Packed Strathnairn programme for World Gaelic Week
Gaelic in Strathnairn (Gàidhlig ann an Srath Naruinn) has been unveiled as part of a vibrant Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) programme.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is gearing up for its third and most ambitious year as organisers unveil the first wave of events in the week’s packed programme for 2024, with the theme Do Chànan. Do Chothrom, which translates to Your Language. Your Opportunity.
Strathnairn Development Company and partner community groups have been named among the groups across Scotland taking part in the first official nationwide language week of its kind in Scotland, from February 19-25.
From workshops to walking tours, coffee mornings to cèilidhs, communities are set to come together to share their appreciation for Scotland’s heritage and cultural identity.
All Strathnairn events are free and open to all (apart from Gaelic Bookbug), and will be held in Farr Community Hall:
Monday: Gaelic theme to Strathnairn Community Arts Group 10:30-12:00
Monday: Gaelic heritage of Strathnairn. Presentation by Willie Forbes, Strathnairn Heritage Association 19:30-21:00
Wednesday: Gaelic Conversation Café / Cafaidh Còmhraidh - Gàidhlig ann an Srath Naruinn 10:30-12:00
Friday: Gaelic Music Café / Àm is Àite, Strathnairn Music Initiative 15:30-17:00
Saturday: Gaelic Conversation Café / Cafaidh Còmhraidh - Gàidhlig ann an Srath Naruinn 12:00-14:30
Saturday: Gaelic Bookbug for Baby and Toddlers, led by Eilidh Danson 14:30-15:30
The Strathnairn programme of events is one of 53 taking place across 17 council areas which have been funded with help from the Small Grants Fund, supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
This year’s festival will also see daily online workshops for schools take place across the country for the first time, offering resources and workshops that are tailored to suit schools with all levels of Gaelic experience – from total beginners to fluent speakers.
Joy Dunlop, director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “Seachdain na Gàidhlig is an inclusive week, designed to encourage everyone to embrace and express what the Gaelic language signifies to them and act as an important celebration of our cultural identity.
"Over the past two years, we've witnessed an incredible response, with Gaelic speakers and learners of all proficiencies seizing the opportunity to celebrate and share the language through various creative avenues. We are delighted Strathnairn will be part of this year’s celebrations and look forward to seeing their activities come to life next month.”
Professor Mike Danson, chairman of Strathnairn Development Company, said: “We are delighted to be launching this initiative for local people. Gaelic has been spoken in Strathnairn for a thousand years and this is an opportunity for those who are fluent in the language or just learning to come together to share the history and current role of Gaelic here with a series of events and activities.”
See here for a full list of events running nationally throughout the week and information on how to get involved.
For more information on Strathnairn events contact michael@strathdevelopment.scot, or visit https://www.strathnairndevelopment.scot/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/strathnairndevelopmentcompany
