Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Newsletter • Iris 64 • An t-Sultain 2017 • September 2017

Blas Festival 2007 ...... 1 2017 BLAS FESTIVAL SUCCESS Fèisean 25th Anniversaries ...... 2 Fèis Chataibh ...... 2 Fèisean an t-Samhraidh ...... 3 Cèilidhean air Chuairt ...... 3 Guth nan Gael ...... 4 FèisTV ...... 4 Fèisgoil ...... 5 Dràma air Chuairt ...... 5 Sgoil Shamhraidh ...... 6 Chaidh Blas a chumail eadar 1 agus 9 Sultain agus tha a h-uile coltas ann gun deach cùisean gu math eadar cèilidhean, cuirmean, bàrdachd, dràma agus obair ann an sgoiltean. Am-bliadhna chuir sinn romhainn cuirmean sònraichte a chur air dòigh a’ comharrachadh an 80mh ceann-bliadhna aig ceathrar a tha iomraiteach ann an cultar na Gàidhealtachd - Kenna Chaimbeul, Fergie Dòmhnallach, Mòrag NicLeòid agus Fionnlagh MacLeòid. Bha Coimisean Blas 2017 a’ rannsachadh dìleab phrìseil de dh’òrain Ghàidhlig a dh’fhàg an t-Urr Uilleam MacMhathain, fear dhen luchd- cruinneachaidh agus eòlaichean a bu chliùitiche a bh’ againnn ann an saoghal na Gàidhlig. Tha sinn gu mòr an comain Jo NicDhòmhnaill a rinn an rannsachadh agus a lìbhrig nan cuirmean sin. Chomharraich Fèis na h-Òige agus Fèis Lochabair ceann- AGM & CONFERENCE 2017 bliadhna 25 bliadhna agus chuimhnich sinn cuideachd air laoich nan cogaidhean agus Thèid Coinneamh Bhliadhnail agus na h-iomain cuide ri Ùisdean MacIllInnein, Gary Innes agus càch. Co-labhairt Fèisean nan Gàidheal Chaidh clàran ùr fhoillseachadh aig an fhèis le Lauren NicCholla cho math ri Mike 2017 a chumail ann an Taigh-òsta Vass is Mairearad Green agus bha iomadh tachartas a’ dol thall ’s a bhos air feadh na Bhaile Chaolais. Cruinnichidh muinntir Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean. nam Fèisean airson sùil a thoirt air This year’s Blas Festival took place between 1 and 9 September with around 40 concerts a’ bhliadhna a dh’fhalbh agus na as well as an array of work in Highland schools and care homes. Among those performing tha romhainn. Bidh ceòl agus òrain bho òigridh Fèis Lochabair a tha a’ were Skipinnish, Breabach, Mànran and Duncan Chisholm. Ireland’s Sharon Shannon comharrachadh 25 bliadhna agus returned, following her debut Blas appearances last year, to join Skerryvore at Eden Court in dinnear le dannsa às a dèidh. Thèid a Inverness. h-uile càil a chumail air 22 agus 23 An The Angus Nicolson Trio, Donald Black Band, Ireland’s Fidil and Canada’s MacIsaac & t-Sultain agus thathar an dòchas gum bi MacKenzie all appeared as did Iain MacFarlane and Ewan Robertson joined by Dermot co-dhiù aon riochdaire às gach fèis aig Byrne, Altan’s former box player. An array of the finest Gaelic singers were to the fore an tachartas. Tha ceathrar bhall a’ fàgail including Mairi MacInnes, James Graham, Iain MacKay, Margaret Stewart, Rona Lightfoot, a’ Bhùird am-bliadhna agus tha sinn a’ Ewan John Morrison, David Mackenzie, Murdo ‘Wasp’ MacDonald, Amy MacKay, Mary toirt tàing mhòr dhaibh airson sàr-thaic Catherine MacNeil, Freddie Mackenzie, Robert Robertson, Rachel Walker, Alasdair Whyte, thar nam bliadhnachan. Eilidh Cormack, Linda Macleod, Allan MacDonald, Christine Primrose as well as Dingwall Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s AGM will be held Gaelic Choir and Inverness Gaelic Choir. In an established partnership with Comhairle nan in the Ballachulish Hotel on Friday 22 Leabhraichean Gaelic poets, including Maoilios Caimbeul and Aonghas MacNeacail, made September 2017 with Gaelic musician, Mary Ann Kennedy, as guest speaker. We expect guest appearances at some events. representatives from Fèisean across Scotland Fèisean nan Gàidheal delivered Blas events across the area served by The Highland Council will be in attendance. working with a large number of voluntary and professional promoters, venues and artistes. Young people from Fèis Lochabair will play This is the model of festival the council envisaged when officials and members visited Cape and a there will be a Cèilidh following dinner. Breton’s Celtic Colours around 15 years ago. Due to additional funding from Argyll & Bute The Conference will take place on Saturday 23 Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, this year we took in some venues in Argyll and the September, with a mix of presentations and Western Isles and we are grateful for the ongoing support of The Highland Council, HIE, workshops. Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Creative Scotland and, this year, Marine Harvest who sponsored Blas 2017. 25TH ANNIVERSARIES CELEBRATED BY THREE FÈISEAN FÈIS CHATAIBH WEEKEND Tha Fèis Chataibh gu bhith trang as t-Samhain le sreath de bhùthan- obrach anns na h-ealain thraidiseanta ann an Goillspidh. An toiseach air 18mh agus 19mh den t-Samhain cumaidh an fhèis deireadh- sheachdain de dh’obair-còmhlain dha dheugairean. Aig a’ cheart àm air Disathairne 18 den t-Samhain thèid Latha Fèise a chumail cuideachd Fèis Lochabair, Fèis Eilean na Hearadh and Fèis na h-Òige have all reached an important ann an Àrd-sgoil Ghoillspidh. Tha milestone this year. an tachartas seo a’ tairgse iomadh cuspair le clasaichean a’ dol agus air Fèis Lochabair’s 25th Fèis was held at the start of August, with approximately 150 participants an cur air dòigh aig a h-uile ìre comais. in attendance. As well as the main attendees, Fèis Lochabair also played host to visitors from the local Lochaber Cèilidh Trail and Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s ‘Guth na nGael’ cultural exchange. Fèis Chataibh are set to be busy this The huge volume of people in attendance, not to mention the evening events that were held, November with a series of traditional ensured that it was one of the busiest weeks Fèis Lochabair has seen yet. Andrew MacDonald’s arts workshops for young people Cèilidh Band brought the week to a close on with the Fèis cèilidh on the Friday evening. taking place in Golspie. In September, a special Blas Festival concert was held in honour of Fèis Lochabair’s 25th Firstly over the weekend of 18th and anniversary, with music provided by past and present participants and tutors including the band, 19th November Fèis Chataibh will Fras, and Aonghas Grant. hold a groupwork weekend for S1-6 Fèis Eilean na Hearadh commemorated its anniversary by welcoming over 100 children to its pupils in Golspie High School aimed at Fèis week in July and holding a big cèilidh in Tarbert where tutors, committee members and young musicians who have reached an participants, past and present, gathered to celebrate this achievement. The longest-serving tutor, intermediate or advanced level in their Larry Ferguson, composed a waltz for the longest-serving committee member, Rhoda Campbell, main instrument. who stood down after the celebrations. The waltz was played for Rhoda at the final concert. Fèis Chataibh have gathered a superb Fèis na h-Òige celebrated its 25th anniversary with a cèilidh featuring current and previous team of tutors for this event including participants and volunteers of the Fèis, as part of Blas 2017. One of the first Fèis participants, Gordon Gunn, Addie Harper, Charlie Kirsteen MacDonald, was bean-an-taighe, for the evening. The audience also heard tales from McKerron and Jim Hunter. Etta MacKay (who helped set up the Fèis) of the early days when participants would take their The event costs £60 for two days’ sleeping bags and spend the night in Culloden Academy! Performers included members of tuition and includes lunch each day as Canntaireachd, a singing group for Fèis teenagers until 2011 and fiddler Seonag Buxton and her well as dinner on Saturday evening. family, all of whom have attended and taught at the Fèis over the years. Meanwhile on Saturday 18th November Fèis Chataibh will also run FÈIS PHÀISLIG EXPANDS FÈIS SPÈ STEP DANCE PROJECT a Fèis Day in Golspie High School. This Bha sgioba Fèis Phàislig air a dòigh Fèis Day is open to young people aged tachartas ùr a thabhainn an cois na 8 to 18 and offers a host of different prìomh Fèise san Iuchar 2017. subjects with classes streamed by ability. Thug an Fhèis Adhartach cothrom dha luchd-ciùil is seinneadairean òga an The event costs £25 per child and will cuid sgilean a thoirt air adhart le taic run from 10am to 4pm. agus oideachadh bho Megan NicEanraig Full information on subjects, tutors, agus Calum MacCruimein bhon pricing and registration methods for all chòmhlan Breabach. B’ ann air òigridh of these events are available from Fèis na h-àrd-sgoile a bha comasach air na In July, the Cairngorms Cèilidh Trail took part treasurer Debbie Celli at feischataibh@ h-ionnsramaidean aca mar-thà a bha an in a Fèis Spè step dance project to introduce yahoo.co.uk. tachartas seo ag amas, agus thairis air them to step dancing and to encourage them ceithir latha de bhùthan-obrach fhuair to take their new skills out on tour. compàirtichean cothrom a bhith ag We asked their whistle player and piper, Ailsa obrachadh air rianachd, cluich airson Hepburn (a novice step-dancer) what she dannsa, cruthachadh agus taisbeanadh thought of the week: ciùil traidiseanta. “The most challenging part of learning the Fèis Phàislig was delighted to offer a new steps was probably trying to remember each event as part of the annual summer Fèis one of them individually, and finding where in Paisley this July. The Advanced Fèis was my feet went half the time! designed for S1-6 pupils who were already But putting them into a routine made it easier proficient on an instrument or voice who and it got easier as the week went on. wished to work on their traditional music I feel as if my playing has also improved from skills at a more advanced level. this as it gives me a better understanding of Fèis Phàislig plans to run the Advanced Fèis the structure and timings of tunes and how again next year from 17-20th July 2018. the dance fits in.” Meanwhile attention turns to the weekly Fèis The week was rounded off with a class programme which offers group music performance at Talla nan Ros in Kingussie to tuition on Saturdays during school term- showcase what they had learned. time. You can find out more about all of Fèis The Fèis is now completing a video of Phàislig’s activities at www.feisphaislig.com or the performance that they hope will help by contacting Fèis Phàislig chairperson Grant demonstrate what can be learned within a McFarlane on [email protected]. few days. FÈISEAN AN T-SAMHRAIDH THALL 'S A BHOS CÈILIDHEAN AIR CHUAIRT Bha samhradh gu math trang aig seachd Cèilidhean air Chuairt a bha a-muigh air an rathad a’ taisbeanadh an cuid sgilean ann an ceòl is òrain thraidiseanta air feadh na h-Alba san Iuchar agus an Lùnastal. Am bliadhna, bha na Cèilidhean air Chuairt a’ riochdachadh ochd fèisean: • Fèis Chataibh (Cataibh is Gallaibh) • Ceilear – am bliadhna le com- Chuir Fèis Thiriodh a’ chiad Fèis Samhraidh an gnìomh le seachdain làn ciùil is pàirtichean à Fèis an Earraich agus spòrs aig toiseach an Iuchair. Bha prògram slàn de thachartasan air an oidhche ann Fèisean nan Eilean Siar (An t-Eilean cuideachd, nam measg: taisbeanaidhean, cèilidh an luchd-oideachaidh, dannsa na Sgiathanach, Loch Aillse agus na cloinne, an cèilidh mhòr agus cuideachd am “Muse Cruise” – tachartas bliadhnail do h-Eileanan Siar) Thiorastaich (agus luchd-turais) a bhios a’ gabhail sgrìob a Bharraigh agus air ais a • Fèis Fhoirt (Sruighlea, An Eaglais Thiriodh air bàta-aiseig Calmac le ceòl bhon luchd-teagaisg agus duine sam bith eile a Bhreac agus Loch Laomainn) tha airson pàirt a ghabhail! Tha clasaichean a’ stad airson latha gus cothrom a thoirt • Fèis Inbhir Narainn (Slighe a’ do phàrantan agus don chloinn thighinn air an turas seo agus spòrs a bhith aca le Ghlinne Mhòir is Siorrachd Narainn) luchd-oideachaidh anns an àrainneachd shònraichte a tha seo! • Fèis Latharna (Earra-Ghàidheal) Air an aon seachdain, chuir Fèis Eige an tachartas bliadhnail trì-latha aca air dòigh • Fèis Lochabair (Loch Abar) le àireamhan de chòmpàirtichean a’ dol am meud am bliadhna. Chaidh fàilte a chuir air clann Eige fhèin agus cuideachd feadhainn bho eileanan eile agus tìr-mòr. • Fèis Spè (Pàirc Nàiseanta a’ B’ e tachartas soirbheachail a bh’ ann – le bogsa-putain, fìdheall, giotàr, ealain, Mhonaidh Ruaidh) drumaireachd, fìdeag agus dannsa-ceum am measg nan clasaichean a bha ann rim A bharrachd air na buidhnean seo bha feuchainn. trì buidhnean Cèilidh air Chuairt aig Chaidh Fèis nan Garbh Chrìochan a chumail a-rithist am bliadhna ann an Àrd nam Fèis Rois a’ cluich ann an Siorrachd Murchan – le cothroman ciùil am pàilteas do chloinn na sgìre. A bharrachd air na Rois agus air feadh na h-Alba. clasaichean fhèin, bha tachartasan air an oidhche cuideachd agus turas dhachaigh Ma tha ùidh agad a dhol an sàs ann airson cèilidh air chuairt Loch Abar a chluich puirt no dhà aig cuirm-ciùil an luchd- an Cèilidh air Chuairt bidh fiosrachadh teagaisg. Bha muinntir na fèise gu math fortanach leis an aimsir agus leis cho blàth, mu iarrtasan a’ nochdadh air an grianach ‘s a bha i bha fiù 's cothrom ann airson ball-bhòlaidh, snàmh agus grèim làrach-lìn againn bhon Ghearran 2018. bìdh air an tràigh! San eadar-àm nach tadhail sibh air an Ann an Siorrachd Àir a Tuath bha seachdain thrang aca air Eilean Arainn. Chuir an làrach gus sùil a thoirt air dealbhan is fhèis fàilte bhlàth air clann à fad is farsaing, feadhainn dhiubh à tìr mòr agus fiù 's às bhideothan bho sgeama na bliadhna- na h-Eileanan Siar. Leis an sgioba luchd-oideachaidh thàlantach aca, bha deagh hòro- sa: www.feisean.org/ceilidh/. gheallaidh aca aig a’ chèilidh mhòr a bha a’ cur thairis le muinntir an àite fhèin agus Seven Fèis Ceilidh Trail groups hit the road le luchd-turais. this Summer for a feast of live traditional San t-Sultain, chaidh Fèis an Tairbeirt (tè de na fèisean às ùire) a chumail agus ged music performances across Scotland. a chaidh an fhèis seo a stèidheachadh ann an 2016, tha na h-àireamhan a’ sìor The Ceilidh Trail is a Fèisean nan Gàidheal streap. A-nise tha bùthan-obrach air an cumail tron bhliadhna do chloinn agus do scheme which supports young Fèis dh’inbhich. Airson a’ chiad turais, chaidh Fèis Mheadhanach a chumail, mar cheum participants aged 16 to 25 to prepare eadar Fèis Bheag agus a’ phrìomh Fhèis. Bha clasaichean ùra ann nach deach a and perform a professional music tour chumail roimhe agus “Cofaidh agus Craic” – buidheann còmhraidh do dh’inbhich a each summer. This year seven Cèilidh tha airson na sgilean Gàidhlig aca a neartachadh. B’ e tachartas air leth soirbheachail Trail groups representing eight Fèisean a bh’ ann agus tha an sgioba a-nis a’ dèanamh fiughair ri tachartasan eile a thèid a delivered a packed programme of chumail san àm ri teachd. traditional music showcases from Kirkwall Fèis Tìr an Eòrna, was held in early July and this marked the beginning of an era as it took place in to Callander. the new school in North Uist. In addition Fèis Rois also ran a busy Cèilidh Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain and Fèis Bharraigh took place in Daliburgh and Castlebay respectively, giving Trail programme with three groups playing the children of the southern islands the chance to learn instruments, singing and traditional across Ross-shire and Scotland. sport under expert tuition from esteemed musicians. Fèisean nan Gàidheal CEO Arthur Cormack Fèis Eilean an Fhraoich welcomed Club Óige Luraigh for the third time and the youngsters said: “Two central parts of Fèisean nan exchanged Gaelic and Gaeilge songs and tunes, further strengthening the bond between the Gàidheal’s work are the nurturing of talent two groups. and the promotion of traditional music Over in the north end of Skye on the same week, Fèis Thròndairnis was underway in Staffin to live audiences and we’re delighted to Primary School. Numbers were good and everyone had a great time sampling music, shinty and bring these two strands of our activity arts & crafts. A lively final concert was held and was well attended. together through the Cèilidh Trail scheme. Rounding off the summer Fèis activity, Fèis an Rubha celebrated a large surge in numbers with The standard of performance has been more than 65 in attendance compared to the usual 40-45. The week began with a march outside very high again this year with our groups the school led by a piper, and they had a most successful and enjoyable week. entertaining a staggering 15,000 people at over 200 events. “ BLAS DE DHUALCHAS MHÙIDEART DO GHUTH NAN GAEL FèisTV MAIDEN BROADCAST Chaidh FèisTV a stèidheachadh am- bliadhna agus chaidh dà chuirm aig Blas a shruthadh beò air an eadar- lìon mar thoiseach tòiseachaidh. Tha sinn an dùil co-òrdanaiche fhastadh, le taic bho ScotGrad, HIE agus Riaghaltas na h-Alba a chuireadh an t-seirbheis air stèidh cheart agus bidh sinn an uair sin ag amas air sruthadh nas trice bho 'S e tè de na sgìrean as iomallaiche air tìr-mòr na h-Alba a th’ ann am Mùideart agus chuirmean is cèilidhean, cho math fhuair buidheann do luchd-ciùil òg an cothrom tuigse na b’ fheàrr fhaighinn air ri leasanan air-loidhne a chur air dualchas Mhùideirt an uair a thadhail iad air dithis luchd-ciùil aithnichte às an sgìre: dòigh. cluicheadair a’ bhogsa, Fergie Dòmhnallach, agus an seinneadair Mairead Ford. Bha FèisTV broadcast its first two a’ bhuidheann, aois 12-18, an sàs ann an Guth nan Gael: pròiseact eadar-nàiseanta concerts from Blas in September, eadar Fèisean nan Gàidheal agus an t-Ionad Oirghialla ann an Dùn Dealgan, Èireann. marking the beginning of the service B’ ann aig Fèis Lochabair a bha pròiseact na bliadhna-sa stèidhichte. Mar phàirt den which has been supported by HIE, t-seachdain, thadhail an sgioba air Fergie aig Talla coimhearsnachd Mhìogharraidh. Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative An sin, chualas mu chuimhneachain òige Fergie agus na dannsaichean a bhiodh san Scotland. talla anns na 1940an. Dh’inns e mu na GIs às na Stàitean a bha stèidhichte san àite aig àm an Dara Cogaidh a bha measail air ‘hop’. Dh’inns Mairead riutha mun togail a Through HIE’s ScotGrad programme, fhuair i air Eilean Shona, agus thug i dhaibh cuid do na h-òrain a b’ fheàrr leatha. with some additional support from the Scottish Government, we are A bharrachd air seo, ghabh a’ bhuidheann pàirt ann am bùthan-obrach air ceòl na hoping to employ a co-ordinator h-Èireann agus ceòl na h-Alba, air an stiùireadh le Colm O’ Rua agus Karen Ridley a soon, who will work on further bharrachd air bùthan-obrach cànain.Thog a’ bhuidheann Albannach polka neo dhà streaming opportunities from the agus dh’ionnsaich na h-Èireannaich caismeachdan 2/4 nach eil bitheanta ann an Fèisean and establish online music Èirinn. Thog iad faclan agus abairtean ann an cànan a chèile agus chur e iongnadh air lessons. gach buidheann cho coltach ri chèile 's a bha iad. Seo na shaoil dithis chompàirtichean den turas: “Bhain mé sar taitneamh as an turas. Ba dheis iontach é mo chuid ceol agus Gaeilge a feabhasu. Cheap me go raibh na ceardlainne thar-barr agus bhain mè an-sult as ceol a seinnt le mo chairde Eireannach agus Albaineach.” Anna Sabhaois, aois 15 “Chòrd gach nì rium- bha an luchd-teagaisg sgoinneil agus gu math cuideachail.” Eòin Cuimeanach, aois 14 Young people taking part in a cultural exchange were recently treated to workshops with two notable Moidart tradition bearers. Button-box player, Fergie MacDonald, and singer Mairead NEW GAELIC INITIATIVE Ford met with the 12 young people who were participating in Guth nan Gael, the cultural Bidh Fèisean nan Gàidheal a’ exchange project between Fèisean nan Gàidheal and the Oriel Centre in Dundalk, Ireland. stèidheachadh iomairt ùr tron The visits were part of a busy week of Gaelic and Irish language and music activities, led by Colm t-seirbheis Fèisgoil na b’ fhaide air O’ Rua and Karen Ridley. While the Scottish group picked up Irish polkas, the youngsters from adhart air a’ bhliadhna. Tha sinn ag Dundalk learned 2/4 Marches, not common in their home country. Both groups also got a feel for amas air luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig each other’s languages and were surprised at how alike the languages are. a cheangal ri sgoiltean far am b’ The project was funded by Colmcille, a programme between Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Foras na urrainn dhaibh cur ri beairteas cainnt Gaeilge which aims to promote the use of Irish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic. na cloinne a tha sna sgoiltean. We would also like to give special thanks to the Fèis Lochabair committee for their kind Through Fèisgoil we are aiming to hospitality during the week. launch a new intergenerational programme - Beairteas - to match fluent Gaelic speakers with schools in MEALA NAIDHEACHD their communities. Bu mhath leinn meala naidheachd a We often hear that some Gaelic chur air Vicky NicIlleathain agus Anndra speakers feel disenfranchised from MacDhòmhnaill a phòs bho chionn Gaelic developments, yet their goirid anns an Òban. Bha Vicky na richness of language, specialist h-Oifigear Leasachaidh aig Fèisean nan knowledge of Gaelic culture and Gàidheal agus bha Anndra na chom- many other subjects about which pàirtiche aig Fèis Lochabair agus a-nise they could speak in Gaelic, could na oide agus na chluicheadair cliùiteach provide a hugely valuable resource air a’ bhogsa. for pupils. Warmest congratulations to our former Beairteas will aim to ensure the Development Officer, Vicky Maclean, who considerable abilities of Gaelic married Andrew MacDonald recently in Oban. speakers are appreciated and engage Andrew is a former Fèis Lochabair participant, them in helping enrich pupils’ a well-known box player and tutor at several language skills and knowledge of Fèisean. Gaelic culture. Tha sinn a’ guidhe gum bi iomadh The Scottish Government has offered bliadhna shona romhpa còmhla. us £8,000 to kick-start this initiative which we aim to launch later on in the year. FÈISGOIL TUTOR TRAINING DRÀMA AIR CHUAIRT Bha là trèanaidh aig FnG air an 17mh an Lùnastal aig taigh-òsta Waterside ann Bha leasachadh tàlant chleasaichean an Inbhir Nis. Bha 32 oidean na lùib, cuid ag obair tro na sgoiltean air feadh na òga na Gàidhlig aig cridhe a’ Gàidhealtachd mar oidean Iomairt Chiùil na h-Òigridh agus cuid eile ag obair air phròiseict ùir aig Fèisean nan Blasad Gàidhlig air feadh na dùthcha. Bha ceathrar ann bha a’ lìbhrigeadh bhùthan- Gàidheal, Dràma air Chuairt, a obrach is deasbadan air diofar chuspairean, Ellen Nic na Ceàrdaich, Linda NicLeòid, chaidh a ruith airson a’ chiad uair Iain Somerville is Iain F MacLeòid. am-bliadhna. Bha am pròiseact air On the 17th of August 32 participants gathered at the Waterside Hotel in Inverness. Among an aon stèidh ri Cèilidhean air Chuairt them were both Youth Music Initiative and Blasad Gàidhlig tutors who were led through a tha air a bhith cho soirbheachail, workshop and discussion sessions on topics such as ‘How to teach groupwork solo’ and ‘Making ach le ceathrar chleasaichean, an sense of the Curriculum for Excellence and how it relates to the work we do’. àite luchd-ciùil, a’ faighinn cothrom In addition to this they heard from Iain Finlay Macleod on the new tutor training resource raon farsaing de sgilean dràma commissioned by Fèisean nan Gàidheal as well as useful Gaelic words and phrases while tutoring ionnsachadh mus deach iad air turas music from both Iain and Linda Macleod. timcheall air a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus Other workshop leaders on the day were musician, composer and tutor John Somerville and Earra-Ghàidheal. primary school teacher, traditional Gaelic singer and musician Ellen Jack. 'S iad na cleasaichean òga a ghlèidh àite air a’ phròiseact; Tormod MacLeòid, Josie Chaimbeul, Amina NicDhaibhidh agus Daibhidh MacCoinnich. Chaidh an dealbh- chluich, Clach na Nathrach, a sgrìobhadh le Catrìona Leacsaidh Chaimbeul. An dà chuid, èibhinn agus os-nàdarra, tha e ag innse sgeulachd Choinnich a bha a-riamh den bheachd gum bu chòir an dà shealladh a bhith aige ach cha tàinig e thuige mar a bha còir. Às dèidh ùine BLASAD GÀIDHLIG CLASSES YOUTH MUSIC INITIATIVE a’ trèanadh agus ag ullachaidh chaidh an sgioba air chuairt le bùthan- Tha Blasad Gàidhlig air tòiseachadh Tha seiseanan Iomairt Chiùil na obrach agus taisbeanaidhean. a-rithist. An tearmsa thèid sinn a-mach h-Òigridh gu bhith tòiseachadh a-rithist do na 7 sgoiltean ann an sgìre na sa Ghàidhealtachd agus ann an Rinn Fèisean nan Gàidheal was delighted to be h-Eaglaise Brice le ceathrar oidean an Friù. able to provide an exciting development sàs. Airson a’ chiad turais bidh obair an In spite of the budget cuts this year, YMI is opportunity for young Gaelic actors trì bun-sgoiltean ann an sgìre Fhìobha. going ahead in Highland with schools being through its new project Dràma air Chuairt Blasad Gàidhlig has expanded further this offered 8 weeks tuition. (Gaelic Dràma Trail). quarter with continued work happening in Most of these sessions will take place either The four young actors who successfully Falkirk, delivered by our regular tutors for the side of the October holidays and we hope our auditioned for the project were Norman area Linda Macleod, Eilidh Cormack, Maeve tutor group – established and new - enjoy Macleod, Josie Campbell, Amina Davidson MacKinnon and Lorna Young. the experience of working with children and David Mackenzie. The group spent New to the scheme this term is Fife and we throughout the Highlands. a fortnight together in Inverness with are delighted to be welcoming Norrie Maciver director Catriona Lexy Campbell where In addition, Fèis Phàislig has taken over the they developed their acting abilities and Lindsey Charnley on board as Blasad running of YMI in Renfrewshire and we wish Gàidhlig tutors for the schools involved. through a number of drama workshops them all the best with this. before going on tour with a play newly written by Catriona Lexy. PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE MÒD Following the training and rehearsals, Chan eil ach beagan seachdainean air fhàgail gus am bi Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail the participants took to the road 2017 a’ tachairt. between 5-9 September, delivering Tha sgioba Acadamaidh a’ Mhòid againn, Joy Dunlop, Sìleas Nic na Ceàrdaich, workshops and performances in Dingwall Màiri Anna NicUalraig is Seònaid Chaimbeul, a’ lìbhrigeadh sheiseanan ciùïl do na Academy, Portree High School and Oban sgoilearan sna sgìrean ionadail. High School. There were two public Gur math a thèid leibh uile! performances of the play as part of the With only a few weeks left to go until the Royal National Mod, this year taking place in Fort Blas Festvial at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on William, our Mòd Academy tutor team, funded by The Highland Council and An Comunn Wednesday 6 September and the Glen Gàidhealach is busy visiting schools in the local area once more. Mhòr Hotel, Inverness on Saturday 9 Our team of four, Joy Dunlop, Sìleas Sinclair, Mary Ann Kennedy and Janet Campbell are September. between them supporting 14 schools in their Mòd preparations. TAC AN TEINE SONG SESSION IN INVERNESS Bidh Tac an Teine a’ gabhail àite air a’ chiad Disathairne de gach mìos eadar 2-4f ann an Taigh-òsta a’ Ghlinne Mhòir, ann an Inbhir Nis. Bidh na trì seiseanan a tha romhainn air na làithean a leanas: 7 Dàmhair, 4 Samhain agus 2 Dùbhlachd. Tha Fèisean nan Gàidheal a’ cur fàilte air duine sam bith aig a bheil ùidh sna h-òrain Ghàidhlig, seinn no èisteachd, thighinn chun nan seisean. ‘Tac an Teine’ has restarted following a break over the summer months, with a good crowd attending recently for an afternoon of Gaelic song during the Blas Festival. The session takes place on the first Saturday of each month in the Glen Mhòr Hotel, Inverness between 2-4pm. Over the next few months Tac an Teine will take place on 7th October, 4th November and 2nd December. FÈIS THÈATAR ÒIGRIDH Air Dihaoine 26 Lùnastal, chaidh Fèis Thèatar Òigridh na Gàidhlig FIONN-SGEÒIL AIG CRIDHE SGOIL 2017 a chur air bhog aig Eden Court. Fhuair compàirtichean à SHAMHRAIDH DRÀMA 2017 Inbhir Nis agus Inbhir Pheofhairean bùthan-obrach dràma bho Aonghas MacLeòid à Fèisean nan Gàidheal agus Ruairidh MacNeacail bho Eden Court Cruthachail. Thug Catriona Lexy Chaimbeul bho Theatre Gu Leòr comhairle dhaibh air mar a dh’fhaodadh iad dealbh-chluich ùr a leasachadh sna seachdainean a tha romhpa. Chithear toradh na h-obrach aig an Fhèis aig Eden Court Dihaoine 3 Samhain 2017. The Gaelic Youth Theatre Festival 2017 was launched on Friday 26th August at Eden Court. Participants from Inverness Bha ceala-deug de dhràma freumhaichte ann am fionn-sgeòil na thlachd do chom- and Dingwall received drama workshops pàirtichean Sgoil Shamhraidh Dràma na bliadhnasa, nuair a thàinig iad còmhla ann from Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Drama am am Port Rìgh eadar 3-15 Iuchar. Officer, Angus Macleod, Roddy Nicolson Tha an sgoil-còmhnaidh, maoinichte le Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Alba Chruthachail, Iomairt from Eden Court Creative. They also na Gàidhealtachd 's nan Eilean agus Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, ag amas air daoine received advice from Theatre Gu Leòr’s òga a tha fileanta sa Ghàidhlig aois 13-18. Catriona Lexy Campbell on how they Bha sgioba thàlantach de luchd-oide le Gàidhlig aig na 14 compàirtichean, air a could develop new plays in the weeks stiùireadh le Daibhidh Walker a tha aithnichte mar chleasaiche air an àrd-ùrlar agus ahead. The Festival will take place on san t-sreath dràma Bannan air BBC Alba. Friday 3rd November at Eden Court. Chaidh bùthan-obrach le eòlaichean ann an sgrìobhadh cruthachail agus Eden Court Creative and Fèisean nan pupaidearachd a lìbhreagadh le Catrìona Lexy Chaimbeul bho Theatre Gu Leòr Gàidheal are very grateful for funding agus Gavin Glover a tha na phupaidear stèidhte ann an Glaschu le PotatoRoom received through Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Productions. Gaelic Drama Network Fund 2016/17 A bharrachd air a bhith ag ullachadh phìosan dràma airson an àrd-ùrlair thug am which has enabled the development of filmeadair cliùiteach Dòmhnall Eòghainn MacFhionghain taic dhaibh sgeul ùr mu the Gaelic Youth Theatre Festival since its thaibhse fhilmadh 's a ghearradh. Thèid am film air adhart gu FilmG, farpais nam establishment in 2013. filmichean goirid aig MG Alba, a tha a’ tabhainn ‘Firinn’ mar chuspair am bliadhna. You can find out more about the project A fortnight of folklore-inspired drama was enjoyed by participants at this year’s Gaelic Drama on our website www.feisean.org/ Summer School which took place in Portree between the 3rd and 15th of July. The residential proiseactan/tog or by contacting Angus school, supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Creative Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Macleod at [email protected] or phone Highland Council, is aimed at fluent Gaelic speakers aged 13-18 years. 01463 225559. Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Drama Officer Angus Macleod, who co-ordinates the project, commented: “Folklore and superstition were this year’s inspiration for the School’s performance, which was devised and scripted during the fortnight. Both participants and tutors worked hard to produce a showcase of their work entitled ‘Tradition’. This was performed in Plockton as part of Fèis Alba’s Family Ceilidh on Thursday 13th July and again at a well-attended performance the following evening at Kilmuir Hall in the north of Skye. These public performances comprised a reinterpretation of the famous Seal Wife legend, a dramatisation of Anne Frater’s Gaelic poem Ar Cànan ‘s ar Clò (Our Tongue and our Tweed) and a Gaelic translation of a soliloquy from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Angus continued: “Giving young Gaelic speakers the platform to develop their confidence Fèisean nan Gàidheal in using the language in a drama context is the main motivation behind the School. It’s Taigh a’ Mhill very encouraging to see young Gaelic speakers from throughout the country showing their Port-Rìgh commitment and enthusiasm for the School with several returning for the second or third year.” An t-Eilean Sgitheanach IV51 9BZ The Gaelic Drama Summer School will return to Portree next year Fòn 01478 613355 between the 2nd and 14th of July. More information about the Facs 01478 613399 School and an online application form are available on the Fèisean Post-d [email protected]

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Fèisean nan Gàidheal is a company limited by guarantee number SC130071, a Scottish Charity number SC002040, funded by Creative Scotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Bòrd na Gaidhlig, The Highland Council, Argyll & Bute Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar