Cuairt-litir Samhraidh 2015

S A M H R A D H 2 015 S U M M E R

CUAIRT-LITIR|NEWSLETTER

Gheibh sibh am barrachd fiosrachaidh mun a h-uile cùrsa againn air làrach-lìn Sabhal Mòr Ostaig aig

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FACAL-TOISICH BHON PHRIONNSAPAL Tha caochladh dhòigh air am bithear a’ meas èifeachd ionadan foghlaim àrd-ìre san latha an-diugh. Nam measg sin, tha sgrùdaidhean bhon taobh a-muigh. Gach còig no sia bliadhna, tha na Comhairlean Maoineachaidh ann am Breatann a’ cur air dòigh luachadh farsainn air obair rannsachaidh nan oilthighean ann an Alba, A’ Chuimrigh, Ceann a Tuath na h-Èireann agus Sasainn. ’S e an Research Excellence Framework (REF) a theirear ris agus ’s e panailean de dh’eòlaichean chuspairean a bhios a’ toirt beachd air obair an luchd-rannsachaidh anns gach oilthigh.

Chithear san iris seo aithris air cho fìor shoirbheachail ’s a bha a’ Cholaiste ann an REF 2014 le 61% de dh’obair rannsachaidh an t-Sabhail air a meas aig ìrean sàr-mhaitheis eadar-nàiseanta agus ar n-àrainneachd rannsachaidh a’ cosnadh 90% aig an dà ìre as àirde. ’S e slat-tomhais air leth cudromach a tha san REF ann a bhith a’ nochdadh inbhe sgoilearachd gach ionaid agus tha sinn an dùil gum faic sinn buaidh nan toraidhean ionmholta sin ann a bhith a’ tàladh barrachd oileanach is luchd-rannsachaidh dhan t-Sabhal sna bliadhnaichean ri teachd.

Chithear cuideachd sa Chuairtlitir seo dealbhan de thogalach ùr na Colaiste a tha na chiad cheum de Leasachadh na Cille Bige. Cuiridh Ionad Iain Nobail, le oifisean airson luchd-rannsachaidh agus a ghoireasan barraichte, gu mòr ri àrainneachd rannsachaidh na Colaiste san àm tha romhainn. Bheir e deagh chothrom dhuinn togail air na bunaidean làidir sgoilearachd a chaidh a leagail a-cheana agus leudachadh air na h-iomairtean is na pròiseactan rannsachaidh a tha air cliù a chosnadh dhan t-Sabhal.

FOREWORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL Various measures are employed nowadays to evaluate the effectiveness of education institutions. These include audits by external agencies. Every five or six years, the Funding Councils in Britain organise an extensive and intensive review of the research activities of universities in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This is known as the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in which panels of experts in specific disciplines assess the work submitted by researchers in each university.

You will find in this issue a report on how very successful Sabhal Mòr Ostaig was in the 2014 REF. 61% of the public output of our researchers was rated either 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' and 90% of our research environment attained these two highest bands. The REF is an important benchmark of the quality of scholarship found in each institution and we would expect to see these remarkable results impacting positively in the recruitment of more students and researchers to the College in the years ahead.

You will also find in this newsletter photographs of the new College building which offers the first tangible evidence of the Kilbeg Development project. The new Iain Noble Centre, with its offices for research staff and students and superb facilities, will greatly enhance the College’s research environment going forward. It will also afford opportunities to build on the strong research base already established and to extend the research programmes and projects which have brought such esteem to SMO. Prionnsapal - Proifeasair Boyd Robasdan

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NA h-EALAIN

THE ARTS

Murray Robasdan

Murray Robertson

Anns a’ ghreis air mhuinntireas aige aig SMO, bha Murray Robasdan gu sònraichte a’ sgrùdadh mapa a dh’fhoillsich Dualchas Nàdarra na h-Alba ann an 2013 air an robh ‘The Core Areas of Wild Land’, le sùil gu h-àraid air dhà dhe na 42 àiteachan a chaidh ainmeachadh mar ‘phrìomh fhiadh-sgìrean’: An Cuiltheann agus Diùranais. Ged nach robh mòran fiosrachaidh ri fhaicinn sna meadhanan mun dealbh ùr seo den àrainneachd air a bheil sinn eòlach, ’s dòcha gum bi e air leth cudromach fhathast do mhuinntir na h-Alba, na roinnean poblach is prìobhaideach agus a thaobh poileasaidhean Riaghaltas na h-Alba.

During his time as visual-artist-in-residence at SMO, Murray Robertson’s main area of interest was to investigate the boundaries of the 2013 Scottish Natural Heritage ‘The Core Areas of Wild Land’ map and focus on exploring the cultural and human response to two areas in Skye – the Cuillins and Duirinish – which were identified as areas of ‘wild land’ on SNH’s map. Despite a relative lack of media attention this new representation of the familiar Scottish landscape may prove to be of distinct importance to the general public, the public and private sectors and the policies of the Scottish Government.

Le ùidh mhòr ann an sgrùdadh mhapaichean is mar a thathar a’ riochdachadh na talmhainn le comharran tha Murray a’ faicinn mhapaichean mar nithean cultarail a tha àraid agus iom-fhillte, a dh'fheumar tuigsinn ann an co-theacs an linn is nan daoine a rinn iad. Bha toraidhean na h-obrach-rannsachaidh aige rim faicinn san taisbeanadh - Mapadh na h-Alba | Cruth-tìre Snaidhte – a chaidh fhoillseachadh aig an t-Sabhal.

Murray has had a long interest in cartography and related forms of diagrammatic representation, viewing maps as fascinating, complex cultural creations that need to be understood in the context of the times and peoples who make them and as a visual artist, enjoys working with many layers of information. His visits to areas on Skye and the mainland resulted in a series of works on paper - Mapping Scotia | Inscribed Landscapes - exploring language and imagery associated with the SNH WLA map, which were exhibited at SMO.

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Neach-ealain ùr Sgoilearachd Jon Schueler ’S e Oliver Mezger an neach-ealain ùr fo Sgoilearachd Jon Schueler agus ’s e a’ chiad neach-ealain Albannach a th’ air an cothrom fhaighinn. Tha ainm aig Oliver mar neach-ealain ùr-nòsach is innealta a bhios a’ cleachdadh mheadhanan leithid film, cleasachd is na meadhanan didseatach agus tha e air grunn thaisbeanaidhean a chur air dòigh bho dh’fhàg e Sgoil Ealain Ghlaschu ann an 2006 far an do rinn e Ceum Maighstireil sna h-Ealain Ghrinn.

A’ bruidhinn air an naidheachd gun deach Sgoilearachd Jon Schueler 2015 a bhuileachadh air, thuirt Oliver: “Tha mi air mo dhòigh glan an cothrom seo fhaighinn. Bidh e fìor mhath ùine a chur seachad a’ cnuasachd air bàrdachd Ghàidhlig is ceòl na pìoba ann an doimhneachd còmhla ri oileanaich is luchd-rannsachaidh aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Ann a bhith a’ dèanamh oidhirp Ceòl Mòr a thuigsinn is a thaisbeanadh ann an dòigh a tha freagairt air an latha an-diugh, bidh mi a’ cur cheistean san ùine agam ann an Slèite - mar neach-ealain a bhios a’ dèanamh feum de dh’fhilm is cleasachd - a thaobh ciamar a tha mi a’ dol a shealltainn, tro na h-ealain lèirsinneach, mar a tha sinn fhathast san linn dhidseatach a’ faireachdainn faisg air na seann ealain ach aig an aon àm a’ faicinn gu bheil iad eadar-dhealaichte bho na th’ againn an-diugh.”

New Jon Schueler Artist in Residence Oliver Mezger is this year’s Jon Schueler artist in residence and is the first Scottish-based artist to have been awarded the scholarship.

Known for his work in film and other media, where he explores the idea of ‘parallel’ relationships, Oliver has staged several exhibitions and screenings since he graduated from Glasgow School of Art with a Masters in Fine Art in 2006.

Commenting on his new residency at SMO, Oliver said: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity. It’ll be great to spend time considering the roots of Scottish Gaelic poetry and piping with the students and researchers of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. In trying to make a contemporary interpretation of pibroch or Ceòl Mòr, all the questions that I will bring to Sleat - as a film-maker and performance artist - relate to how I might encapsulate, visually, the closeness but difference we feel in our digital age towards these older forms of expression.”

Bidh e fìor mhath ùine a chur seachad a’ cnuasachd air bàrdachd Ghàidhlig is ceòl na pìoba ann an doimhneachd...

DEALBHAN / CAPTIONS 1/2. “‘Cruth-tìre snaidhte’ - Sreath de obraichean de mheadhanan measgaichte mar fhreagairt air na prionnsabalan a chuir SNH air mapadh na talmhainn fiadhaich.”

3. Murray Robertson, Neach Ealain Lèirsinne - Artist in Residence Feb – July 2015 4. Oliver Mezger, Neach-ealain airson Sgoilearachd Jon Schueler - John Schueler artist in residence 2015.

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JON SCHUELER Cuimhneachan Ceud Bliadhna Jon Schueler le Taisbeanaidhean Sònraichte aig SMO

Jon Schueler’s Centenary to be Marked by Celebrations and Exhibitions at SMO in 2016

Thèid cuimhneachan ceud bliadhna Jon Schueler a chomharrachadh ann an 2016 le taisbeanaidhean de gach seòrsa sna Stàitean agus ann am Breatainn agus le co-chomhairle eadarnàiseanta – An Linne Shlèiteach: Macan-talla, Faileasan agus Caochladh-cumaidhean – 27-29 Cèitean an seo aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

The centenary of Jon Schueler’s birth will be celebrated during 2016 with solo and group exhibitions both in the US and in the UK, and with an international symposium - The Sound of Sleat: Echoes, Reflections, and Transfigurations - May 27-29 2016, here at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

Thèid coimhead ann an doimhneachd air obair Schueler is a’ bhuaidh a bh’ aige agus thèid a’ bheatha a chomharrachadh le còmhraidhean bhon fheadhainn a bha eòlach air, agus a dh’obraich leis, an seo an Alba. Bidh taisbeanaidhean acadaimigeach air an toirt seachad cuideachd.

Mar phàirt den cho-chomhairle, bidh taisbeanadh de dh’ealain Schueler ri fhaicinn a mhaireas fad an Ògmhios. Cuideachd, thèid obair ealain an triùir luchd-ealain a fhuair Sgoilearachd Jon Schueler aig SMO bho 2013 a thaisbeanadh.

Tha sinn a-nis fosgailte airson geàrr-chunntasan pàipearan na co-labhairt. Nach tadhail sibh air làrach-lìn na Colaiste airson tuilleadh fios. Feumaidh na pàipearan a bhith a-staigh ro 31 Lùnastal 2015.

This will be both an in-depth look at Schueler’s work and influence as well as a more informal celebration of his life with speakers who knew and worked with Schueler in Scotland, alongside academic presentations.

An exhibition of Schueler artworks will accompany the symposium and extend through the month of June. There will also be an exhibition by the three Jon Schueler Scholarship artists who have undertaken residencies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig since 2013.

We are now open to receive conference-paper abstracts. Please visit the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig website for further information. Deadline for submissions is 31 August 2015.

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SORAIDH SLÀN

FOND FAREWELL

le Dòmhnall Iain agus Alison

to Donald John and Alison Campbell

Thàinig luchd-obrach, oileanaich agus luchd-eòlais eile cruinn còmhla deireadh an Lùnastail airson clach-mhìle shònraichte a chomharrachadh ann a bhith a' fàgail sòraidh slàn aig càraid-phòsta a tha air bliadhnaichean mòra de sheirbheis a thoirt seachad dhan Cholaiste. Thòisich Dòmhnall Iain Caimbeul mar neach-glèidhidh ann an 1996 agus, dà bhliadhna an dèidh sin, thòisich Alison na dreuchd mar chòcaire agus, ùine an dèidh sin, fhuair i àrdachadh gu bhith na prìomh chòcaire.

Staff, students and acquaintances gathered at the end of August to mark a landmark occasion in saying farewell to a couple who have given many years of excellent service to the College. Donald John Campbell started work as a janitor at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in 1996 and two years later he was joined by his wife Alison, who was employed initially as a chef and subsequently promoted to head chef.

Tha Dòmhnall Iain agus Alison le chèile air leth tàlantach agus bha iad air leth ealanta agus sgileil nan cuid obrach, a’ cosnadh cliù dhan ionad agus a’ tarraing àrd-mholaidh bho an dà chuid luchd-obrach, oileanaich, luchd-tadhail agus luchd-stiùiridh na Colaiste. Tha gibht shònraichte aig Dòmhnall Iain a thaobh obair gàirneilearachd agus obair càraidh agus sgeadachaidh agus tha sinn làn chinnteach nach eil mòran ionadan foghlaim eile ann aig a bheil oighreachd cho eireachdail agus air a coimhead às a dèidh cho math. Bha fèill mhòr air a’ chòcaireachd agus a’ bhèicearachd aig Alison agus nach iomadh tachartas agus dìnnear a rinn i deagh ullachadh air an son, eadar bainnsean agus cuirmean de gach seòrsa.

Tha sinn gu mòr an comain na dithis aca agus tha sinn a’ guidhe deagh shlàinte agus bliadhnaichean sona dhaibh còmhla ann an Nis, sgìre àraich Dhòmhnall Iain.

Donald John and Alison have many talents and were very accomplished and skilful in their respective roles, gaining recognition for the institution and drawing plaudits from staff, students, visitors and the directors of the College. Donald John has a special aptitude and flair for gardening and for keeping everything in good working order and it would be fair to say that there are very few educational establishments with such pristine and well cared for estates. Alison’s culinary and baking skills were much lauded and in demand and she catered and made preparations for numerous events and dinners, weddings, banquets and meals of every kind.

We are greatly indebted to them both and we wish them good health and a long and happy retirement together in Ness, where Donald John was brought up.

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OBAIR RANNSACHAIDH SMO GA MOLADH

COMMENDATION

Obair rannsachaidh SMO ga mòr-mholadh ann an sgrùdadh nàiseanta

Research at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig highly commended in national audit

Chaidh toraidhean fhoillseachadh san Dùbhlachd bho sgrùdadh nàiseanta air obair rannsachaidh san Rìoghachd Aonaichte, agus fhuair obair sgoilearan an t-Sabhail Mhòr comharran fìor àrd mar phàirt de thagradh a chuir Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean (OGE) a-steach.

Chuir OGE 81 neach-rannsachaidh air adhart airson an Fhrèam airson Sàr-mhathais ann an Rannsachadh (REF) le ochdnar ann an Ceiltis is Gàidhlig. Bha seachdnar dhiubh sin bho Shabhal Mòr Ostaig le aon neach-rannsachaidh aig a’ phròiseict Soillse aig Colaisde a’ Chaisteil. Chaidh 61% den rannsachadh a mheas aig na h-ìrean as àirde, le 16% air a mheas aig ìre cho àrd ’s a gheibhear san t-saoghal agus 45% aig sàr ìre eadar-nàiseanta. Bha 33% eile air a mheas fìor mhath.

’S iad na ceithir buidhnean maoineachaidh airson foghlam àrd-ìre san Rìoghachd Aonaichte a chuir na sgrùdaidhean air dòigh airson an REF agus bidh na buidhnean maoineachaidh sin a’ gabhail ealla ri toraidhean an REF nuair a bhios iad a’ toirt taic-airgid do dh’ionadan foghlaim àrd-ìre airson obair rannsachaidh bho 2015-16.

Seo dìreach an dàrna turas a chaidh sgrùdadh a dhèanamh air obair rannsachaidh Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Chaidh Measadh air Rannsachadh (RAE) a chumail ann an 2008 agus chaidh ceathrar luchd-rannsachaidh bhon t-Sabhal Mhòr a chur air adhart an uair sin. Tha meud agus inbhe an rannsachaidh a thathar a’ dèanamh aig SMO air a dhol suas gu mòr bhon uair sin agus tha an àrainneachd rannsachaidh air a bhith air a neartachadh tro phròiseactan mòra nàiseanta mar Shoillse, Uinneag dhan Àird an Iar agus Faclair na Gàidhlig.

Thuirt Prionnsapal Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, am Proifeasair Boyd Robasdan: “Tha na toraidhean seo air leth math agus nan dearbhadh air an adhartas a thathar air a dhèanamh ann an obair rannsachaidh is sgoilearachd bho àm an sgrùdaidh mu dheireadh. Còmhla ris na measaidhean a chaidh a dhèanamh air obair teagaisg na Colaiste nas tràithe air a’ bhliadhna, tha iad a’ sealltainn cho fìor mhath ’s a tha am foghlam a thathar a’ tairgse an seo agus nam buannachdan a gheibh oileanaich bho bhith air an oideachadh le luchd-teagaisg is luchd-rannsachaidh a tha cho comasach.”

Thuirt Iar-Stiùiriche an Fhoghlaim an Dr Gillian Rothach: “’S e aithneachadh fìor mhath a tha seo bho eòlaichean rannsachaidh nàiseanta air ar n-obair rannsachaidh. Bidh sinn a’ togail air na deagh thoraidhean seo airson an ath mheasaidh nàiseanta ann an còig bliadhna eile. Tha sinn ag amas air taic dhar luchd-rannsachaidh a neartachadh, agus air ginealach ùr de luchd-rannsachaidh a thogail, aig OGE agus ann an Alba air fad. Bidh àite cudromach aig Soillse ann a bhith a’ coileanadh seo.”

The outcomes from an assessment of research at higher education institutions in the UK were published this week, and researchers from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, which formed part of a submission from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), were among those to receive the highest grade for their work.

UHI submitted the work of 81 researchers for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) with eight in Celtic and Gaelic studies.

Of those, seven were from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, with the eighth being a Soillse researcher from Lews Castle College. 61% of the Gaelic research submission was awarded the highest ratings, with 16% judged to be exceptional/world-leading and 45% internationally excellent. Another 33% was assessed as very good.

The four UK higher education funding bodies undertake the REF assessments and they will use the assessment outcomes to inform the selective allocation of their research funding to higher education institutions, with effect from 2015-16.

This was only the second time that Sabhal Mòr’s research was assessed. A Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) was carried out in 2008, when four researchers from Sabhal Mòr were put forward for scrutiny. There has been a significant increase in both the volume and esteem of the research being carried out at Sabhal Mòr since then. The research environment has been strengthened through large national projects, such as Soillse, Window to the West, and the Dictionary of the Scottish Gaelic Language.

The Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Professor Boyd Robertson, said: “These results are exceptionally good and show the progress made in research and scholarship since the last audit. Taken along with the reviews of teaching at the College conducted earlier this year, they demonstrate the quality of the educational provision here and the benefits students can derive from being educated by such skilled lecturers and researchers”

Deputy Head of Education, Dr Gillian Munro, commented: “This is wonderful recognition from national experts of our research work.

We will build on these great results in the next assessment exercise, in five years’ time. We aim to improve support for our research staff and to grow a new generation of researchers, both at UHI and in Scotland as a whole. The Soillse project will have an important part to play in achieving this.”

Dr. Gillian Rothach Dr. Gillian Munro

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LUNNAIN Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle a’ faighinn aithne airson na h-obrach a tha iad a’ dèanamh don Ghàidhlig Chaidh cuirm shònraichte a chumail aig Taigh Dover ann an Lunnainn, air aoigheachd Rùnaire na Stàite airson Alba, am Fìor Urramach Alistair MacIlleMhìcheil BP, mar urram don dà ionad-foghlaim chom-pàirteach Sabhal Mòr Ostaig san Eilean Sgitheanach agus Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle.

Chaidh an tachartas a chur air dòigh gus aithne a thoirt air an obair ionmholta is chudromaich a tha an dà ionad air a dhèanamh gus cànan, cultar agus coimhearsnachdan na Gàidhlig a neartachadh agus ath-bheothachadh.

Thuirt Rùnaire na Stàite airson Alba, Alasdair MacIlleMhìcheil BP: “Thug e toileachas mòr dhomh an tachartas seo a chumail airson urram a nochdadh do dhà ionad a tha air uiread a dhèanamh gus a’ Ghàidhlig a thoirt air adhart. Mar Ìleach, tha àite sònraichte aig Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle nam chridhe, agus còmhla ri Sabhal Mòr Ostaig tha iad air tòrr a dhèanamh gus a’ Ghàidhlig a chumail beò agus gus cultar na Gàidhlig a chur air adhart am measg dhaoine bho iomadh ceàrnaidh. Sna bliadhnaichean ri teachd, ma tha a’ Ghàidhlig a’ dol a thighinn am feabhas mar bu chòir, tha e riatanach gun obraich an dà Riaghaltas aig Alba còmhla, le taic bhon roinn phrìobhaidich is bhon roinn phoblaich, is buidhnean coimhearsnachd agus cuidichidh tachartasan mar a’ chuirm seo agus am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail.”

Tha ceangal làidir air a bhith eadar Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle bho dh’fhosgail ICCI ann an 2002, agus an dà ionad a’ cur cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig air adhart agus a’ tabhann ghoireasan is chothroman air leth do na coimhearsnachdan aca.

LONDON

TAIGH-TASGAIDH GHEÀRRLOCH

GAIRLOCH HERITAGE

Taigh-tasgaidh Gheàrrloch air ainm a chur ri aonta compàirteachaidh le Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Gairloch Heritage Museum signs partnership agreement with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Tha Taigh-tasgaidh Gheàrrloch agus Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Ionad Nàiseanta Cànan is Cultar na Gàidhlig, air an ainmean a chur ri aonta compàirteachaidh. Tha an dà bhuidheann a' cur romhpa gun obraich iad còmhla airson cleachdadh a' chruinneachaidh shònraichte de litreachas is beul-aithris na Gàidhlig aig Taigh-tasgaidh Gheàrrloch a leudachadh.

Tha an co-obrachadh eadar an dà bhuidheann na chomharra air an taic a tha Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a' tairgsinn do Thaigh-tasgaidh Gheàrrloch is iad an dùil ris an taigh-tasgaidh is a chuid ghoireasan a leasachadh ann an togalach ùr.

Tha ùidh mhòr aig sgoilearan Gàidhlig ann an cruinneachadh Gàidhlig Taigh-tasgaidh Gheàrrloch. Bha sàr bhàird leithid Uilleam Ros agus Alasdair is Iain Camshron à Tùrnaig, an nàiseantach is neach-iomairt cànain, Kay NicMhathain, agus sgoilearan leithid an eòlaiche ainmeanàite, Ian Friseal agus an eòlaiche-fhaclairean, Roy Wentworth, am measg nan Gàidheal cliùiteach aig an robh buntanas ri sgìre Gheàrrloch. Tha beairteas ann an cruinneachadh an taigh-tasgaidh, a thaobh eachdraidh, antroipeòlais, litreachais is cultair dhùthchasaich, air an cuireadh oileanaich agus luchd-obrach deagh fheum sgoileireil.

Chaidh an t-aonta com-pàirteachaidh a shoidhnigeadh aig ionad GALE ann an Geàrrloch, far an robh sgoilearan Gàidhlig agus muinntir na sgìre aig a bheil ceanglaichean le bàird Gheàrrloch an làthair.

Gairloch Heritage Museum and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture on the Isle of Skye, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The two organisations plan to work together to capitalise on the unique collection of Gaelic literature and oral history held by Gairloch Heritage Museum. The collaboration between the two organisations is a measure of the support Sabhal Mòr Ostaig offers Gairloch Heritage Museum with its plans to redevelop the museum and extend its functions and facilities in new premises.

Gairloch Heritage Museum’s Gaelic collection is of great interest to Gaelic scholars. Bards of the calibre of the celebrated 18th century love poet William Ross and the Tournaig bards Alasdair and Iain Cameron, Scottish nationalist and language champion Kay Matheson and scholars such as the placename specialist Ian Fraser and the lexicographer Roy Wentworth are just some of the distinguished Gaels associated with Gairloch and its hinterland. The museum’s collection offers Sabhal Mòr Ostaig students and staff access to a wealth of material relevant to the study of history, anthropology, literature and material culture.

The memorandum of understanding was signed at the GALE centre in Gairloch. In attendance were local Gaelic scholars and members of the community who have family links to the Gairloch Bards.

Reception held in London to honour the work of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle The Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt. Hon Alistair Carmichael MP, hosted a special reception at Dover House in London, in honour of the ‘sister’ institutions, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye and Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle on Islay.

The reception was held to honour and celebrate the important work being done by both these institutions to regenerate and revitalise the Gaelic language, culture and community.

The Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said: “It was a great pleasure to host a reception for two Scottish institutions who have helped the Gaelic flame burn brightly over recent years. As an Islay man, Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle is close to my heart and, together with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, they have both been instrumental in sustaining and promoting Gaelic culture to a wider audience. In the years ahead if Gaelic is to have a sustainable future the concerted effort of Scotland's two Governments working together with the public and private sectors, community bodies and platforms like this reception and the National Mod are vital.”

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle have enjoyed strong links since ICCI was opened in 2002, and both institutions have worked tirelessly to promote and strengthen the Gaelic language and culture through their educational programmes and various language initiatives. They are also key contributors, both economically and culturally, to their local communities.

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FARPAIS CHLIÙTEACH FILMG Chaidh FilmG, co-fharpais nam filmichean goirid Gàidhlig le MG ALBA a chur air bhog aig prìomh-oifis a’ BhBC ann an Glaschu, Dihaoine 19 An t-Ògmhios. ’S e seo an ochdamh bliadhna den chofharpais a tha ag amas air tàlant ùr a lorg airson sianal telebhisein na Gàidhlig, BBC ALBA, agus air filmichean agus sgeulachdan coimhearsnachd a bhrosnachadh air feadh na h-Alba.

Bha dithis sheann oileanach an t-Sabhail Mhòir, Megan NicillFhaolain agus Mairead Sìne Mason, an làthair is iad a’ bruidhinn ri sgoilearan Gàidhlig na sgìre air ciamar a fhuair iad fhèin an ciad chothroman sna meadhanan agus na tha iad ris an-dràsta. Bhuannaich Megan, a tha na preasantair air ‘Dè-a-nis?’ an duais airson ‘Cleasachd As Fheàrr’ ann an 2009 nuair a ghabh i pàirt ann am film sgoile. Bha Mairead Sìne, a tha ag obair dha BBC Alba a-nis agus a’ dèanamh Vlogs Gàidhlig air a fòn-làimh, ri faicinn air postairean FilmG air ais ann an 2008!

Tha FilmG air a mhaoineachadh le MG ALBA agus tha ceanglaichean làidir ann leis a’ Cholaiste. ’S e Cànan, companaidh nam meadhanan cruthachail aig a’ Cholaiste, a tha a’ lìbhrigeadh FilmG agus a’ toirt prìomh eileamaidean na pròiseict gu buil a leithid dealbhadh, margaideachd agus an làrach-lìn. Bidh iad cuideachd ag eagrachadh bhùithtean-obrach filmichean Gàidhlig ann an còrr is fichead sgoil air feadh na dùthcha agus a’ cur air dòigh cuirm mhòr duaisean FilmG.

Thuirt Manaidsear Pròiseict FilmG, Flòraidh Forrest: “Tha mise uabhasach fortanach gun d’ fhuair mi cothrom a bhith ag obair air FilmG bhon a chaidh a chur air chois ann an 2008 agus tha e na thlachd dhomh gu bheil sinn a’ cur co-fharpais na bliadhna sa air bhog. Tha sinn air grunnan cho-fharpaisean ùra a thoirt a-steach am-bliadhna a leithid ‘Film Fòn-làimh As Fheàrr’ agus 'Sgriobt As Fheàrr’ agus sinn airson a’ cho-fharpais a leudachadh agus barrachd fhilmichean a bhrosnachadh.”

Tha Oifigear Pròiseict FilmG, Eilidh NicFhraing, air a bhith trang a’ neartachadh faicsinneachd a’ phròiseict air na meadhanan-sòisealta airson a bhrosnachadh am measg dhaoine òg: "Ma tha a’ Ghàidhlig gu bhith cudromach ann am beatha dhaoine òga tha e riatanach gun cleachd sinn na dòighean conaltraidh a chleachdas iad fhèin. Uaireannan bidh mise a’ cosg an t-uabhas ùine air Facebook, Instagram agus Snapchat... agus ’s e obair a th’ ann!"

Agus tha an deasaiche Steve MacCoinnich ann airson beagan gleans ùr-nodha a thoirt dha FilmG, mar a nì e a h-uile bliadhna, is e a’ dealbhadh ealain ùr airson nam postairean.

’S e CLIÙ cuspair na bliadhna agus tha sgioba Cànan a’ dèanamh fiughair ri filmichean cliùiteach le oileanaich Sabhal Mòr Ostaig fhaicinn a-rithist am-bliadhna.

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FilmG, MG ALBA’s Gaelic short film competition was launched at Pacific Quay, the BBC Headquarters in Glasgow on Friday 19 June. The competition which is now in its eighth year is aimed at uncovering new talent for the Gaelic TV channel BBC ALBA as well as encouraging grassroots filmmaking and story-telling in Gaelic speaking communities across Scotland.

At the launch two former Sabhal Mòr Ostaig students, Megan MacLellan and Margaret Jane Mason, spoke to Gaelic speaking teenagers from the area about how they started off in the media industry and what they do now. Megan who presents ‘De-a-Nis?’ won the award for ‘Best Performance’ back in 2009 when she took part in her school film. Margaret Jane who now works for BBC Scotland and makes her own mobile phone Vlogs in Gaelic was in 2008 a FilmG poster girl back in 2008!

Although funded by MG ALBA, FilmG has strong ties with the College. It is managed by Cànan, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s creative media company. They deliver all the key elements of the project including the design, marketing and website. They also organise Gaelic filmmaking workshops at over twenty high schools across the country as well as event managing the fabulous FilmG awards ceremony.

Floraidh Forrest, FilmG’s Project Manager said; “I feel very fortunate to have been working on FilmG since it began in 2008 and it’s great to be launching it for another year. This year we have introduced a number of new competitions including Best Mobile Short and Best Script with the intention of broadening the competition and encouraging greater participation.”

To make the project more appealing to young Gaelic speakers, FilmG Project Officer, Eilidh Rankin, has been busy building the project’s social media presence: “If Gaelic is to be relevant to young people today it’s important that we use the same channels of communication as they do. Some days I spend a lot of time on facebook, Instagram and snapchat… and it’s all for work!”

And helping to give FilmG its cool factor is Cànan designer Steve McKenzie. Each year Steve keeps the project current by creating original artwork for the competition posters.

This year’s theme is ‘CLIÙ’, a distinctly Gaelic word which roughly translates to, fame, prestige or reputation and the team at Cànan are hoping for some fantastic entries from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig students again this year.

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Màiri-Sìne Chaimbeul

Ainm Màiri-Sìne Chaimbeul Cò às a tha sibh?

Am Ploc Dè cho fada ’s a tha sibh air a bhith ag obair aig an t-Sabhal.

Nuair a leig mi dhìom mo dhreuchd anns an Lùnastal, bha mi air a bhith ag obair aig an t-Sabhal airson 23 bliadhna.

Dè na cuspairean a tha sibh air a bhith a’ teagasg?

Thòisich mi le bhith a’ teagasg cànan agus litreachas nuair a thàinig mi chun an t-Sabhail an toiseach. Bhon uairsin, nuair a thòisich na cùrsaichean ceuma, tha mi air a bhith a’ teagasg Beul Aithris, Dualchas, Sgeulachdan is Òrain thraidiseanta, agus a bharrachd air an sin am-bliadhna, tha mi a’ teagasg modal air astar, Saoghal na Gàidhlig, airson RCS, MA Ag ionnsachadh agus a’ Teagasg (Na h-Ealain Ghàidhlig).

Dè an diofar a tha sibh a’ faicinn air Sabhal Mòr Ostaig andiugh an coimeas ri nuair a thòisich sibh?

Nuair a thàinig mi chun an t-Sabhail an toiseach, cha robh ann ach an seann togalach mus deach a leasachadh le seòmraichean cadail is oifisean ùra. Tha cuimhne agam gun robh na seòmraichean gu h-àrd air an cleachdadh airson teagasg agus bhiodh sinn a’ faighinn lòn anns an Talla Mhòr. Bhon uairsin tha an t-uabhas leasachaidhean air gabhail àite agus a-nis tha Àrainn Ostaig, Àrainn Chaluim Chille, Fàs agus Ionaid Iain Noble againn.

Cuideachd tha an àireamh de dh’oileanaich air sìor-fhàs. Air ais ann an 1992, nuair a thòisich mi ag obair aig an t-Sabhal, cha robh ann ach 11 oileanach, saoilidh mi, agus an-diugh tha còrr is seachdad oileanach làn thìde a’ fuireach air an làraich.

Dè na cuimhneachain as fhèarr a th’ agaibh a’ coimhead air ais air ur n-ùine aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig?

Tha deagh chuimhne agam air na cuairtean a chleachd sinn

a bhith a’ gabhail gach bliadhna gu ruige Eirinn, agus cuideachd cuairtean a rinn mi fhèin leis a’ chlas, Gàidhlig is Conaltradh, gu Leòdhas agus Barraigh. Bha e air leth math a bhith còmhla ris na h-oileanaich taobh a-muigh an t-seòmair-teagaisg.

Dè do bheachd air suidheachadh na Gàidhlig an-diugh?

Tha mi smaoineachadh gu bheil suidheachadh na Gàidhlig air tighinn air adhart gu mòr thairis air na bliadhnaichean, tha sinn a’ faicinn seo aig an t-Sabhal far a bheil an àireamh de dh’oileanaich air sìor-fhàs bhon a thòisich a’ chiad chùrsa làn-thìde ann an 1983.

Tha mi faicinn cuideachd ge-tà nach eil uimhir de choimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig againn an-diugh seach mar a bha nuair a bha mi fhèin na b’ òige.

Dè an cuspair as fhèarr a chòrd ribh a bhith a’ teagasg?

Beul-aithris gun teagamh! Tha mi fhèin gu math measail air seinn, an dà chuid ann an Gàidhlig agus Beurla, is tha ùidh mhòr agam ann an sgeulachdan bho dhiofar choimhearsnachdan. Nuair a bha mi a’ fàs suas anns a’ Phloc, bha tòrr seinn anns an teaghlach, bhithinn a’ dol gu na cèilidhean is a’ togail nan òran bho mhuinntir na sgìre. Andràsta tha mi ag obair air cruinneachadh de dh’òrain is sgeulachdan bho Chinn Tàile is Loch Aillse, rud nach deach a dhèanamh gu cunbhalach gu ruige seo.

Dè an rud as motha a tha sibh gu bhith ag ionndrainn mun an t-Sabhal?

Gun teagamh sam bith ’s e na daoine, sean is òg. Is deagh chaomh leam mo cho-obraichean, na h-oileanaich, luchd nan goireasan is na daoine a tha ag obair anns na diofar roinnean aig a’ Cholaiste, agus bidh agam ri macaroni agus buntàta san àmhainn a dhèanamh dhomh fhèin aig leth-uair an dèidh dà-reug bho seo a-mach.

Agus mu dheireadh, a bheil comhairle agaibh dhan an ath dhuine a tha tighinn dhan an dreuchd seo?

Cha chanainn ach gu bheil mi an dòchas gun còrd an obair ris cho math ’s a tha e air còrdadh rium fhèin.

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Name Màiri-Sìne Chaimbeul

Communication, to Lewis and Barra. It was fantastic to be with the students outside the classroom.

Where are you from?

Plockton

What do you think about the situation of Gaelic today?

I think that the situation of Gaelic has come on greatly over the years. We are seeing here at Sabhal Mòr that the numbers of students has grown since the first full-time course started in 1983.

However, I have also seen that there are not the same number of Gaelic communities that there were when I was younger.

How long have you been working at Sabhal Mòr?

When I retired from my position in August, I had been working at Sabhal Mòr for 23 years.

What subjects do you teach?

I started teaching language and literature when I first came to Sabhal Mòr. From then on, when the degree courses began, I have been teaching Folklore, Traditions, Traditional Stories and Songs.

As well as those this year, I have been teaching the module the Gaelic ,World for distance learning, for the RCS MA Learning and Teaching (Gaelic Arts).

What differences do you see between Sabhal Mòr Ostaig today and when you began?

When I came to Sabhal Mòr to begin with, there was only the old/ original building before development began of the accommodation and new offices. I remember the upstairs rooms in the old building were used for teaching and we would get our lunch in the Talla Mòr. From then until now there has been a tremendous amount of development taking place and now we have Àrainn Ostaig, Àrainn Chaluim Chille, Fàs and the Iain Noble Centre.

Also the number of students has grown immensely. Back in 1992, when I started working at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, there were only 11 students, I think, and now today there are more than 70 full-time students who live on campus.

What is your best memory looking back at your time at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig?

I have great memories of the trips we went on each year to Ireland, and also the trips we undertook with the class, Gaelic and

Which subject did you most like to teach?

Folklore definitely! I am very fond of singing, both in Gaelic and in English, I have a great interest in stories from different communities. When I was growing up on Plockton, there was a lot of singing in my family, I would go to ceilidhs and learn songs from the locals. I am currently working on a collection of songs and stories from Kintail and Lochalsh, something that hasn’t been done until now.

What will you miss most about the college?

Without a doubt – the people, young and old. I really like my colleagues, the students, the Facilities staff and the people who work in the different departments at the college, and I will have to make my own macaroni and baked potatoes at half past twelve from now on.

And finally, have you any advice for your successor in this position?

I would only say that I hope he enjoys the work as much as I have enjoyed it.

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SOILLSE Chaidh an dàrna co-labhairt aig Soillse, ‘Foghlam Dà-chànanach agus Ath-bheothachadh Cànain: Bho Theòiridh gu Gnìomh’, a chumail aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig air 29-30mh dhen Chèitean ann an co-bhonn ri CAER, Co-chomann Foghlaim dhe na Roinnean Eòrpach.

Anns a’ cho-labhairt seo, bhathas ag iarraidh fòram a thoirt do luchd-taic na Gàidhlig agus luchd-taic mhion-chànanan eile, luchdfoghlaim, iomairtichean, luchd-poileasaidh agus rannsaichean, gus bruidhinn air rannsachadh ùr, air eòlas agus air seallaidhean eadar-dhealaichte air teagasg agus ionnsachadh mhion-chànanan, agus air buannachd dà-chànanais. Agus chaidh cothroman a chruthachadh airson sgrùdadh agus deasbad nan dòighean ùra a thèid mion-chànan a chleachdadh, agus airson coimhead as ùr air ath-bheothachadh cànain agus raointean far am b’ urrainnear obair còmhla.

Aig a’ cho-labhairt, chaidh òraidean a thoirt seachad leis na h-eòlaichean ainmeil air dà-chànanas, Antonella Sorace agus Miquel Strubell, agus chaidh bùithtean-obrach a chumail le sgioba rannsachaidh Shoillse gan stiùireadh.

Agus bha deagh mheasgachadh de dhaoine ann, eadar luchddealbhachaidh cànain, luchd-foghlaim cànain, luchd-seirbhis, iomairtichean cànain, agus rannsachaidhean, a thàinig ann às na h-Eileanan agus à Tìr Mòr na h-Alba, le luchd-tadhail againn cuideachd às a’ Chuimrigh, Èirinn, agus Catalonia.

The second Soillse conference, ‘Bilingual Education and Language Revitalisation: From Theory to Practice’, was held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on 29-30th May in conjunction with CAER, the Education Society of the European Regions.

This conference aimed to provide a forum for Gaelic and other minority language practitioners, educationists, activists, policy makers and researchers to explore and exchange research findings, experience and perspectives in minority language teaching and learning and the benefits of bilingualism. The conference created opportunities for analysis and debate over the changing use of minority languages and for looking afresh at language revitalisation and areas for collaboration.

At the conference key note presentations were delivered by the eminent guest speakers on bilingualism, Antonella Sorace and Miquel Strubell, and the Soillse research team moderated a series of workshops.

There was a good mix of people in attendance, including language planners, language educators, service providers, language activists and researchers, who came from both the islands and the mainland of Scotland, with visitors also from Wales, Ireland and Catalonia.

JOHN MACDONALD EXHIBITION TAISBEANADH IAIN A' GHOBHA Tha an taisbeanadh ann an leabharlann na Colaiste a’ toirt dhuinn sealladh air obair-ciùird a’ ghobhainn rè ùine agus a’ toirt sùil air beatha is saothair Iain Dhòmhnallaich às Àird a’ Bhàsair (1902-1985) no ‘Iain a’ Ghobha’ mar a b’ fheàrr a b’ aithne e. Bha sgilean agus ealantas air leth aig Iain a’ Ghobha agus tha e mar amas aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a bhith gan dùsgadh is gan cumail far comhair agus clach a chur air a chàrn mar chuimhneachan air agus airson fiosrachadh a sgaoileadh mu dheidhinn ann an sgìre àraich is eòlais. Tha Iain airidh air aithne fhathast.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Decker Forrest and Hugh Cheape gave a talk in June to the Sleat Historical Society on John MacDonald from Ardvasar (1902-1985), the last blacksmith in Sleat. This preceded the opening of a small exhibition in the college’s library of photographs, tools and objects connected with his life and work. Many of the items in the exhibition, including a set of bagpipes made by John from local timber and books written by his famous uncle, Malcolm MacInnes from Drumfearn, were recently donated to the college by John’s niece and her husband, Fiona and Peter Wilby. John MacDonald was an outstanding craftsman and remarkable man in many ways, and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig wishes to place a stone on the cairn of his memory and honour his achievements and his legacy in his own ‘country’. The exhibition is open free to the public until September.

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TOGALACH ÙR

NEW BUILDING

Togalach ùr aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig gu bhith air ainmeachadh air Sir Iain Nobail

New Sabhal Mòr building to be named in memory of Sir Iain Noble

Tha a’ chiad togalach ann an Leasachadh na Cille Bige gu bhith air ainmeachadh air Sir Iain Nobail nach maireann, fear a bha gu mòr an sàs ann a bhith stèidheachadh na Colaiste o chionn còrr is 40 bliadhna. ’S e “Ionad Iain Nobail” a bhios air an togalach ùr a tha gu bhith na dhachaigh do luchd-obrach na colaiste, na ghoireas teagaisg agus rannsachaidh agus na ionad airson gnothachais.

Thèid Ionad Iain Nobail fhosgladh gu h-oifigeil nas fhaide air a’ bhliadhna. Fhuaras taic-airgid le cosgaisean £6.2m airson Ìre 1 den leasachadh aig a’ Chill Bhig bho Chomhairle Mhaoineachaidh na h-Alba, Riaghaltas na h-Alba, Mhaoin Leasachaidh Roinnean na h-Eòrpa (Convergence) aig an Aonadh Eòrpach, Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean, Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd agus Urras Leasachaidh Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a tha a’ gabhail a-steach Maoin na Gàidhealtachd a chleachd a bhith ann agus Urras na h-Aiseirigh.

The first building in the new Kilbeg Development is to be named in memory of the late Sir Iain Noble, who was instrumental in the establishment and early development of the College. The new centre will be called “Ionad Iain Nobail”, the Iain Noble Centre, which will house staff from the College and provide teaching and research facilities and business premises.

The new building will be officially opened later this year, and funding assistance towards the £6.2m cost of Phase 1 at Kilbeg has been provided by the Scottish Funding Council, the Scottish Government, the European Regional Development Fund (Convergence) of the European Union, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Highland Council and the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Development Trust which incorporates the former Highland Fund and Urras na h-Aiseirigh.

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SLIGHE A' CHUAIN ‘Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus Celtic Connections a’ com-pàirteachadh ann an coimisean drùidhteach eadar-nàiseanta’ Chaidh beachd-smuain, a bha o chionn fhada ann an inntinn a’ phìobaire chliùitich, Carlos Nuñez, a choileanadh agus a thoirt beò ann an cuirm shònraichte aig Celtic Connections am-bliadhna.

Thàinig an sàr neach-ciùil eadar-nàiseanta don Eilean Sgitheanach airson greis-obrach fad 10 làithean aig an t-Sabhal Mhòr ann an com-pàirteachadh àraid is inntinneach eadar Celtic Connections agus Sabhal Mòr Ostaig far an do rinn e obair rannsachaidh, dhealbhaidh is ullachaidh air mòran den t-susbaint a nochd ann an teis-meadhan na cuirm sònraichte seo aig Royal Concert Hall, Glaschu.

Fhuair Carlos cothrom air stòras luachmhor leabhraichean nan Cruinneachaidhean Sònraichte ann an Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a chleachdadh is e a’ rannsachadh an taoibh Albannaich, agus bha e na thlachd mòr dha cothrom co-obrachaidh fhaighinn le Proif. Ùisdean Cheape, sàr eòlaiche na pìoba mòire, agus Dr. Decker Forrest, a tha na shàr phìobaire, a tha a’ stiùireadh Prògram Ceuma ann an Ceòl Traidiseanta aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus a tha air obair sgoileireil chudromach air na prìomh eileamaidean ann an eachdraidh na pìoba fhoillseachadh. Rinn Carlos obair cuide ris a' phìobaire, Dr. Aonghas MacDhòmhnaill à Gleann Ùige, a tha air cliù a chosnadh cuide ri a bhràithrean Ailean agus

Iain, mar shàr phìobairean an linn fhèin. Fhuair Carlos cothrom coinneachadh ri Dr. Iain Mac an Sporain cuideachd, a tha na neach-ciùil, na sgrìobhadair ciùil, na sgrìobhadair, na neachcraolaidh is na eòlaiche-ciùil, agus a tha air mòran a sgrìobhadh air eachdraidh ceòl na h-Alba. Bha Carlos den bheachd gun robh an ùine a chuir e seachad aig an t-Sabhal Mhòr ’na buannachd mhòr dhomh agus uabhasach brosnachail'.

Chaidh a’ chuirm fhèin a mholadh gu mòr leis na bha an làthair agus fhuair an luchd-èisteachd cothrom air eachdraidh is cruinneòlas Slighe a’ Chuain a chluinntinn a bha fìor inntinneach agus taitneach, is e uile fillte gu toinnte le sgil tharraingeach, sàr eòlas ciùil agus liut air àrd-ùrlar, mar a tha aig Carlos Nuñez. Chùm a chòmhlan fhèin taic ri Carlos agus cuide riutha bha iomadh aoigh tàlantach a leithid an Dr. Aonghas MacDhòmhnaill, Decker Forrest, Karen NicMhathain is Dòmhnall Seathach, an dannsair Sophie NicSteaphain, an seinneadair is clàrsair Mischa Nic a’ Phearsain, an cluicheadair bocsa à Argentina, Chango Spasiuk, agus an luchd-ciùil Cuimreach, Angharad Jenkins, Patrick Rimes is Gwenan Gibbard, a bha a’ taisbeanadh nan ceanglaichean le Patagonia.

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THE ATLANTIC CORRIDOR ‘Sabhal Mòr Ostaig partners Celtic Connections in an exciting International Commission’ The fulfilment of an idea which had long been in the mind of the extraordinarily gifted Galician musician/piper, Carlos Nunez, was brought to life in a special performance at Celtic Connections this year.

Through a unique and exciting collaboration between Celtic Connections and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, this outstanding international musician was to travel to Skye where, over a 10 day residency period at Sabhal Mòr, he was to research, develop and routine much of the creative content which would form the ‘backbone’ for this special Celtic Connections performance at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

His special interest was to explore, research and develop new thinking around the concept, originally presented by Hugh Cheape in a series of published works, that the Highland bagpipe may have arrived in Scotland from the Iberian Peninsula via a longestablished maritime route and that this historical link, which existed over many centuries, played a significant role in bringing this shared piping heritage to communities along the ‘Atlantic Corridor’ linking Galicia, Wales, Ireland, the Western Seaboard

and the Islands of Scotland, Patagonian, Argentina and Brazil, and whose influences can still to this day be found, to varying degrees, fused with the indigenous musical forms of all these countries.

The performance on the night was received with great critical acclaim and the packed out concert hall audience was treated to a fascinating and movingly beautiful musical journey through the historical and geographical context of the ‘Atlantic Corridor’, all woven into an intricate and compelling musical tapestry by Carlos Nunez’s charismatic presence, consummate musicianship and engaging stagecraft. Carlos was joined on stage by his very fine ensemble with wonderful guest performances from, Dr Angus MacDonald, Decker Forrest, Karen Matheson and Donald Shaw, dancer, Sophie Stevenson, Gaelic singer and harpist Mischa Macpherson, Argentinian accordionist, Chango Spasiuk and Welsh musicians, Angharad Jenkins, Patrick Rimes and Gwenan Gibbard ‘signposting’ the Patagonian connections.

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FÈILL GHÀIDHLIG Chùmadh a’ cheathramh Fèill Ghàidhlig aig a’ Cholaiste sa Ghiblean agus, mar a bhiodh dùil, b’ e latha làn spòrs is fealla-dhà a bh’ ann don choimhearsnachd gu lèir. Bhathar air leth fortanach leis an t-sìde agus thàinig tòrr dhaoine, bhon sgìre, agus bho àiteachan fada air falbh airson pàirt a ghabhail ann an tachartasan Gàidhlig. Am-bliadhna, chuireadh cuideam air co-fharpaisean agus geamaichean, agus bha na h-oileanaich air leth math le bhith gan cur air dòigh agus gan ruith. Agus abair gun robh spòrs aig clann is inbhich ann an tarraing ròpa, rèis trìchasach agus rèis buntàta. A bharrachd air sin bha aodainn air am peantadh gu h-ealanta agus daoine a’ cluich gheamaichean, a’ cabadaich, agus a’ gabhail tlachd às an latha.

GAELIC OPEN DAY The fourth Gaelic Open Day took place at the College in April and, as expected, it was a fun-filled event for the whole community. The weather was very favourable, and a great number of visitors from the area and further afield came to take part in a range of Gaelic activities including races and various games. College students helped organise and run them. Children and adults enjoyed the tug-of-war, three-legged race and potato and spoon race, and all around could be seen beautifully painted faces, people chatting and playing games and enjoying the day.

BBC SSO A’ TADHAL AIR SMO

BBC SSO VISITS SMO

Thadhail luchd-ciùil bho BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra air oileanaich a’ chùrsa Gàidhlig is Ceòl Traidiseanta aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, sa Ghearran, airson oidhche làn ciùil is càirdeis.

Bha an tachartas mar phàirt den turas obrach aig an Orchestra fad trì làithean san Eilean Sgitheanach, anns an robh consartan, taisbeanaidhean ciùil agus bùithtean-obrach air feadh an eilein. Bha an co-obrachadh le oileanaich ciùil an t-Sabhail Mhòir stèidhichte air ceòl a chaidh sgrìobhadh a dh’aona-ghnothach airson an tachartais le Blair Dùghlas, Ceòladair na Colaiste, agus chaidh fhilmeadh is a chlàradh le luchd-obrach a’ BhBC agus oileanaich cùrsa nam Meadhanan aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

In February this year, members of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra visited students from the Gaelic and Traditional Music Programme at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for an evening of musical collaboration. The event was part of the Orchestra’s three-day residency on Skye which has seen concerts, surprise ‘popup’ performances and workshops throughout the island. The collaboration with the music students from Sabhal Mòr was focused on music written especially for the event by the College’s Musician in Residence, Blair Douglas, and was filmed and recorded by staff from the BBC as well as by students from the College’s media course.

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CEÒL MÒR OSTAIG

Bha oidhche shoirbheachail eile aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig ann an Glaschu anns a’ Ghiblean, ann an com-pàirteachas leis a’ bhuidheann ealain Gàidhlig, Ceòl is Craic. B’ e seo a’ cheathramh bliadhna de Cheòl Mòr Ostaig agus chuir sàr luchd-ciùil tàlantach Sabhal Mòr Ostaig an oidhche air chois is iad a’ taisbeanadh an cuid chomasan is liut ceòlmhor. Chluich còmhlan anns an robh trì oileanaich deug bhon a’ chùrsa chiùil seataichean le Blair Dùghlas, a bha na bhall de na còmhlanan Runrig, MacTalla is Cliar, a tha air iomadh duais a chosnadh agus a tha na Cheòladair aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig an-dràsta.

Rinn an sàr chòmhlan Gàidhlig, ‘Dàimh’, air an àrd-ùrlar an uair sin, a tha air cluich aig iomadh fèis air feadh na h-Alba, na Roinn Eòrpa agus nas fhaide air falbh, is iad a’ taisbeanadh an cuid ciùil, eadar puirt is ridhleachan lasanta agus òrain mhòra fhaireachail. Tha cliù aig a’ chòmhlan airson nan consairtean beothail aca agus tha iad cuideachd nan oidean do dh'oileanaich chiùil an t-Sabhail Mhòir.

Thaisbean Ceòl Mòr Ostaig beagan de na tha Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a’ cur ris a h-uile taobh de chultar na Gàidhlig anns an latha an-diugh.

DUAISEAN Meal-a-naidheachd air sgioba margaideachd an t-Sabhail a choisinn an dàrna àite airson ‘Duais nan Oileanach airson Làrach-lìn’ aig Oidhche nan Duaisean Margaideachd CDN ann an Dùn Èideann am-bliadhna.

Choisinn Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a’ chiad àite airson ‘Sgoil Cheilteach As Fheàrr’ ann an Duaisean an Luchd-leughaidh aig Iris an Teaghlaich Cheiltich am-bliadhna cuideachd.

AWARDS Congratulations to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s marketing team on receiving second place in the ‘Students’ Award for Website’ category at this years College Development Network Marketing awards in Edinburgh.

This year Sabhal Mòr Ostaig also took first place in the Celtic Family Magazine, Readers’ Choice Awards for ‘Best Celtic School’.

For the fourth year running and in partnership with the Gaelic arts organisation, Ceòl is Craic, SMO staged another successful evening of Ceòl Mòr Ostaig in April where they kicked of the evening’s entertainment with a display of the fantastic musicianship that is being nurtured and developed at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. A spectacular thirteen piece band of SMO music students took to the stage to perform a number of sets composed and arranged by Skye based legend Blair Douglas, founding member of Runrig, Mactalla and Cliar, multi-award winner and SMO Musician in Residence.

‘Gaelic Supergroup’ Dàimh who have headlined festivals throughout Scotland, Europe and beyond also took to the stage with their repertoire which ranges from pyrotechnic jigs and reels to heart rending ballads. The band, who have become renowned for their exhilarating live shows, also act as mentors to SMO students.

Ceòl Mòr Ostaig celebrated the vital contribution Sabhal Mòr Ostaig continues to make to all aspects of contemporary Gaelic culture.

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AG ALL AMH ANN AN 60 DIOG CÒMHL A RI

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CHRISTIE NICILLEATHAIN

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Facebook no Twitter?

Facebook

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Beinne, Bainne no Boinne?!?

Bainne

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Teanta no taigh-òsta?

23

Taigh-òsta

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

Donaidh Rothach - a chionn ’s gum biodh cothrom agam òrain Runrig a chluinntinn!

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A’ tionndadh 18 no 21?

18 aon fhacal - deoch!

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A’ Mhanachainn no A’ Mhuir Mheadhan-thìreach?

A’ Mhanachainn - gun teagamh

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Runrig no Rihanna?

Runrig - chan eil feum air adhbhar!

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60

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Bòtannan dearga neo bòtannan buidhe?

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

Cabadaich

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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 Cànan | www.canan.co.uk