collection, A Proper Schooling and Other Poems.”

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Duais Chliùiteach Airson IarPhrionnsapal An t-Sabhail

Prestigious Award For Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Vice-Principal

Chaidh an t-seirbheis aig Iain Tormod MacLeòid do dh’ fhoghlam Gàidhlig aithneachadh le Duais Coileanaidh Fad Beatha aig cuirm Dhuaisean Foghlam Àrd-Ìre an Herald ann an Glaschu o chionn ghoirid. Aig an tachartas a tha air a ruith ann an co-bhann le Oilthigh Taobh Siar na h-Alba agus aig an robh an craoladair, Sally Magnusson, sa chathair, thug Prionnsapal Colaiste Baile Ghlaschu, Paul Little, seachad an òraid luaidh agus an duais.

Na òraid, thuirt Paul Little mu Iain Tormod: ‘Tha e air a bhith ag obair ann am foghlam barrachd is 35 bliadhna. Tha e air cur gu mòr ri leasachadh foghlam leantainneach agus àrd-fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig. Tha an t-ainm aige mar aon ri Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, an t-Ionad Nàiseanta airson Cànan is Cultar na Gàidhlig suidhichte san Eilean Sgitheanach. Mus deach a chur na dhreuchd, cha robh ann an SMO ach colaiste neo-eisimeileach a bha a’ tathann chùrsaichean goirid ràitheil sa chànan agus sa chultar. Andiugh tha i a’ tairgse còig cheumannan urraim agus chùrsaichean iar-cheumnach. Tha e eu-coltach gum biodh Sabhal Mòr Ostaig aig an ìre a tha e an-diugh mura b’ e am mòr-mhiann, an lèirsinn, an dealas agus an diongmhaltas aig Iain Tormod MacLeòid.

Chuir Prionnsapal SMO, an t-Ollamh Boyd Robasdan an cèill a thoileachas leis an duais: ‘’S e aithneachadh uile gu lèir iomchaidh is airidh a tha seo air an obair àibheiseach a tha Iain Tormod air a dhèanamh airson foghlam Gàidhlig agus ann an leasachadh SMO mar shàr ionad nàiseanta agus eadar-nàiseanta agus mar phàirt de dh’Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean. Tha Iain Tormod air a bhith a’ stiùireadh leasachadh curraicealam bho 1983 agus tha e air clàr acadamaigeach a chruthachadh a tha dol bho chùrsaichean airson fìor luchd-ionnsachaidh gu sreath de phrògraman airson fo-cheumnaich is iar-cheumnaich gu ceumanann PhD sa chànan. Is esan a’ bhunait air an deach inbhe sgoilearachd na Colaiste a thogail agus tha meas mòr air, agus deagh spèis aig daoine dha, ann an saoghal an fhoghlaim air feadh, agus thar, chriochan na h-Alba.’

John Norman MacLeod’s service to Gaelic education was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Herald Higher Education Awards ceremony in Glasgow. At the event run in association with the University of the West of Scotland and compered by broadcaster, Sally Magnusson, Paul Little, Principal of the City of Glasgow College, delivered the citation and presented the award. In his citation Paul Little said of John Norman: ‘He has been working in education for over 35 years. He has made an immense contribution to the development of further and higher education through the medium of Gaelic. His name is synonymous with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture based on the Isle of Skye. Prior to his appointment, SMO was merely an independent college which offered seasonal short courses in Gaelic language and culture. Today it offers five honours degrees and postgraduate courses. It is unlikely that Sabhal Mòr Ostaig would be what it is today if not for the, ambition, vision, industry and determination of John Norman MacLeod.’

SMO Principal, Professor Boyd Robertson, expressed delight at the award: ‘This is richly deserved recognition of the massive contribution John Norman has made to Gaelic education and to the development of SMO as a national and international Centre of Excellence and as part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. John Norman has led the development of the curriculum since 1983 and has created an academic portfolio that ranges from courses for ab initio learners through a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to PhD study in the language. He has been the foundation on which the scholarly reputation of the College has been built and he is highly regarded and respected in education circles throughout, and beyond, Scotland.’

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ÒRAID 2016

ANNUAL LECTURE 2016

Òraid Chuimhneachaidh Shir Iain Noble

Sir Iain Noble Memorial Lecture

Chaidh a’ chòigeamh Òraid Chuimhneachaidh air Sir Iain Noble a thoirt seachad le Iain MacDhòmhnaill aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig air Diciadain 9 Samhain, agus b’ e cuspair na h-òraide aige “Somhairle MacGill-Eain: Beatha is Bàrdachd”.

Chaidh an Òraid a stèidheachadh o chionn còig bliadhna le Sabhal Mòr Ostaig OGE agus Urras an Eilein, dà bhuidhinn ris an robh dlùth-cheangal aig Sir Iain fad iomadh bliadhna, mar chuimhneachan air an obair mhòr a rinn Sir Iain don Cholaiste, don sgìre agus don Ghàidhlig.

Thuirt Iain MacDhòmhnaill: “Bha e na urram mòr dhòmhsa Òraid Chuimhneachaidh Shir Iain Noble a thoirt seachad, agus bha an cuspair a thugadh dhomh glè fhreagarrach, is ceangal cho làidir aig Somhairle MacGill-Eain fhèin ris an t-Sabhal.”

A bharrachd air an òraid, chaidh duais shònraichte a thoirt seachad air an oidhche airson a’ chiad uair le Urras an Eilein airson “Neach Òg na Bliadhna”. Tha an duais ga buileachadh air neach òg às an Eilean Sgitheanach a tha air daoine a bhrosnachadh gu bhith cleachdadh na Gàidhlig agus a tha air inbhe a’ chànain a thogail tro an cuid saothrach is dìchill. ’S i Eilidh NicFhraing à Cille mo Luaig san Eilean Sgitheanach a thog duais na bliadhna-sa.

The fifth Sir Iain Noble Memorial Lecture was delivered by Ian MacDonald on Wednesday 9 November at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, where he gave a wide-ranging talk, entitled “Sorley MacLean: Life and Poetry”, on the life and work of the famous Raasay bard.

The annual lecture was established five years ago by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Urras an Eilein (Skye Gaelic Trust) - two organisations which Sir Iain helped to establish and with which he enjoyed enduring ties during his lifetime - to honour the work and achievements of Sir Iain, especially with regard to the College, the island and the Gaelic language.

Ian MacDonald said: “For me it was a great honour to give the Sir Iain Noble Memorial Lecture, and the topic I was given was very appropriate, in view of Sorley MacLean’s own very close relationship with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.”

As part of the evening’s proceedings, the inaugural “Skye’s Young Gaelic Person of the Year” award was presented to Eilidh Rankin from Kilmaluag in North Skye for her contribution to the use and promotion of Gaelic.

Òraidiche Iain Dòmhnallach còmhla ri Lucilla Noble, agus riochdairean bho Urras an Eilein agus SMO. Speaker Ian MacDonald with Lucilla Noble, and representatives from Urras an Eilein and SMO.

Mairead NicNeacail bho Urras an Eilein, a’ toirt seachad duais “Neach Òg na Bliadhna” gu Eilidh NicFhraing à Cille mo Luaig.

Margaret Nicolson from Urras an Eilein, presenting the inaugural “Skye’s Young Gaelic Person of the Year” award to Eilidh Rankin from Kilmaluag.

BOYD ROBASDAN

NEW HOMES AT SABHAL MÒR OSTAIG DACHAIGHEAN ÙRA AIG SABHAL MÒR OSTAIG Tha obair togail air dà thaigh air prìs chothromach air tòiseachadh aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig tron Sgeama Rent to Buy aig Urras Taigheadais Coimhearsnachdan Beaga na Gàidhealtachd.

Tha Urras Taigheadais Coimhearsnachdan Beaga na Gàidhealtachd ag obair an com-pàirteachas le Sabhal Mòr Ostaig airson dà thaigh seasmhach air prìs ìosal a sholarachadh air mhàl agus an uair sin airson ceannaich ri taobh na Colaiste anns a’Chill Bhig, anns an Eilean Sgitheanach. ’S e seo a’ chiad cheum an lùib leasachaidh nas fharsainge a tha a' faighinn taic bho Riaghaltas na h-Alba, Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd agus Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean. Thathar an dùil gum faicear grunn chothroman taigheadais is coimeirsealta an lùib an sgeama anns na bliadhnaichean ri teachd a chuireas ri goireasan an ionaid agus anns an tèid coimhearsnachd bheothail is sheasmhach a chruthachadh.

Thuirt Ronnie MacRath, Àrd-oifigear, Urras Taigheadais Coimhearsnachdan Beaga na Gàidhealtachd: “Tha sinn uabhasach toilichte gu bheil sinn ag obair còmhla ri James MacQueen Builders Ltd. agus R.HOUSE a-rithist airson dachaighean air cosgaisean nas ìsle a bhios a’ caomhnadh cumhachd a thogail anns a’ Chill Bhig. Tha an sgeama Rent to Buy a’ toirt cothrom do dhaoine taigh fhaighinn air mhàl agus an uair sin a cheannach le taic suim airgid dìlseachd mu choinneimh na suim tèarainte ro mhorgaids a thaisg iad.”

Thuirt an Leas-phrìomh-mhinistear, Iain Swinney: “’S e naidheachd mhath dha-rìreabh a th’ ann gun tòisich an obair togail air na dachaighean ùra seo aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a dh'aithghearr. ’S e seo ceum eile air slighe leasachaidh na Colaiste agus ath-bheothachadh eaconamaidh na sgìre. A thuilleadh air na taighean fhèin, thig iomadh buannachd dha cànan is foghlam, cho math ri sgilean is obraichean, an cois nan leasachaidhean seo.” ’S e a’ chompanaidh James MacQueen Builders Ltd bho cheann tuath an eilein a bhuannaich a’ chùmhnant airson an dà thaigh a thogail agus bidh iad a’ tòiseachadh air an làraich sa Ghearran.

Thathar an dùil gum bi an dà thaigh ùr an uairsin deiseil aig toiseach an t-samhraidh agus le Urras Taigheadais Coimhearsnachdan Beaga na Gàidhealtachd a-nis a’ sireadh iarrtasan bho mhuinntir na sgìre aig a bheil ùidh annta.

Construction of two new affordable homes has begun at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig through The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust’s Rent to Buy Scheme.

The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust (HSCHT) is working in partnership with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO) to provide two sustainable low-cost homes for rent and then purchase next to the College in Kilbeg, Skye. This is the first stage of an exciting wider development which is strongly supported by the Scottish Government, The Highland Council and Highlands & Islands Enterprise. It is anticipated the scheme will provide a varied range of housing and commercial opportunities over the next few years to enhance the campus facilities and to create a more vibrant, sustainable community.

Ronnie MacRae, Chief Executive Officer, The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust said: “We are delighted to be working again with James MacQueen Builders Ltd. and R.HOUSE to provide energy-efficient, lower-cost homes in Kilbeg. The Rent to Buy Scheme provides households with the opportunity to rent and then purchase their homes with the aid of a loyalty cash-back amount for their mortgage deposit.”

On his visit to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “It is terrific news to hear that the building of these new homes will start soon at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. This is another key step in the ongoing growth and development of the college and regeneration of the area. As well as the housing, these developments include a wide range of benefits for language and education and also for skills and employment.”

The firm of James MacQueen Builders Ltd from the north of the island won the construction contract for the two new houses and with the work expected to start on site in February. The houses are planned for completion by the start of the summer and with The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust currently seeking applications from those within the local community with an interest in them.

9

Dè an t-ainm a th’ oirbh?

Mòrag Stiùbhart

What is your name?

Mòrag Stewart

Dè an obair a th’ agaibh?

Tha mi a’ stiùireadh BA (le Urram) Gàidhlig is Na Meadhanan, agus a’ teagasg air a’ chùrsa.

What is your occupation?

I am the course leader of the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Media Studies course.

Cò às a tha sibh agus cò ris a tha e coltach?

Rugadh mi ann an Uidhist ach chaidh mo thogail ann an Griomasaigh, eilean beag eadar Uibhist a Tuath agus Beinn a’ Bhaoghla. Mar sin, chan ann à Uidhist Tuath no Deas a tha mi ach à Griomasaigh. ’S ann air iasgach, agus gu h-àraidh nuair a bha mise òg, air iasgach ghiomach, a bha beò-shlàint’ an eilein stèidhichte le beagan croitearachd na mheasg. Chun an là an-diugh tha iasgach cudromach do Ghriomasaigh, ’s ma tha thu measail air feòil chrùbaig, giomaich no creachainn, chan fhaigh thu nas fheàrr an àite sam bith. A bheil cead agam a bhith a’ sanasachadh?

Dè na cur-seachadan a th’ agaibh?

Chan eil mi a’ dèanamh na h-uimhir de leughadh ’s a b’ àbhaist dhomh ach bidh mi fhathast a ceannach tòrr leabhraichean agus a’ dèanamh mo dhìcheall faighinn thuca. ’S toigh leam dràma de dh'iomadh seòrsa air telebhisean ach tha mi caran air mo bheòghlacadh le naidheachdan, ge bith dè an t-àite san t-saoghal a tha ann, a bheil iad fìor no nach eil. Bho nach do dhràibh mi riamh tha mi math agus measail air coiseachd ach ’s toigh leam siubhal air plèanaichean cuideachd – gu h-àraidh gu dùthaich nas blàithe - ged nach eil sin a' tachairt cho tric ’s a mhiannaichinn.

Where are you from and what is it like?

I was born in Uist but I was raised in Grimsay, a small Island between North Uist and Benbecula so I am neither from North or South Uist. My island’s main livelihood was fishing, mostly for lobster in my day, and combined with crofting. To this day, fishing is still vital to those living on Grimsay, and if you enjoy crab meat, lobsters or scallops, you won’t find better anywhere else. Am I allowed to advertise?

What are your hobbies?

I don’t read as much as I used to but I still buy a lot of books and like to read when I get the opportunity. I like watching all sorts of television drama and I am fascinated by news, even although in this day and age it is hard to distinguish between fact and “fake”.

I don’t drive but I enjoy walking. I also enjoy travelling by plane, especially to warmer climates, although this does not happen as often as I would like.

Name one thing you would like to do for Gaelic?

I would give the amazing confidence that some Gaelic learners have to native speakers, especially to those who say “my Gaelic isn’t good enough.”

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

Bheirinn a’ mhisneachd mhìorbhaileach a tha aig cuid do luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig do fhileantaich agus gu h-àraidh dhan fheadhainn a chanas “Chan eil a’ Ghàidhlig agamsa math gu leòr!”

GRIOMASAIGH GRIMSAY

MÒRAG STIÙBHART

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"Tha AN LINNE air a bhith air leth math agus bheir i buaidh mhaireannach air mo chuid sgrìobhaidh is obair ealain. Mòran taing." ( Alison George Buck ,Oileanach PhD, Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann) JON SCHUELER

AN LINNE Sabhal Mòr Ostaig hosted the Centenary Year Symposium and Exhibition, AN LINNE, celebrating the life, work and legacy of internationally renowned artist, Jon Schueler (1916 - 1992). As part of the 2-day conference there were presentations from artists, historians, academics and a panel discussion chaired by Finlay Finlayson with members of the Mallaig fishing community. Speakers included Prof Richard Demarco CBE, Prof Duncan MacMillan, Prof Meg Bateman, Dr John Purser, Dr Anne MacLeod, artist Marian Leven RSA, Prof Mary Ann Caws, Dr Joanna Soden, Dr Lindsay Blair (Conference Convenor), poet/ historian Angus Martin and artist Will Maclean RSA MBE. The exhibition of Schueler's own work, oils and works on paper, was complemented by screenings of new film works and an exhibition of work by resident artists at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig through the Jon Schueler Scholarship, Takeshi Shikama (Japanese photographer), Helmut Lemke (German sound artist) and Oliver Mezger (Scottish based film artist). The Scholarship is open to Scottish and international artists working to the highest level of professional practice in a visual medium and with a particular interest in the landscape and the environment, continuing the legacy of Schueler's relationship to this area. This sharing of ideas from an international perspective and responding to the Gàidhealtacht supports the creation of new contemporary art at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

The partnership on AN LINNE between Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and lead sponsor The Crannog Concept Ltd, supported by the Jon Schueler Charitable Trust, Moray College OGE/ UHI and The Royal Scottish Academy has been shortlisted for an Arts & Business Scotland Award. The winners will be announced in March.

"The Jon Shueler Symposium has aspired to a condition of a TRUE ART WORK, a veritable Gesamtkuntswerk. I have been honoured to be here in this inspiring & magical world!"

Richard Demarco

Chùm Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a’ cho-labhairt agus taisbeanadh, AN LINNE, airson beatha, obair is dìleab an neach-ealain chliùitich eadar-nàiseanta Jon Schueler (1916-1992) a chomharrachadh, ceud bliadhna an dèidh a bhreith. Bha taisbeanaidhean ann an lùib na co-labhairt dà latha le luchd-ealain, eòlaichean-eachdraidh, luchd-foghlaim agus còmhradh pannail le coimhearsnachd an iasgaich à Malaig agus le Fionnlagh MacFhionnlaigh anns a’ chathair. Am measg nan òraidichean, bha Prof Richard Demarco CBE, Prof Duncan MacMillan, Prof Meg Bateman, Dr Iain Mac an Sporain, Dr Anna NicLeòid, an neach-ealain Marian Leven RSA, Prof Mary Ann Caws, Dr Joanna Soden, Dr Lindsay Blair (Neachcathrach na Co-labhairt), am bàrd is eòlaiche-eachdraidh Aonghas Màrtainn agus an neach-ealain Will MacIllEathain RSA MBE. Chuir taisbeanaidhean de dh'fhilmichean agus obair ùr leis an luchd-ealain a choisinn Sgoilearachd Jon Schueler stèidhichte aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Takeshi Shikama (dealbhadair camara à Seapan), Helmut Lemke (neach-ealain-fuaime às a’ Ghearmailt) agus Oliver Mezger (neach-ealain film às Alba), ris an taisbeanadh de dh’obair Schueler fhèin, dealbhan ola agus obair air pàipear. Tha an Sgoilearachd fosgailte do luchd-ealain Albannach agus eadarnàiseanta aig an ìre as àirde de dh’ealain lèirsinneach agus aig a bheil ùidh shònraichte ann an cruth na tìre agus an àrainneachd, a’ togail air dìleab na dàimh a bh’ aig Schueler leis an sgìre. Tha co-roinn nam beachdan ealanta air a' Ghàidhealtachd bho thaobh eadar-nàiseanta a’ cur ri cruthachadh nuadh ealain aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

Tha AN LINNE, a tha na com-pàirteachas eadar Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus a’ phrìomh bhuidheann taic The Crannog Concept Ltd, le taic Urras Carthannach Jon Schueler, Moray College OGE agus Acadamh Rìoghail na h-Alba air àite a chosnadh air geàrr-liosta Duaisean Ealanta is Gnìomhachais na h-Alba. Thèid an fheadhainn a ghlèidheas duaisean a ghairm sa Mhàrt.

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NEACH-EALAIN

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

’S i Agathe de Bailliencourt, a bhuineas do Pharis, an neach-ealain air mhuinntireas 2016 - Sgoilearachd Jon Schueler - iomairt a tha air a bhith stèidhichte aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig fad ceithir bliadhna. Tha am pròiseact seo gu bhith a’ ruith fad ceithir bliadhna eile ann an co-bhonn le Urras Carthannas Jon Schueler.

Parisian artist, Agathe de Bailliencourt was the 2016 Artist in Residence under the Jon Schueler Residency Programme, which has been running for 4 years at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. The Programme has been extended for another 4 years in partnership with the Jon Schueler Charitable Trust.

’S i Agathe, a tha a’ fuireach ann am Berlin, a’ chiad pheantair a choisinn àite air a’ phrògram seo, rud a tha glè iomchaidh ambliadhna leis gu bheilear a’ comharrachadh ceud bliadhna bhon a rugadh am peantair eas-chruthach, agus an sgoilearachd air a stèidheachadh mar chuimhneachan air (Jon Schueler, 1916 – 1992).

Agathe, who is usually based in Berlin, was the first painter to be appointed for this residency and perhaps this is fitting as 2016 was the centenary of the abstract expressionist painter’s birth, in whose memory the Programme was established (Jon Schueler, 1916 – 1992).

Tha cliù air feadh an t-saoghail aig Agathe mar pheantair is bidh i ag obair le canabhas, pàipear, ailtireachd agus nàdar. Airson na sgoilearachd, dhealbhaich Agathe obair freumhaichte san àite a bha ceangailte gu dlùth ri àrainneachd na sgìre. ’S e dòigh obrach ùr a bha seo do Agathe, le a bhith a peantadh a-muigh anns an àrainneachd. “Bha an turas agam don Eilean Sgitheanach air leth cudromach nam chuid obrach. Bha mi fhìn den bheachd gur ann nuair nach fhaicte sian a bha an àrainneachd seo na bu tharrangaiche buileach - na sgòthan a’ siubhal, an solas a’ sìoratharrachadh, an dà chuid caochlaideach agus bàrdail. Fhad ’s a bha mi ri m’ obair, shiubhail cuid de na sgothan tron obair an da-rìreabh, agus bha seo glè inntinneach a chionn ’s gu bheil ùidh agam ann an ’clàradh' ùine agus suidheachaidh.”

Fhad ’s a bha i aig a’ Cholaiste, stèidhich Agathe a cuid obrach air sreath dhealbhan mòra, aicriolach air canabhas le dathan-uisgeach agus air sreath dhealbhan peansail a chleachd faclan airson cruth na tìre a mhìneachadh.

Chaidh an obair aice a thaisbeanadh ann an Singapore sa gheamhradh, agus dùil gum bi iad a’ nochdadh ann an Zona Maco ann am Meagsago sa Ghearran agus an uair sin aig taisbeanadh Armory ann an New York sa Mhàrt.

AGATHE DE BAILLIENCOURT

Agathe has an international reputation as a painter and works on canvas, paper and directly onto space, architecture and nature.

For the Scholarship, Agathe produced site-specific work in direct physical connection to the local environment. Working on paintings directly outside was a revelatory new way of working for the artist.

“The stay on Skye has been very important for the development of my work. This landscape is the most fascinating when you actually don't see anything - with all the clouds moving, with the constantly changing light, unpredictable and poetic. In the process some clouds came to pass through the work quite literally, which is very interesting I think in terms of my interest in ‘recording’ of time and circumstance.”

During her time at Sabhal Mòr, Agathe focused on a series of large format paintings, acrylic applied on raw linen canvas with a water-colour technique, and a series of drawings that use words to describe a landscape. “I used words to draw air”. The drawings produced during the residency have been exhibited in Singapore this winter; the paintings will be on view in Mexico at Zona Maco in February, and then at the Armory Show in New York City in March.

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TOSTA ’S e pròiseact cultarail eadar-nàiseanta a bh' ann an Tosta an compàirteachas le Donostia / San Sebastián Prìomh-bhaile Cultair na h-Eòrpa 2016.

Thug Tosta seachd coimhearsnachdan mhion-chànanan (Alba, Èirinn, A’ Chuimrigh, A’ Chòrn, Frìoslann, Galicia agus Dùthaich nam Basgach) air costa Eòrpach a’ Chuain Siar cruinn còmhla fad 2016 airson iomadachd chànanach is chultarail a neartachadh is cruthachadh ealanta a leasachadh.

B’ e Sabhal Mòr Ostaig an com-pàirtiche ann an Alba an lùib pròiseict a shiubhail air feadh iomadh dùthaich le fèis thaistealach, taisbeanadh, còmhlan-ciùil ùr agus prògram còmhnaidh luchdealain. Ghabh dithis Ghàidheal òga, agus tè dhiubh na h-oileanach aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, pàirt ann an sgeama trèanaidh Tosgaire Cultarail ann an Donostia. Chaidh neach-ealain às gach coimhearsnachd a-null gu aon de na coimhearsnachdan eile air greis chòmhnaidheach airson pìos obrach a chruthachadh a rachadh a thaisbeanadh aig fèisean Tosta. Chuir Zenna Tagney às a’ Chòirn còig seachdainean seachad aig an t-Sabhal Mhòr far an robh i a’ rannsachadh sgeulachdan is seanchais co-cheangailte ris a’ mhuir agus i a’ cur ghoireasan aig an t-Sabhal Mhòr a leithid Tobar an Dualchais agus Leabharlann na Colaiste gu feum. B’ e trì ìomhaighean mòra den chrodh-mara a thug Zenna gu buil agus chaidh am foillseachadh aig na taisbeanaidhean anns na seachd coimhearsnachdan.

B’ i an dannsair-ceuma agus filmeadair, Sophie Stephenson à Cille Chuimein, a chaidh a thaghadh mar neach-ealain Gàidhlig a’ phròiseict. Chuir Sophie còig seachdainean seachad ann an Dùthaich nam Basgach far an deach a bogadh ann an cànan is cultar nam Basgach is i a’ frithealadh clasaichean cànain, bùithtean-obrach dannsa agus fèisean ciùil. Bhrosnaich sin i gus

film goirid a dhèanamh anns an tàinig ceòl rap Basgach, puirt-abeul Gàidhlig agus dannsa-ceuma uile còmhla.

A bharrachd air an luchd-ealain-lèirsinneach, chaidh neachciùil no seinneadair a thaghadh às gach coimhearsnachd airson pàirt a ghabhail ann an còmhlan Tosta cuide ri buill de Oreka TX à Dùthaich nam Basgach. Chùm an còmhlan cuirm aig gach fèis Tosta a leithid Fèis an Eilein aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig anns an Iuchar agus Atlantikaldia ann an Dùthaich nam Basgach. Thuirt Rona Wilkie an neach-ciùil a bha a’ riochdachadh na h-Alba, “B’ e pròiseact glè chudromach a bh’ ann dhomhsa mar neach-ealain a tha ag obair le mion-chànan oir chaidh sinn gu seachd àitean a tha dà-chànanach a chluich cuirm agus a shealltainn air ciamar a tha na diofair àitean a’ brosnachadh an cànanan fhèin. Is toil leam cuideachd a bhith a’ smaoinicheadh air ceòl Gàidhlig mar ealain a tha ag atharrachadh leis an t-saoghal agus ged a bha an còmhlan stèidhichte ann an ceòl traidiseanta, b’ e ceòl nuadh a bh' ann le buaidh aig jazz, pop agus country air.”

Chluich an còmhlan-ciùil aig a h-uile fèis Tosta. Bha bùithteanobrach Gàidhlig ann do theaghlaichean, filmichean agus òraidean le luchd-ealain cho math ris na consairtean is an taisbeanadh aig an fhèis dà latha a chaidh a chumail aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig an lùib Fèis an Eilein.

Chaidh clàr-ciùil a chlàradh, cuid dheth ann an Stiùideo Ostaig, agus bidh Còmhlan TOSTA a’ cumail orra a’ cluich aig fèisean ciùil eadar-nàiseanta. Bidh an lìonra de luchd-ealain is com-pàirtichean a’ leantainn orra agus làrach-lìn agus làthaireachd lìn TOSTA mar phàirt de dhìleab a' phròiseict www.tosta2016.eu. Thathas a’ cur crìoch air prògram aithriseach ioma-chànanach agus thèid stiùireadh cànanach airson mion-chànanan a chleachdadh an lùib pròiseict ioma-chànanach as t-Earrach.

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An international collaboration with Donostia / San Sebastián European Capital of Culture 2016.

Throughout 2016, the Tosta initiative brought together seven minority language communities of Europe’s Atlantic coast (Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Friesland, Galicia and the Basque Country) for the celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity and the promotion of artistic creation.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig was the Scottish partner for a project that travelled internationally with a touring festival, exhibition, new band and artist residency exchange programme. Two young Gaels, one a student at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, took part in a Cultural Ambassador training scheme in Donostia. A visual artist from each community, hosted by one of the other communities, undertook a residency in order to create a piece of work which would be exhibited at the Tosta festivals. Zenna Tagney from Cornwall spent five weeks in residence at Sabhal Mòr. With on-site resources such as Tobar an Dualchais and the college Library the artist researched Gaelic stories connected with the sea. Zenna’s final creation was three large "crodh-mara"(sea cow) sculptures.

Step dancer and filmmaker, Sophie Stephenson from Fort Augustus was selected as the Gaelic artist for the project. Sophie spent five weeks in the Basque Country where she immersed herself in Basque language and culture - attending language classes, dance workshops and music festivals. This provided the inspiration for her short film which brought together Basque rap, Gaelic mouth music and step dance rhythms.

A musician/singer was also selected from each community to form the Tosta band along with members of the Basque Oreka TX. Rona Wilkie who represented Scotland said, “It was a very important project for me as an artist working with a minority

language as we visited seven bilingual areas to perform and see how each place promotes their own language. I also like to think of Gaelic music as art that changes with the world and although the band was based on traditional music, it was modern music that was created with influences in jazz, pop and country.”

The group performed at all of the Tosta festivals. The 2-day festival held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig as part of Fèis an Eilein in July ran family workshops through Gaelic, film showings and artist talks alongside the concerts and exhibition.

An album has been recorded, partly at Stiùideo Ostaig, and Còmhlan TOSTA is set to continue touring world music festivals.

Also as part of the legacy of the project, the network of artists and partners continues as does the TOSTA website and social media presence www.tosta2016.eu

A multi-lingual documentary is nearing completion and a linguistic guide for using minority languages in a multi-lingual project will be launched in the Spring.

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CRAOBH ABHAINN

Fhuair oileanaich an t-Sabhail Mhòir cothrom air leth a bhith an sàs ann an dealbh-cluiche ùr, innleachdach anns an robh seanchas, ceòl, dràma agus peantadh a’ tighinn cruinn còmhla. Chaidh an com-pàirteachadh a thoirt gu buil le Darach Ó Tuairisg agus Kath NicLeòid cuide ris a’ bhuidhinn dràma Fíbin à Maigh Eo ann an Èirinn. Bha am pìos dràma air a sgrìobhadh is a stiùireadh le Breandán Ó Muirí (Áras Inis Gluaire - Ionad Ealain Gàidhlig na h-Èireann, Maigh Eo), agus stèidhichte air sgeul nan 'Tattie Hokers’ - luchd-obrach ràitheil a thàinig à Èirinn a dh'Alba anns na 1930an.

Anns an taisbeanadh, tha an neach-ealain Dara Mag Aoidh a’ cruthachadh ceithir dhealbhan fhad ’s a thathar ag aithris an sgeòil ann an Gàidhlig na h-Alba is na h-Èireann tro cheòl. Chaidh an dealbh-chluich a thaisbeanadh an lùib na fèise Tosta anns a’ chiad dol a-mach ann an Atlantikaldia ann an Dùthaich nam Basgach leis a’ chlàrsair/seinneadair Ellen Ní Mhurchú, an cleasaiche Anne Marie Ní Mhaolalaigh à Maigh Eo agus luchd-ealain Tosta, Sophie NicSteaphain agus Rona Wilkie. Chaidh a thaisbeanadh a-rithist agus fhilmeadh ann an Stiùidio Skye Space aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig le oileanaich an t-Sabhail agus oileanaich a bha tadhal air a’ Cholaiste. Am measg nan oileanaich a bha an sàs bha Lauren Ní Bhroin (giotàr), Amina NicDhaibhidh (bogsa-ciùil), Reece MacAoidh (fidheall), Aileas NicLeòid (òrain Ghàidhlig) agus Raonaid Kellow (dannsa Gàidhealach). Cuideachd a’ gabhail pàirt air an oidhche, bha Aedín Ní Tiarnaigh agus Aimí Ní Riada, dithis oileanach Èireannach a bha air iomlaid aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig bho Oilthigh Luimnigh. Às dèidh an tachartais, thuirt riochdaire a’ phròiseict Darach Ó Tuairisg: “’S e pròiseact air leth a bha seo a bhith an sàs ann, pròiseact a bha stèidhichte air an turas fhada, chruaidh eadar taobh siar na h-Èireann agus taobh siar na h-Alba. Bha am measgachadh de cheòl is dualchas eadar an dà bhuidhinn anns na bùithtean-obrach iongantach agus air leth inntinneach faicinn gu bheil am barrachd eadarainn a tha coltach na tha diofraichte!”

Chaidh taic a chur ris a’ phròiseact seo bho Celtic Neighbours tron iomairt Colmcille Èirinn is Alba (Bòrd na Gàidhlig/Foras na Gaeilge).

Students from Sabhal Mòr were recently given the opportunity to be involved in an innovative new piece of theatre which brought together storytelling, music, drama and live painting.

The collaboration was produced by Darach Ó Tuairisg and Kath MacLeod (Sabhal Mòr Ostaig) in conjunction with the Fíbín theatre company in Mayo, Ireland. Written and directed by Brendan Murray (Áras Inis Gluaire, Gaeilge Arts Centre Co. Mayo) the narrative is based on the ‘Tattie Hokers’ - migrant workers from Ireland who came to find work in Scotland in the 1930s. During the performance artist Dara McGee paints four canvasses while the story is narrated through Gaelic, Gaeilge and music. The piece was first performed as part of the Tosta festival at Atlantikaldia in the Basque Country with harpist/singer Ellen Murphy and actress Anne Marie Lally from County Mayo along with the Gaelic Tosta artists Sophie Stephenson and Rona Wilkie. It was then developed and filmed in the Skye Space Studio at Sabhal Mòr with students from, and visiting the college.

Amongst the students taking part were Lauren Byrne (guitar), Amina Davidson (accordion), Reece MacKay (fiddle), Aileas MacLeod (Gaelic song) and Rachel Kellow (Highland dance) as well as Aedín O'Tiarnaigh and Aimí Ní Riada, two Irish students on exchange at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig from the University of Limerick.

Commenting after the event, producer Darach Ó Tuairisg said: “It was a wonderful project to work on, inspired by a long and hard journey between the west of Ireland and the west of Scotland. It was fabulous to hear the mix of music and tradition between the two groups during the workshops and to find that we are more alike than not!”

The project was supported by Celtic Neighbours through the Colmcille Èirinn ’s Alba initiative (Bòrd na Gàidhlig/Foras na Gaeilge).

oileanaich air iomlaid bho Oilthigh Luimneach. exchange students from the University of Limerick.

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’Se co-labhairt eadar-nàiseanta air an rannsachadh as ùire agus as cudromaiche air cuspairean a tha a’ buntainn ris a’ Ghàidhlig a th’ ann an Rannsachadh na Gàidhlig. Bidh i a’ gabhail àite gach dàrna bliadhna ann an oilthigh eadar-dhealaichte, far am bi roinnean Gàidhlig agus/no Ceiltis agus chaidh a cumail aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, an t-Ionad Nàiseanta airson Cànan is Cultar na Gàidhlig, anns an Ògmhios. ’S e seo an dàrna turas a ghabh i àite aig an t-Sabhal, a’ chiad uair ann an 2006.

Thàinig còrr is ceud neach chun a’ cho-labhairt bho air feadh an t-saoghail agus ghabh cuid eile pàirt ann bho astar, mar eisimpleir chaidh an òraid aig an eòlaiche Nancy Dorian, a tha stèidhichte anns na Stàitean Aonaichte, a lìbhrigeadh air Skype.

Uile gu lèir, chaidh 7 prìomh òraidean a thoirt seachad is thàinig iad sin bho Ailean Dòmhnallach, an Dr Màrtainn MacGriogair, Nancy Dorian, an Dr Michelle NicLeòid, Raghnall MacilleDhuibh, an Dr Anja Gunderloch agus an t-Oll Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh .

A bharrachd air na prìomh òraidean, bha gach latha loma làn de sheiseanan phàipearan leth uair, 63 dhiubh uile gu lèir, a bha a’ tairgsinn farsaingeachd de chuspairean bho ‘Roghainnean Phàrantan am Foghlam’ gu ‘Sgrìobhadh sa Ghàidhlig san Latha an-Diugh’; ‘Feòlmhorachd na Filidheachd’ gu ‘Seanchas Global Gaelic Jukebox’.

Rannsachadh na Gàidhlig is an international conference featuring the latest and most important research in a range of topics relating to Gaelic. The conference takes place every second year in universities which house a Gaelic and/or Celtic department and was held in June at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. This is the second time the event has been held at the college, firstly back in 2006.

Over 100 delegates attended the conference from all around the world with some taking part in the event from other countries such as linguist Nancy Dorian, who lives in America and delivered her paper via Skype.

All in all, there were 7 main lectures which were delivered

by Ailean MacDonald, Dr Martin MacGregor, Nancy Dorian, Dr Michelle MacLeod, Ronald Black, Dr Anja Gunderloch and Professor Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh.

As well as the plenary speakers, a further 63 papers were delivered, which covered a wide range of subjects from ‘Parental Choice in Education’ to ‘Modern Gaelic Writing’; ‘Sensuality of Poetry’ to ‘Seanchas Global Gaelic Jukebox’.

SEALL A' COMHARRACHADH 25 BLIADHNA

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SEALL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS. Anns an Lùnastal, chomharraich SEALL – Skye Events for All – stèidhichte ann an Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, 25 bliadhna agus iad air tachartasan ealain air leth a thoirt do mhuinntir ceann a deas an Eilein Sgitheanaich. Bidh SEALL a’ cumail mu 80 tachartas beò gach bliadhna; a’ cur Fèis an Eilein air dòigh fad dà mhìos gach samhradh; agus a’ cumail Fèis Jazz an Eilein anns an Dàmhair.

Chaidh a’ bhliadhna mhòr seo a chomharrachadh le pàrtaidh cò-làbreith aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig far an d’ fhuair cha mhòr 150 ball agus aoigh shònraichte tlachd às a’ chèic chò-là-breith agus às a’ cheòl le Blazin’ Fiddles. Choisinn SEALL, cuide ri Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, an duais ‘Làrach na Bliadhna’ aig Duaisean Trad MG Alba 2015.

The quarter of a century landmark was celebrated in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig with a birthday party which saw almost 150 members and VIPs enjoy a drinks reception with birthday cake and a Blazin’ Fiddles concert. In conjunction with host venue, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, SEALL also scooped the title of Venue of the Year at the 2015 MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.

DUNCAN MACINESS

In August, SEALL – Skye Events for All – based at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, celebrated 25 years of bringing top quality performing arts events to communities in the south of Skye. SEALL hosts around 80 live events each year; organises the two-month-long Skye Festival, Feis an Eilein, in the summer; and the Skye Swing Jazz Festival in October.

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MEAL-A-NAIDHEACHD

CONGRATULATIONS

Tha sinn cuideachd a’ cur meal-a-naidheachd air Stiùiriche Leasachaidh, Maoineachaidh is nan Ealain aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Donaidh Rothach, agus Ballrachd de Chorpachadh Rìoghail nan Ailtirean ann an Alba ga buileachadh air ann an 2016 airson ‘a chuid sheirbheis do chultar na h-Alba’.

Congratulations also go to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Director of Development, Fundraising and the Arts, Donnie Munro, on being made a Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland for ‘services to Scottish culture’ in 2016.

Meal-a-naidheachd air Boyd Robasdan a ghabh ri cuireadh bho Oifigear Riaghlaidh na Pàrlamaid, Ken Macintosh, a bhith na bhall de Choimisean air Leasachadh na Pàrlamaid. Bidh a’ bhuidheann neoeisimeileach seo a’ coinneachadh gu tric anns na mìosan a leanas gus beachdachadh air cuspairean a leithid: ciamar a thèid smachd a chumail air a’ Phàrlamaid; ciamar as urrainn dhi dàimhean nas fheàrr a dhèanamh leis a’ phoball; agus ciamar as urrainnear dèanamh cinnteach gu bheil e follaiseach gu bheil a’ Phàrlamaid agus an Riaghaltas fa-leth.

Congratulations to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Principal Boyd Robertson who accepted an invitation from Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP to be a member of the independent Commission on Parliamentary Reform. The Commission’s remit is to consider ways in which the Parliament can be assured it has the right checks and balances in place for the effective conduct of parliamentary business, increase its engagement with wider society and the public and clarify its identity as distinct from the Scottish Government.

DUAIS BÀRDACHD

POETRY PRIZE

Duais Bàrdachd MhicDhòmhnaill Shlèite a’ dol gu bana-bhàrd Ameireaganach

American poet wins MacDonald of Sleat poetry prize

B’ i bana-bhàrd Ameireaganach, Deborah Moffat, a bhuannaich a’ chiad duais ann am farpais bàrdachd MhicDhòmhnaill Shlèite na bliadhna seo. Chaidh an fharpais a tha air a ruith le Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a stèidheachadh leis an Ridire Iain MacDhòmhnaill Shlèite mar chuimhneachan air an nighinn aige, Deborah, a chaochail a’ bhòn-uiridh.

Rugadh Deborah Moffatt ann am Vermont anns na Stàitean Aonaichte, agus thàinig i a dh’Alba ann an 1982. Thòisich i a’ sgrìobhadh bàrdachd ann an Gàidhlig ann an 2013, as dèidh dhi a bhith ag ionnsachadh na canain airson naoi bliadhna. Choisinn i Duais Baile na h-Ùige ann an 2015 leis an dàn, “Lilidh sa Mhachair”, agus ann an 2016 leis an dàn, “Clann na Coille”, agus chaidh a bàrdachd sa Ghàidhlig fhoillseachadh ann an Northwords Now, Causeway/Cabhsair, Southlight, agus Poblachd nam Bàrd.

Thuirt aon de na britheamhan air an fharpais, Mark Wringe: “Chaidh gach dàn air ar beulaibh ‘gun urra’, is air an dòigh seo bha na sgrìobhaichean uile ‘ùr’ dhuinn. Ach bha tarraing air leth ùr ann an An Seudar ’s an Giuthas a ghlac ar mac-meanmna. Tha an dà chuid aonachd is ioma-sgaradh san dàn seo. Tha an dualchas Iùdhach a tha mar bhonn dhan dàn aig a’ cheart àm ùr-nodha ann an Gàidhlig, ach air aithne dhuinn tron dualchas choitcheann chultarra a tha eadarainn. Tha sinn a’ cur fàilte is furan air a’ ghuth ùr seo, agus tha sinn ag iarraidh tuilleadh” Chaidh an duais a thoirt seachad le Sir Iain MacDhòmhnaill, Cathraiche Urras Fearann Chlann Dòmhnaill, aig Taigh-tasgaidh nan Eilean, Caisteal Armadail.

An American poetess, Deborah Moffat, is the winner of this year’s MacDonald of Sleat poetry prize. The competition which is run by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig was instituted by Sir Ian MacDonald of Sleat in memory of his daughter, Deborah, who died two years ago.

Deborah Moffatt, who was born in Vermont in the United States, came to Scotland in 1982. She began writing poetry in Gaelic in 2013, after learning the language over a nine year period. She won the Wigtown Prize in 2015 with the poem, “Lilidh sa’ Mhachair” and in 2016 with the poem, “Clann na Coille”, and her Gaelic poetry has been published in Northwords Now, Causeway/Cabhsair, Southlight, agus Poblachd nam Bàrd.

Mark Wringe, a member of the literary panel judging the competition said: “All the poems were presented to us anonymously, so any of them could have been by a poet new to us. But the feel and subject of An Seudar ’s an Giuthas (‘The Cedar and the Pine’) impressed us all for its originality and freshness. It has an appealing symmetry and a unity in its contrast. The basis of the poem in Jewish culture is a welcome novelty in Gaelic writing and yet at the same time it is readily familiar, offering a resonance through a shared heritage. We hope to hear more from this writer.”

The prizes were awarded by Sir Ian MacDonald, Chairman of the Trustees of Clan Donald Lands Trust, at a reception at the Museum of the Isles, Armadale Castle.

DEALBHAN / CAPTIONS - Mark Wringe, Deborah Moffat, an t-Ollamh Boyd Robasdan, an Ridire Iain MacDhòmhnaill agus Jan Wallwork Clarke Mark Wringe, Deborah Moffat, Professor Boyd Robertson, Sir Ian MacDonald and Jan Wallwork Clarke

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LUCHD-TADHAIL Iain Tormod MacLeòid le tidsearan agus comhairlichean bho Frìoslann.

John Norman MacLeod along with teachers and multi lingual language advisers from Friesland.

‘Siuthad’ – tachartas dhreuchdan airson sgoilearan Gàidhlig.

‘Siuthad’ – careers event for Gaelic Students.

Sgoilearan bho Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh agus a’ Phluic air cùrsa NPA aig SMO. Portree and Plockton High School students on NPA Media course at SMO.

AM MÒD NÀISEANTA RÌOGHAIL THE ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD Meal-a-naidheachd air Carmine Colajezzi a chaidh ainmeachadh mar Neach-ionnsachaidh Gàidhlig na Bliadhna aig a’ Mhòd ann an Steòrnabhagh. Tha an duais seo air a toirt seachad gach bliadhna leis a’ Chomunn Ghàidhealach, le taic bho Chomann Rìoghail Gàidhealach agus Àiteachas na h-Alba. ’S e am Prionnsa Teàrlach a thug seachad duais na bliadhna.

Congratulations to Carmine Colajezzi on being named Learner of the Year at the Royal National Mòd in Stornoway. This is awarded each year by An Comunn Gàidhealach and the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland. This year’s award was presented by Prince Charles, Lord of the Isles.

Meal-a-naidheachd cuideachd air…

Alasdair MacMhuirich, oileanach SMO – Ciad Àite, Seinn Aon-neach; Treas àite, Bonn Òr Tormod MacLeoid, oileanach SMO – An t-Actair as fheàrr Iain Gòrdan, Treas àite, Seinn Aon-neach J. Decker Forrest, Ciad Àite Ceòl Mòr, Ceòl Beag & Hornpipe & Jig

Congratulations also go to…

Alasdair Currie, Student SMO – 1st place, Men’s solo singing & 3rd place, Gold Medal Tormod Macleod, student SMO – Best Actor Ian Gordon, 3rd place, Men’s solo singing J. Decker Forrest, 1st Ceòl Mòr, Ceòl Beag & Hornpipe & Jig

Photo by John MacLean Photography, john@johnmacleanphotography.com

2016

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AG ALL AMH ANN AN 60 DIOG CÒMHL A RI

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COINNEACH

MACFHRAING

10 11 12

Àm na Nollaige no àm na Bliadhn’ Ùire?

13

Àm na Nollaige.

14 15 16

Taigh-seinnse no club dannsa?

17

Taigh-seinnse. ’S ann ainneamh a bhios na ‘moves’ agam ri fhaicinn.

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Facebook no Instagram?

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Instagram!

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Truinnsear làn brie seach Victoria sponge, a h-uile triop!

Ball-coise no ceòl?

Ceòl, chan urrainn dhut pinnt a ghabhail fhad 's a bhios tu a’ cluich ball-coise.

36

Skipinnish no Trail West?

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Leis gun do chuir mi samhradh seachad ag obair san taigh-chèilidh aca, ’s fheàrr dhomh Skipinnish a ràdh!

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60

Cèic no càise?

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Nan robh thu air chall anns an fhàsach, cò bu mhiann leat (beò no nach maireann) a bhith còmhla riut?

Bhiodh Donnie Dòtaman math gus cùisean a chumail inntinneach.

Agus mu dheireadh, am facal Gàidhlig as fheàrr leat?

Grioglachanach.

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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 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 361752 Registered charity no: SC002578.

Dealbhte le CGS | www.canan.co.uk