Bòrd na Gàidhlig takes centre stage at The Gathering

Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the principle public agency with responsibility for developing Gaelic, will be showcasing the best of Gaelic culture and developments this weekend in Edinburgh at The Gathering 2009. The spectacular Clan Gathering events in Holyrood will be an ideal opportunity for many people to learn about their forebears’ part in the making of the new Scotland.
A series of newly commissioned display panels highlighting key aspects of Highland history and Gaelic culture, such as land, sea, community, arts, education and new lands, will ensure a warm welcome for visitors from overseas and those closer to home to experience the best of Gaelic music and song.
Gaelic signage and Gaelic commentary will have a high profile during all of the Gathering events, and will feature in the programming as well as on the large screen displays.
Arthur Cormack, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “It is very important that Gaelic be centre stage at a high profile event such as the Gathering. There is a chance to reach out to many people from the Gaelic diaspora who will be keen to find out more about where they came from and what makes them who they are. The event is also important for its contemporary appeal as well however and we are keen to show everyone how Gaelic has a place in the modern world. Our unique identity shines through and can illuminate so much of the past whilst taking us forward into an exciting future.”
A Gaelic Village (Ar Baile) has been set in two large marquees within the grounds of Holyrood Park. Visitors will be treated to a variety of exhibitions including Harris Tweed, language and heritage showcases and cultural entertainment. Talks on Gaelic awareness delivered by Roddy MacLean of Inverness on Saturday are sure to be a highlight for those wanting to expand their knowledge of the place Gaelic has in modern Scotland.


The cultural programme has been planned by Kristine Kennedy on behalf of Bòrd na Gàidhlig. She said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors from overseas and also from people throughout Scotland to come and see the vibrancy of the Gaelic community. We have brought together a fantastic mix of the most modern representations of our culture and entertainment along with tremendous contributions from people like Bill Lawson who is simply world-class in his field. Scottish Designer Sandra Murray MBE will be presenting a new piece for Year of the Homecoming made in Modern Caledonia Tartan by Lochcarron of Scotland and photographed earlier this week at Edinburgh Castle on Katherine Brown, the current Miss Scotland. Also exhibited is a painting of Sandra’s Highland 2007 outfit, by Glasgow artist Helen Wilson. I am sure that everyone will be intrigued, entertained and better informed by what we have assembled.”
On Saturday from 1000-1130, Ar Baile will feature some of Gaeldom’s leading entertainers including Arthur Cormack, Kristine Kennedy, Iain “Costello” MacIver, John Murray, Calum Martin, Darren MacLean, Kirsteen MacDonald, Calum Alex MacMillan, Catherine J Martin and Iain Angus MacLeod.
Annie MacSween from Lewis will then give a presentation on Local Development History in the Western Isles. Lothian Gaelic choir, (Còisir Ghàidhlig Lodainn) and Còmhlan Luadh Bhàideanach, (the Badenoch Waulking group) will then be the main attraction with further entertainment from the signers and musicians from the Acoustic stage from 1430–1600.
World renowned genealogy expert Bill Lawson will then give a presentation on emigration from the Western Isles and there will be another opportunity to waulk the tweed with Còmhlan Luadh Bhàideanach. Lothian Gaelic Choir will bring the proceedings to a close around 1700.
A range of other Gaelic organisations will be represented in Ar Baile including An Comunn Gaidhealach, Ulpan, Comann Luchd-ionnsachaidh, Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, mygaelic.com, Cearcall na Gàidhlig, and information material is also being provided by other Gaelic organisations.
The Harris Tweed Authority with Lorna MacAulay and designer Anne MacCallum will exhibit a selection of some of the latest designs in clothes, small bolts of fabric, cushions and other finished goods that are available from various different outlets.
A plasma screen will also feature “From the land comes the cloth” – a stunning photographic presentation of the people, the processes,and the landscapes which inspire Harris Tweed.
On Sunday at 1030–1200 there will be a demonstration of the traditional Gaelic Psalm precenting or “lining out” as well as a short summary of its origins and present day popularity. Calum and CJ Martin and Kristine Kennedy will lead this session as well as individual performances of Gaelic gospel songs.
At mid-day, Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail, award winning Bàrd will share his thoughts with his presentation entitled “ Tha a’chagailt ‘s a’ chridhe “ - The hearth is in the heart. This is a must for all those with thoughts of home , wherever that might be.
The Gaelic precentors will take the stage again at 1400 and Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail will again invites everyone to join him at the hearth at 1600.