History is made in Lesmahagow! Gaelic tuition returns!

For the first time in hundreds of years, Gaelic was being taught in Lesmahagow again!

Ulpan units 1-3 were taught on Saturday 2nd October to a few people interested in learning Gaelic who came from as far afield as Glasgow to participate in this historic day. Gaelic was one of the languages used in Lesmahagow since before the Abbey was constructed by Tironesian monks from Kelso in the 11th century, and Lesmahagow's name is itself derived from Gaelic. Indeed, there is an ambition to re-establish Lesmahagow as a centre of learning. Our secretary believes Lesmahagow is the ideal location for a Gaelic Centre of Excellence for the Lowlands, and with talk of a new Gaelic Academy on the grapevine, perhaps this may become a reality... Only time will tell.


Glasgow's Gaelic Meetup assisted with the organisation of the class, and our secretary was taken on board by the overall organising body, Lesmahagow Development Trust, to project manage 'Gaelic Lessons in Lesmahagow'. Lesmahagow Development Trust is a recently established independent and not-for-profit company with charitable status with the objective of funding and implementing projects to enhance the facilities and environment of the village. The involvement by Glasgow's Gaelic Meetup is part of the group's commitment to promoting Gaelic in and around Glasgow.

Rhoda Meek was the Ulpan tutor and can be seen in the photo passing on the Gaelic language in Lesmahagow's Resource Centre. The learners thoroughly enjoyed their experience of learning Gaelic through Ulpan.

To be kept updated on future Gaelic related initiatives in Lesmahagow please get in touch:

Text / Call  Jamie 07583655022 or Liz 07962181956
Leave a voice message on 0844 58 555 35 (24hrs)
Email: info@lesmahagowdevtrust.com
Lesmahagow Development Trust
Learning Gaelic in Lesmahagow             

11 Boughden Way

Lesmahagow

ML11 0BL

Clasaichean Còmhraidh Ghlaschu get off to a GREAT start!

With a fantastic turnout of over 30 Gaelic learners, Glasgow's newest Gaelic conversation classes got off to the perfect start. Our theme of then night was 'Gaelic Learning for All'. To begin with, the first twenty to register were given a free 'Learner Bag' including a notepad, pen, highlighter and the latest release of the Gaelic Orthographic Conventions. This was followed by a tour of Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu. Donalda McComb led a tour of  the bùn-sgoil and gave our learners a valuable insight into Gaelic Medium Education, the development of which Donalda played a key role. Secretary of Glasgow's Gaelic Meetup, Jamie Wallace said: "I think it's important that our learners get to meet some of the key players in the Gaelic community in Scotland. Not only do I believe that it helps to add to our learners' sense of purpose for learning Gaelic but I hope the opportunities we create will also help to create a bridge for learners of Gaelic to engage with Gaelic speakers which in turn I hope will increase self-esteem and confidence in our learners and speakers to engage with eachother and use Gaelic in and around Glasgow more often."

While the tour of the school was under way, our enthusiastic Gaelic tutors went about setting up the room for the conversation class. Cailean Masterton was charged with the Beginners, half of whom had no Gaelic and were keen to learn the language (see photo to the right). Adhamh O Broin looked after the intermediate level, pushing them to their limits on the first night! Ruaraidh MacIlleathain helped out by leading the conversation with our more advanced learners who were able to take advantage of the opportunity to chat away about a range of subjects.

All in all, the first of the conversation classes were carried out with professionalism and most importantly were carried out to the satisfaction of the Gaelic learners who came from ten different council areas in and around Glasgow as demonstrated by their testimonials:

 "I enjoyed the tour of the school but the second part of the night was really excellent the level of Gaelic required was demanding but not impossible.  Chì mi sibh an ath mhìosan." Gordon, Falkirk

"The Beginner's class was good fun, and I learnt a lot in a short space of time. The tour of the school was great too. [It was] really nice meeting other Gaelic learners and teachers. I really enjoyed my first Gaelic meetup, and think the group is great!" Francis, Glasgow

“Bha e math a bhith a' bruidhinn ri Ruairidh MacIlleathain 's daoine eile. Tha mi 'n dòchas gum bi an ath mhìos cho math ri sin.” Rick, East Dunbartonshire

The next conversation class is being held on Wednesday, 27th October 2010 at 7pm at Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu. For details of the programme for the night or if you have any questions, please visit http://www.eventelephant.com/gaelic-classes.  

Clasaichean Còmhraidh Ghlaschu | Full Programme Details Announced

29/09/10 - Theme: Gaelic Learning for All, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu

Go on a tour of Glasgow's Gaelic School led by the school's head-teacher and contributor to the development of Gaelic Medium Education, Donalda McCombe.

Clàr-innse / Programme Details

27/10/10 - Theme: Gaelic culture and Tradition, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu

Participate in some Waulking Songs and sing some Gaelic Mouth Music brought to us by Frances Dunlop and Sgioba Luaidh Inbhirchluaidh.

Clàr-innse / Programme Details

24/11/10 - Theme: Scotland's Gaelic Heritage, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu

Your opportunity to find out about local Gaelic place-names by Ainmean-Aite na h-Alba and also to learn about Gaelic in Caithness by our very own Àdhamh Ó Broin.

Clàr-innse / Programme Details

26/01/11 - Theme: Words from the Past and Present, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu

Scotland's Chair of Gaelic, Prof. Roibeard O Maolalaigh talks about Corpus of Scottish Gaelic and the Gaelic Books Council will be in to offer membership and demonstrate a selection of Gaelic Books which you can buy.

Clàr-innse / Programme Details

23/02/11 - Theme: I've learnt some Gaelic, what now?, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu

Fiona Dunn, Gaelic Officer at the University of Glasgow drops by to talk about her experience of learning Gaelic and how she now uses the language in her daily life.

Clàr-innse / Programme Details

30/03/11 - Theme: The Future of Gaelic - You decide!, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu

An interactive evening presented by Mairead MacKechnie on how to engage with the Scottish Parliament and how to use these skills to improve the future of Gaelic. Vote for Gaelic!

Clàr-innse / Programme Details

Registration

A registration charge of £5 per learner applies. This covers all of the classes - therefore whether you wish to attend one class or all the classes, the fee is £5.00 regardless (plus a booking fee for online bookings). By registering in advance, you will be able to indicate which class you would like to join which will help with our planning.

Online Bookings

You may use your Debit Card, Credit Card or Paypal Account to pay your registration fee using our online booking system. You can also print your ticket(s) here too:http://www.eventelephant.com/gaelic-classes. 

Bookings by Post

Alternatively, you can send a cheque or postal order made payable to "Glasgow's Gaelic Meetup" along with the booking form below to: J Wallace (Secretary), Glasgow's Gaelic Meetup,  3-3 35 Riverford Road, Glaschu G43 1RY.

Download Booking Form

Download Programme Guide

Register in Person

You can also register at other events organised by Glasgow's Gaelic Meetup.

For more information, please contact gaelicglasgow@gmail.com, call Jamie on 07736327119 or visit our website at http://www.meetup.com/GaelicGlasgow.

This project has received financial support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Farpais Taigh-seinnse & Ceol (Sultain)| Gaelic Pub Quiz & Music (September)

Tha sinn a-nis air còig farpaisean cheist Gàidhlig chur air dòigh le Iomairt Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu agus meetup Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu. Ann am farpais an Ògmhìos bha còrr is 40 daoine ann an 9 sgioban.

Abair gu bheil deagh oidhche ann le ceistean air tòrr cuspairean, feadhainn aca doirbh is feadhainn a tha furasta. Tha duaisean ann airson an sgioba anns a’ chiad agus an dàrna àite. Anns na dealbhan chì sibh an dà sgioba a th’ air am fharpais-cheist a bhuannachadh agus Coinneach Combe a leugh nan ceist.

Bhuannich sgioba à Comunn Oiseanach Oilthigh Ghlaschu

Bidh an ath cho fharpais Oidhche Chiadain 20mh Dàmhair aig 7:30f. Chì sinn ann sibh!

Tha e a cosg £2 gach neach a bhith an sàs. Tha cothrom seinn no cluich ceòl às dèidh am farpais.
Tha sinn ag amas air farpais cheist a chumail an treas Diciadain gach mìos; san t-Samhain ’s e sin an 17mh.

Taigh-òsta a’ Phàirc
1194-1202 Sràid Earra-Ghàidheal
G3 8TE

Postair (cruth PDF)

www.Meetup.com/GaelicGlasgow

There have now been five Gaelic pub quizzes arranged by Iomairt Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu and Glasgow's Gaelic Meetup Group. The June quiz saw over 40 people taking part in 9 teams.

It is an excellent evening with questions on many topics; some that are difficult and some that are easy. There are prizes for the first and second place teams. In the pictures are two teams who have won the quiz and Coinneach Combe who reads the questions.

The next quiz will take place in the Park Bar, details below, on Wednesday evening October 20th at 7:30pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
There is a £2 entry fee per participant. There is an opportunity to sing or perform music after the quiz.
We plan to hold a quiz on the third Wednesday each month; in November that will be the 17th.

The Park Bar
1194-1202 Argyle Street
G3 8TE

Poster (PDF format)

www.Meetup.com/GaelicGlasgow

    

Cultar agus Dualchas na Gàidhlig | Gaelic Culture and Tradition

We are pleased to announce that Sgioba Luaidh Inbhirchluaidh (Inverclyde Waulking Group) will be head-lining our themed conversation class on 27th October. 

Not only will learners have the opportunity to work the tweed and learn some waulking songs of old, Frances Dunlop, who founded the group in 2000, will also be teaching us some Port-à-beul or Gaelic Mouth Music. There is a video below of the Sgioba Luaidh Inbhirchluaidh performing.

And of course, there will be conversation classes that follow. There shall be a class for beginners, a class for intermediate learners and a Cearcall Còmhraidh for fluent learners. Refreshments will also be made available throughout the evening.

To attend this event and to find out more details about our conversation classes, please visit our registration page: https://www.eventelephant.com/gaelic-classes

Our new Chair leads with a Winning Start

Our new Chair leads with a Winning Start

After a ballot of our existing members, Evelyn Blair was appointed as our new Chairperson. Evelyn has a real passion for learning Gaelic and this year she achieved a Higher Grade in the language. She is pictured below with her team and the Quizmaster having just won Glasgow's first Gaelic Pub Quiz, which Glasgow's Gaelic Meetup organised in collaboration with Iomairt Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu. Our monthly pub quiz takes place in the Park Bar on the third Wednesday of the month. Quiz begins at 8pm. For more details, visit the website.

An darna farpais cheist

Farpais cheist air leth eile ann an Glaschu

Bha oidhche sgoinneil eile a-raoir aig farpais cheist ann an Glaschu air a chur air dòigh leIomairt Ghàidhlig Ghlaschuagus Buidheann Coinnichidh Ghlaschu. Bha còrr is 40 daoine ann an 9 sgioban agus chì sibh an dealbh an seo den sgioba a rinn a chùis air càch. Tha sinn ag amas air farpais cheist a dhèanamh an treas Diciadain gach mìos, san Iuchar ’s e sin an 21mh. Chì sinn ann sibh!

Source: http://comunn-na-gaidhlig.blogspot.com/2010/06/farpais-cheist-air-leth-eile-ann.html

3mh is 4mh Farpais Cheist Taigh Seinnse

Tha sinn a-nis air ceithir farpaisean cheist Gàidhlig chur air dòigh le Iomairt Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu agus Buidheann Coinnichidh Ghlaschu. Ann am farpais an Ògmhìos bha còrr is 40 daoine ann an 9 sgioban.  There have now been four Gaelic pub quizzes arranged by Iomairt Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu and the Glasgow Gaelic Meetup Group. The June quiz saw over 40 people taking part in 9 teams.

Abair gu bheil deagh oidhche ann le ceistean air tòrr cuspairean, feadhainn aca doirbh is feadhainn a tha furasta. Tha duaisean ann airson an sgioba anns a’ chiad agus an dàrna àite. Anns na dealbhan chì sibh an dà sgioba a th’ air am fharpais-cheist a bhuannachadh agus Coinneach Combe a leugh nan ceist.  It is an excellent evening with questions on many topics; some that are difficult and some that are easy. There are prizes for the first and second place teams. In the pictures are two teams who have won the quiz and Coinneach Combe who reads the questions.

Bidh an ath cho fharpais Oidhche Chiadain 15mh Sultain aig 7:30f, thoir an aire gu bheil aite coinnichidh ùr againn. Chì sinn ann sibh!  The next quiz will take place in the Park Bar, details below, on Wednesday evening September 15th at 7:30pm. We look forward to seeing you there!  


Tha e a cosg £2 gach neach a bhith an sàs. Tha cothrom seinn no cluich ceòl às dèidh am farpais.  There is a £2 entry fee per participant. There is an opportunity to sing or perform music after the quiz.

Tha sinn ag amas air farpais cheist a chumail an treas Diciadain gach mìos; san Dàmhair ’s e sin an 20mh.  We plan to hold a quiz on the third Wednesday each month; in October that will be the 20th.

Taigh-òsta a’ Phàirc  The Park Bar
1194-1202 Sràid Earra-Ghàidheal  1194-1202 Argyle Street
Glaschu G3 8TE  Glasgow G3 8TE

Poster (PDF format)

www.Meetup.com/GaelicGlasgow

Grassroots Gaelic in Fife

Jamie met with Ann Desseyn a few weeks ago in Edinburgh to hear about her news and current successes with Cearcall Còmhraidh Fìobha. Both our groups are trying to achieve similar aims and by working together we hope to achieve them sooner. Here is Ann's report on the recent development and progress of Cearcall Còmhraidh Fìobha:

"The very first Fife Ùlpan beginner summer course was a success. This autumn I run another beginner, post-beginner Ùlpan course as well as two evening Gaelic beginner classes (Beath and Glenwood) for Fife Council.
 
Our presence at the Inverkeithing Highland Games brought to my attention the high demand from families/playgroups/schools to start up Gaelic classes for children and find Gaelic tutors. Therefore I hope to find 3 more people who would be willing to train as Ùlpan tutors early 2011.
 
Cearcall Còmhraidh Dhùn Phàrlain is back from their summerbreak and will resume their fortnightly meetings. Cearcall Còmhraidh Cill Rìbhinn is currently looking for a new venue and has been acquiring new members. 
 
Word of mouth publicity is starting to take effect and Gaelic learners (adults and children) are now coming forward asking for help. Bòrd na Gàidhlig has responded to our petition for support in Fife (though Fife Council has not) and will organize an information day in Fife with all Gaelic Groups for families, schools, groups,... to attend and express their needs. This will be an important consultation, so publicity on a large scale will be needed to increase awareness with Fife people."