Tha Gàidhlig Uibhist beò. Tha i làidir. Agus tha i nar làmhan fhèin.
Uist: A Year Full of Music, Culture and Heart
Well, it’s finally here – the Uist Gaelic Plan blog!
A place where we can all bring together the beautiful, strong, and sometimes funny things that happen through Gaelic in our islands, all in one spot.
If you’d like to write a wee piece, share a funny story, or just pass on the brilliant Gaelic things happening in the community let me know! The door is open and the voices of Uist are at the heart of this site. For now, here is a quick rundown of two or three things that have been happening since I started in the job.
From the Uist Mòd to the Barra Mòd and even the Royal National Mòd, our young people have been shining. Songs, poetry, stories – they’ve been in every hall, at every cèilidh, and even on BBC ALBA. In my view, our young people never approach it with an XFactorstyle “look at me” attitude. It’s natural for them to claim their own language, and they have incredible confidence.
There were several moments that warmed my heart: a girl singing in the corridor at Iochdar School, children showing pride in their choirs, and plenty of fantastic results coming home with the pupils – gold, silver and bronze medals, and more confidence and pride coming home than when they left.
Laughter & Drama Craic
Sgioba Dràma Uibhist were simply outstanding – lively Gaelic, local characters, and plenty of laughter. Far better than anything on Netflix!
Uist Unearthed – our old stories, our living language
The new book was launched in a storm, but it’s a book that comes alive in front of you: AR, Gaelic, and the stories of the islands – with lovely, natural Gaelic woven through every chapter. If you’re near the Machair have a go. There’s nothing else like it.
Uist’s Heroine
I’ve saw a lovely thing recently that warmed my heart and made me think about the strength of women. I listened to Chrissie Laing on the Uist Beò website – a woman with a sharp mind, an amazing store of knowledge, especially about nature and animals. Her Gaelic is so natural, she’s a pointed, insightful woman, and although her body is weakening, her spirit is strong and she lifts others’ spirits by telling her stories.
She appeared again on the programme Cùram on BBC Alba. Keep a box of tissues close (if you’re as soft as I am!).
>>> Cùram on BBC Alba iPlayer.
New hope for Gaelic
I had the opportunity to go to a coordinating meeting as a representative for Uist with the Deputy First Minister, and to another meeting with her team. The Scottish Government is currently giving a lot of support to Gaelic through a new law, the Scottish Languages Act. More funding is on the way, and Uist has the opportunity to be part of an Area of Linguistic Significance. I hope the voices of the community will be heard at every step.
In simple words: Gaelic in Uist is alive. It is strong. And it is in our own hands.
