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Consultation on National Plan for Gaelic
April and June events
In April we welcomed Morag Nicholson of North Uist to her first singing engagement in London. Morag brought us a wonderful range of songs, including a number from her home area that were new to us and some old favourites.
Allan Campbell, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, will invite input to the draft National Plan for Gaelic at a meeting hosted by the Society on 9 September at St Columba's Church, Pont Street.
We were delighted to hear of the recent award of the OBE to John Angus MacKay, Director of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service), for services to broadcasting in Scotland. John Angus is an Honorary Life Member of Comunn Gàidhlig Lunnainn and he has been a great friend and supporter of the Society for some years. Among other roles, John Angus is Chair of the Gaelic Television Training Trust and a member of the Gaelic Arts Strategic Development Forum. He was formerly Chief Executive of Comunn na Gàidhlig. All who know of John Angus' work and commitment will feel that this is an honour richly deserved. A message of congratulation has been sent to John Angus on behalf of the Society.
Recent additions to the Library are Margaret Bennett's It's Not the Time You Have - Notes and Memories of Music-making with Martyn Bennett, in memory of her son, inscribed by Margaret and donated by Johan MacLeod; Seanfhacail is Seanchas by Maletta MacPhail and John MacLean; and a Bible given to Dorothy Gordon by Betty Whiteside which Dorothy has donated. The Highlands and Islands Society of London will be hosting an informal evening of Scottish music and song on Saturday 19 August. For further information please contact info@hisl.org .
We have news from Steve Savage of the publication by Savage Publishers of a second, much-revised edition of Colin Mark's Gaelic Verbs: Systemised and Simplified. Steve can be contacted at mail@savagepublishers.com or on 020 7770 6083. Addie O'Bryan-Tear
If you would like to receive future issues of this newsletter by email please send a message to our Hon Secretary, Tom Macaskill, at tommymaca@hotmail.com. If you no longer wish to receive it please also let Tom know.
Natalie MacKinnon, fresh from her triumphs in Las Vegas and with a clutch of medals to prove it, entertained with dances and also at the piano. Natalie always amazes us, not only with her talent, but with her poise and maturity. One of the highlights of the evening was an impromptu dance performance by Natalie to port a beul from Morag, which was clearly hugely enjoyed by both. Our former President, Iain MacLeod, was persuaded to give us a song or two and it was good to note that he has lost none of his skills in song or storytelling! Despite the low attendance, this was a very enjoyable evening with inspired performances. We note with pleasure that Morag has since returned to London to sing for our friends at the Highlands and Islands Society and anyone who has heard her will hope that it will not be too long before her next visit.
The award of Duais Chomunn Gàidhlig Lunnainn in memory of our late Hon Treasurer and Minutes Secretary, Ann Castle, was made at our June event. The award is made for an outstanding contribution to Gaelic and we were very glad to welcome Janet MacGregor to receive it. Janet, a Mod Gold Medallist, retired this summer from her post as Head of Gaelic at Millburn Academy, Inverness. While her singing has given enormous pleasure over the years, Janet has also tutored and encouraged young Gaelic speakers and singers, many of whom have achieved considerable success at the National Mod and in their careers. She has also been a great supporter of the Society's Schools Competition. We were very pleased to have Cliff Castle with us for the presentation. At the cèilidh following, Mod Gold Medallist, Jenna Cumming, one of Janet's former students, sang for us, as did Janet, and it was a privilege to hear such beautiful voices from two delightful guests. Our Hon Piper, John Angus Smith, returned to Crown Court in excellent form for a lively and skilful performance as always.
We were fortunate also to have the opportunity to hear a talk from journalist, Anna MacLeod, about her impressions and experiences of working for the BBC and on a freelance basis. This was much appreciated and prompted a number of questions and comments. Clearly, the whole area of Gaelic broadcasting is one that the London audience is anxious to explore and we are grateful to Anna for her insights and thoughtful response.
Our sincere thanks to Christina MacDonald for taking charge of catering for both these events and for her help with accommodation and publicity.
Consultation on National Plan for Gaelic
The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act came into force in February this year. The Act stipulates that Bòrd na Gàidhlig prepares a National Plan to guide development, and requires a public consultation period while the Plan is being devised. When Bòrd na Gàidhlig visited London during consultation on the Gaelic Bill, Allan commented on the excellent attendance in contrast with some of the meetings in Scotland. I hope we can again demonstrate a high level of interest in the language in London and the south. A cèilidh will follow the meeting. Further details will be made available in due course.
Meal do naidheachd, Iain!
Còisir Lunnainn together with the Highlands and Islands Society will hold a cèilidh dance on 23 September in Cecil Sharp House. Music for dancing will be by Kirk Session. For further details please contact the Society as above.
We were very much saddened to hear of the sudden death, in April, of Addie (Alexandra) O'Bryan-Tear. Addie was a loyal and longstanding member of the Society and of Coisir Lunnainn, who never forgot her Gaelic roots in the island of Lewis. She will be very much missed at our gatherings as we recall her vivacity and her lively sense of humour. Our sympathies go to Gillies, Cathy and Nick and their families.
Addie was buried in the family plot at Bosta Cemetery, Lewis. A memorial service was held at St Columba's Church of Scotland in London on 7 June.
Calum MacPhail
We are sad also to record the recent death of Dr Calum MacPhail of Shawbost. Calum and his late wife, Maureen, were regular attenders of Society events over the years. We extend our sympathies to their son, Alasdair.
Finally, we wish all members and friends a very enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you again in the autumn.
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page last updated 05/04/08