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8243201314622020-02-052021-08-11BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 631233:094Ailig Mac a' Phì (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Alec recalls his childhood in Nunton, Benbecula, and wartime schooling in Balivanich and then Torlum, including pranks in the playground, classroom, or garden, as well as crofting chores at home, and later with the peats. Leaving school at 14, he started his first paid job in the building trade at 16. He also recalls wartime memories of many different nationalities associated with the airport and POWs, including Australians, Poles, Germans and Italians. He talks also of the end-of-war celebrations and memories of the “Whisky Galore” SS Politician. He then spent some time in Glasgow. Alec lives on Benbecula, and has three sons - Donald, Angus, and John - eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild.0
82441612392020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 558528:044Ailig Mac a' Phì (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Alec relates how he came back to the croft and then got work with a services company which took him and several friends out to St Kilda. He later got work with the Water Board, with whom he stayed until retirement. He also talks about recreational activities, including badminton and football, as well as dances and New Year customs and associated drinking practices. He describes how he met his wife, Margaret, and the details of their wedding, and tells a story of a commando who turned up in the Steadings. Discussion of army-community relations leads to reflection on the changes he’s seen in island life. Alec lives on Benbecula, and has three sons, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.0
1191215632024-04-132024-04-22BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 581221:443Alasdair Campbell (Alasdair Tuxy)Alasdair Campbell (Alasdair Tuxy) is interviewed by Coinneach MacÌomhair at Breivig Pier.0
823916841532020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 703032:084Alasdair MacAsgaillPart of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, Ali, from Ormacleit in South Uist talks about his working life, both with a large local employer and as a jobbing crofter, as well as some of the traditional practices and customs associated with the latter, and how they are changing.0
824520578972020-02-052020-10-13BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 486720:554Alasdair MacDhòmhnaill (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Alasdair MacDonald (Alasdair Crois Mòraig) from North Uist talks about his life-time commitment to crofting, which his son is now continuing. His first schooling was in Carinish, with his fondest memory being of getting out into the garden, followed by Bayhead, and one year in Inverness, which he didn’t like. On returning to Uist he has worked his croft full-time ever since. He recalls the house-visiting customs of earlier times. His wife, Annie, is from Broughty Ferry, but Alasdair would find it difficult to live somewhere else if it wasn’t by the sea. He’s seen many changes since the time crofters would work with horses, and he explains fertilising and storage practices using seaweed and potatoes.0
82461571542020-02-052020-10-13BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 527623:364Alasdair MacDhòmhnaill (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Alasdair remarks on developments since the 60s, such as the advent of tractors for horses, the Baleshare causeway, local government reorganisation, and European Union development funds. He also talks about a visit to New Zealand and the evident Gaelic influence in its recent history. The discussion shifts to discussion of changes in the Uist physical environment. Shipwrecks are also talked about and the cargo they might yield. Alasdair explains the history of the name Crois Mòraig, and talks about the strength of Gaelic in the community, and reflects on the rhythm of the seasons experienced through crofting.1
97232681332021-10-082021-10-09BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 530229:354Alasdair MacDhòmhnaill (3)In this part, Alasdair recounts a number of tales recalled from his own childhood. Topics covered include hunting for rabbits, a near-drowning before the Baleshare causeway was built, youthful gun-handling, the making of seal oil, the use of horses for ploughing or to haul carts, and illicit fishing attempts with dynamite. These are followed by the recital of more traditional stories such as Cù Dubh Mhic a’ Phì (Àiridh na h-Aon Oidhche) and Isean Mhic Mhuirich. Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques.0
9724304372021-10-082021-10-09BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 512130:394Alasdair MacDhòmhnaill (4)In this part, Alasdair relates a story of fairy abduction to begin with, before hitting his stride with a series of anecdotes concerning local “characters” or family antecedents, including Iain Beag, Teàrlach Ruadh, Aonghas Ailean mhic Aonghaidh, and Ailean Heisgeir himself. From there the conversation moves onto deer-hunting escapades around Eaval (and how court appearances would not necessarily result in a poaching conviction), followed by discussion of grazing issues for both cattle and sheep. He finishes by describing traditional methods commonly used to make butter and cheese. Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques.0
10007335842021-12-012021-12-08BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 442526:354Anna Frater (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Anne Frater, Gaelic poet and lecturer at Lews Castle College UHI, talks to Pàdruig Moireach for the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project. In this part she talks about her family and early childhood in Point, Isle of Lewis. Her mother was a teacher and her father at sea. She recalls with appreciation her primary schooling at Sgoil Phabail, and the breadth of extra-curricular activity enabled by her teachers, extending into the 2-year secondary stage. Participation in inter-school activities and local mods, where she won her first poetry prize, is fondly remembered. The area has changed, with much less working on the land. There are many new houses, and more children around again now after a period when there were very few.0
10008316822021-12-012021-12-08BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 540333:094Anna Frater (2)In this part, Anne talks about her experience as a pupil of the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway. She enjoyed the learning, though teenage years can be difficult. While she was interested in science her forte was languages. Again, she appreciated the teachers who encouraged or enabled the development of interests and activities outside the class, such as concerts or sales of work for charity. Then, at Glasgow University she studied French and Gaelic, spending a year in Brittany where she had some exposure to Breton. She liked Glasgow, and went on to do teacher training and then a PhD before finding media work with STV (on Machair) and the BBC (Eòrpa) in Gaelic, and with the Lesley Riddoch programme in English. But city life was beginning to pall, so she listened to her mother and returned to Lewis.0
10009239852021-12-012021-12-08BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 480430:214Anna Frater (3)In this part Anne and Pàdruig recall the early years of the University of the Highlands and Islands, when colleges co-operated in the creation of Gaelic-medium courses. Anne appreciates the UHI mix of Higher and Further Education, and the opportunity to contribute to courses in Gaelic and English, as well as the range of delivery methods, including online for remote students. Moving on to her poetry, she reveals how her interest started at a young age, and the important influence of local bards, including women such as her great aunt Ciorstaidh Anna. At university Derick Thomson was also supportive, helping her get published in the Gaelic circular, Gairm. And she notes that his father James had been the local schoolmaster for earlier generations of local poets. She also discusses how her work is stimulated, whether through commission or spontaneously.0
10010297442021-12-012021-12-08BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 409826:194Anna Frater (4)In this part, the conversation returns to changes in the area since Anne’s childhood. With less working on the land it has become more a family than a community activity. Stornoway seems quieter, though Sabbath observance has changed. While the community seems less close in some ways, lockdown brought out a strong co-operative spirit amongst neighbours. She considers the islands’ experience of the pandemic has been less burdensome than for many city dwellers. In discussing changing patterns of Gaelic use, she notes that nowadays many children attending Gaelic-medium education do not have the language at home. It is being left to the schools to teach it. There is a general assumption that young people do not speak it by preference. So using it with them, when their own parents don’t speak it, may raise interesting questions. Nevertheless, even though by census figures it is now a minority language in her own community there remains an appetite for Gaelic events.0
9355406882021-05-092021-12-06BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 411920:454Anna NicAonghais (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Anna MacInnes, from Callanish on Lewis, talks to Maggie Smith firstly about her family connections to the Breasclete community and school, where Gaelic Medium Education was pioneered. The Callanish Stones attracted tourists, but she remembers the cèilidh culture amongst the locals, including many "characters". Her career to date has been varied, from Gaelic teaching to working at sea, but she remains attached to a crofting lifestyle, still keeping cattle. Currently at home with a baby, she comes from a musical family, and plays box and pipes. With fewer people now working their crofts she's noticed a change in the appearance of the township.0
9356504622021-05-092021-05-09BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 390119:354Anna NicAonghais (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Anna and Maggie talk about changes in local culture. Noting that change and development are natural, Anne regrets the loss of local distinctiveness in Gaelic speech. The musical culture is strong. The link with the language should be upheld. There have been various sources of employment, including offshore as well as at the hospital or with the council, plus the nearby pharmaceuticals factory and the community-owned visitor centre. Visitors have included royalty. The community hall offers a local focus. She remembers some of her grandmother's special words, and reflects on the value of having relations all around. It's important to value what's past, including local songs, as life goes on.0
824716301302020-02-052020-06-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 756137:524Aonghas MacPhàil (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Angus MacPhail, from Carinish in North Uist, reveals his Boreray ancestry, and talks about his schooling in both North and South Uist before finishing in Inverness, with impressions of hostel life and being regarded as a “teuchter” in the town. Studying Civil Engineering in Aberdeen, he shared lodgings with other islanders, and was involved in inter-university competitions in shinty and through the pipe-band. Work took him to Inverawe first, followed by London (where he met his Irish wife), and then back to Scotland. Always keeping in touch with fellow Gaels, when they moved to Loch Broom they got involved with An Comunn Gàidhealach, and he also volunteered with the Mountain Rescue team.0
82481451202020-02-052020-06-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 680834:104Aonghas MacPhàil (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Angus talks about their life for 7 years around Applecross and the north-west, with his wife being a district nurse and also doing B&B, in an area where there was still some Gaelic spoken. They then moved back to Uist (via Lewis) when Comhairle nan Eilean Siar was formed. This was a busy time with lots of civil engineering work on roads and new developments. He talks about the development of the strong local Gaelic drama group, and plans for the local history society. Other interests include boating, and his garden – though this was mainly his wife’s work. He discusses the changes he’s seen in Carinish, and his international links through family in Australia and Ireland.0
1185416952024-03-142024-03-15BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 585130:173Baile m' àraich - le Catrìona DhuirlCoinneach visited Catriona MacCarthur (Catriona Dhuirl), who is in her 90s, although she certainly doesn't look it. She recalls the days of her youth and being brought up in Coll, reminiscing about people and pastimes, community life and some of the effects which WWII had on her generation.0
447623861182016-07-292016-08-05BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 23815:353Birlinn Chlann Raghnaill: Alan and Bill at KildonanAlan Riach and Bill Innes gave a unique bilingual rendition of the famous poem by Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair at Kildonan Museum in South Uist. Alan presented extracts from his new English version, which were interspersed with Gaelic readings from the original by Bill. The video clip shows the final part of their performance. Only the Gaelic sections are transcribed here.0
93314176442021-04-222021-04-22BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 568125:404Calum Alasdair FriseilCalum Alasdair Fraser, from Tolastadh a’ Chaolais, talks to Maggie Smith about his family connections and upbringing on the west side of Lewis. In his childhood he spent a lot of time outdoors. Though still young himself, he remembers the sound of weaving from many houses that is no longer heard. After leaving school he tried various jobs in different locations. Now he works on Gaelic issues with An Lanntair in Stornoway. He talks about how he values the Gaelic language and its close connection to where he lives, even though it wasn’t his home language growing up. He also talks about his musical activities, and his interest in maintaining local interest in Gaelic, relating it to a changed way of life that still has close connections to previous generations.0
823320025502020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 599227:084Catrìona Nic an t-Saoir (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Catrìona, from Iochdar in South Uist, recalls happy schooldays, first in Iochdar, then Daliburgh, and finishing in Fort William on the mainland. Having decided on a teaching career she trained in Glasgow, before returning to South Uist for her first job, in Lochboisdale, where she used her Gaelic quite a lot. On marrying she moved back to Fort William where she worked in a school for twenty years, while remarking on the close island and Gaelic connections of many in the town and the school.0
823517112492020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 642330:124Catrìona Nic an t-Saoir (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute, with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Catrìona talks about her seminal involvement in the development of Gaelic Medium Education in Lochaber and neighbouring areas, together with the growth of the Fèis movement at the same time. She enjoyed her peripatetic lifestyle. On retiring home to South Uist, she was involved in supply teaching, and has become closely involved with Ceòlas, the summer school and associated activities, and been involved in teaching Gaelic to adults, for example, for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.0
95043722602021-07-202021-07-21BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 659936:154Christine NicLeòidChristine MacLeod from Bragar in Lewis talks to Maggie Smith. She remembers growing up in a crofting community where weaving and fishing were commonplace. Gaelic was widely spoken in the local primary school. After secondary education in Stornoway, she moved to Edinburgh, to study and then teach, first in English, and then in the Gaelic school at Tollcross. She has happy memories of this, until she retired and returned to Lewis. She speaks with particular conviction on the value of storytelling in education. She talks of Bragar today, including the use of Gaelic, placenames, the new use for the old school, and the style of speech. She’s pleased her own Edinburgh-raised children think of it as home. Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques.0
843420058042020-03-122020-06-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 510422:344Christine Primrose (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Christine Primrose first recalls her early childhood in Carloway, Lewis – a close community in which every house had a loom. She started school very young, but always remembers singing – whether to neighbours in their homes, or at community concerts when still a young girl. She talks about the pressure of performance and how to look after your voice. Choral singing is also discussed. Her early career through school, college, and work in Glasgow was marked by singing, culminating with the prize for “seann nòs” (a term which she questions) at the Mòd.1
843516471462020-03-122020-06-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 662630:264Christine Primrose (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Christine talks about touring Ireland and the novel experience of presenting her songs outside her community, emphasising the importance of feeling to maintain authenticity. She is disciplined in her approach, while also bringing her own interpretation to a song. Care for the rhythm of the words enhances the story. Moving to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig enabled her to maintain her singing career, while helping to promote the Gaelic college. She enjoys teaching, and listening to singers from other traditions. She stresses the importance of giving young performers time to learn their craft before pressurising them to perform. Return visits to Carloway underline for her the importance of acknowledging change.1
12381402025-04-172025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 487 5:283Clann 'ic Mhuirich (1)Tommy Macdonald tells some of the history of Clann 'ic Mhuirich ("Clan Currie") from the ruin of the ancestral home in Stilligarry, South Uist. In Part 1, Tommy relates where they came from, and when, and how they came to settle in Uist eventually. Their hereditary bardic role spanned centuries of Scottish history, before eventually petering out with the loss of patronage, of skills, and of manuscripts.0
12382802025-04-172025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 459 4:483Clann 'ic Mhuirich (2)Tommy Macdonald tells some of the history of Clann 'ic Mhuirich ("Clan Currie") from the ruin of the ancestral home in Stilligarry, South Uist. In Part 2, Tommy explains how Stilligary came to be known as "Baile nam Bàrd". He goes on to talk about changes of the Mac Mhuirich family name. The size of the ruin, and some archaeological finds, point to their importance in the community, and the power they could exercise through their poetic and scholarly skills. He finishes with a short recitation.0
1194498102024-05-182024-05-27BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 845 6:433Còmhradh aig Taigh Lawrence (1)Tommy Macdonald talks to Lawrence Maceachen in his thatched house in Iochdar, South Uist, inherited from his aunt. He explains how it had been used as a byre for a time before he did it up again for his own use. It’s due for re-thatching again – in some respects a less arduous task than it used to be.0
119458532024-05-182024-05-27BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 949 7:203Còmhradh aig Taigh Lawrence (2)In Part 2, Tommy and Lawrence discuss the shaping of the roof and the corners of the traditional thatched houses to lessen the impact of the Hebridean gales, as well as the ease of use of local stone to build the thick walls. Lawrence has been told his is the only thatched house in the north of Scotland with a permanent resident, though others have been done up for holiday lets in accordance with sometimes strict planning regulations. There used to be many more of these houses in Iochdar.0
1194611912024-05-182024-05-27BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 709 6:403Còmhradh aig Taigh Lawrence (3)In Part 3, Tommy and Laurence talk about some of the other thatched houses they remember, and discuss alternative thatching materials, including marram grass, heather, and rushes. Each has its own qualities, with different materials likely to be used in different areas. Care needs to be taken when gathering roofing materials.0
10540312652022-06-282022-07-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1339750:482Cuairt Chuil UaraichA video made to mark the centenary of the land raids that led to the establishment of Upper Coll, and to coincide with the launch by Comann Eachdraidh Sgìre a' Bhac of a new book documenting the founding of both Upper Coll and Gress. The "tour guides" are Upper Coll natives Kenny Maciver and Margaret Stewart.0
96294072032021-08-182021-08-20BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 444731:154Curstaidh NicDhòmhnaillPart of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Kirsty Macdonald, originally from Claddach Illeray in North Uist, talks to Gordon Wells. Patronymics (and a DNA test) reveal a long Gaelic lineage on her father’s side, while her mother first moved to Uist to learn the language. From a family of teachers, Kirsty had a difficult relationship with education in her school years, but found her passion for Gaelic ignited when she left Uist to study, first at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, and then Edinburgh University. She fleshes out some of her memories and thoughts recently published in an article in the West Highland Free Press, highlighting the treasures of Tobar an Dualchais, and the importance in her eyes of discussing and addressing the concerns of vernacular Gaelic speakers.0
82491625642020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 377429:544Dòmhnall MacDhòmhnaill (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Donald MacDonald, from Baleshare, North Uist, recalls his schooling and first job. Going to primary school in Baleshare he found he made faster progress with a Gaelic-speaking teacher. Illness interrupted his education at Bayhead, before he spent 5 years in Inverness, where he encountered some hostility as a “teuchter”, and experienced a distancing from his family. A happier memory was of salmon poaching in Lewis on his way home, where he started work in a bank before being transferred to Glasgow.0
8250150332020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 445235:564Dòmhnall MacDhòmhnaill (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Donald recalls giving up his job in Glasgow, and then poignantly describes how his father saw him off at the quay in Lochmaddy as he set off on his travels round Europe. He recounts various adventures with various travelling companions, before arriving in Turkey. Troubles at the time between Turkey and Greece over Cyprus caused difficulties with the post.0
8251149972020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 525835:434Dòmhnall MacDhòmhnaill (3)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the third part, Donald describes his adventures crossing to the West Bank from Syria to spend time in a kibbutz. He was then called home in light of his father’s serious illness, which meant that Donald had take over responsibility for the croftwork. Working several crofts together he made a living for a while selling cattle and beef, with partners in Elgin and customers in Ardnamurchan. While his father was alive they would also host Gaelic learners. Following a mini-stroke he no longer keeps cattle, but a neighbour continues to use his land.0
12378802025-04-172025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 216616:013Donald S Murray in Conversation (1)Shetland resident Donald S Murray talks to Gordon Wells about his career as a teacher and then writer, and about his relationship with the Gaelic language. In Part 1 Donald talks about his family background and upbringing, first in East Kilbride and then in Ness, Isle of Lewis. He also talks about community and school influences and how they affected his acquisition of Gaelic. A spell of work and then university studies followed on the mainland, before he returned to the Western Isles to teach, first in Lewis, and then Benbecula. He also refers to challenges he had to overcome in various stages of his life.0
12379402025-04-172025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 234518:363Donald S Murray in Conversation (2)Shetland resident Donald S Murray talks to Gordon Wells about his career as a teacher and then writer, and about his relationship with the Gaelic language. In Part 2 Donald talks about life as a Gaelic speaker in Shetland, noting how he maintains his speaking skills through long-distance conversations and frequent radio interviews. He points out the relative infrequency of his writing in the language as a common feature amongst fluent Gaelic speakers who normally practise their literacy through English, so his writing about his home community is often a process of translation from Gaelic in his head to English on the page. He regrets the lack of theatre-based literary work in the Western Isles, and highlights the value of the short story format in an island community setting. One advantage of living away from Lewis is the greater freedom he now feels to express critical opinion freely.0
12380802025-04-172025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 135310:583Donald S Murray in Conversation (3)Shetland resident Donald S Murray talks to Gordon Wells about his career as a teacher and then writer, and about his relationship with the Gaelic language. In Part 3 Donald talks in some detail about the difficulties he encountered in first writing his novel, As the Women Lay Dreaming, and then in talking about it afterwards, often in relation to dealing with varying experiences of trauma at personal as well as community levels. The theme returns in a very different community context in The Salt and the Flame, exploring urban American tensions through Gaelic emigrant eyes. He is thankful for his father's encouragement of his wide reading interests as a young boy in Ness, which are reflected in the book alongside the wider research he conducted as part of the writing process.0
11851235522024-02-292024-03-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1223355:443Donnie Macaulay in conversation with Coinneach MacÌomhairVideo made by Comann Eachdraidh Sgìre a' Bhac - the Back Local History Society. Donnie Macaulay is the son of the late Rev Murdo Macaulay, who was the minister of Back Free Church between 1956 and 1975.0
12384802025-04-172025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 779 6:553Dùn RaghnaillBuilt for Clanranald, Dùn Raghnaill also has a link to Clann 'ic Mhuirich, as Tommy Macdonald explains while relating connected stories. Tommy tells the story of why Dùn Raghnaill was built - to protect the clan chief Mac 'ic Ailein from his own family - in a time of sometimes bloody sea-borne raids along the Minch. According to local history, it was later used to imprison a daring sea-faring Mac Mhuirich, whose hereditary bardic skills were such that the style of his composition from within the prison walls of the song "Mulaid prìosanach ann an Dùn Raghnaill" was sufficient for him to be recognised and identified by his own estranged father.0
762822916512019-07-302020-02-05BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 518126:384Eairdsidh CaimbeulAn early sample from a pilot project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, embark on recording the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. This film was made in an initial training session. As part of their training Pàdruig quizzes Archie on his recollections and opinions on growing up and continuing to live on Benbecula. Archie is a native of Benbecula, and the conversation starts with him explaining his family roots. He goes on to talk about his schooling and higher education on the islands and later on the mainland. The conversation moves on to his history of employment, with spells in Gaelic playgroup development and then in advice work back on Benbecula. Pàdruig then asks Archie about changes he’s witnessed in the locality and the language since the days of his youth.1
824018562462020-02-052020-06-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 707330:414Gina NicDhòmhnaill (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Gina MacDonald from Claddach Baleshare in North Uist remembers her early schooldays, and a childhood in the Westford Inn. She talks about the prevalence of Gaelic and the difference in English skills between the generations. She completed her schooling in Inverness, and worked in Glasgow for a while before returning to Uist to work in a bank. Then, after retiring from that work, she returned to education to do a BA in Art, and she discusses some of the challenges entailed.0
82411740312020-02-052020-06-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 624429:294Gina NicDhòmhnaill (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Gina first shows Archie some of her work from her art course, discussing local environmental and cultural influences and their interaction with memory processes. This leads on to discussing local storytelling experiences. Gina further explains how the family croft has developed, with the associated self-catering accommodation business for returning visitors, and expresses an interest in continuing to work with the active local history society.0
123393902025-03-132025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 960 9:593Gordon WellsSpeaking Gaelic, Gordon Wells, researcher with the CIALL project, recounts the various stages of his career, including his time with Birmingham Industrial Language Training Services in the 1980s and what he learned from that experience for use in later years, including with Island Voices. Part of the "Multilingual Memories: Birmingham 1984" project.0
11942143152024-05-162024-05-16BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 915634:443Gress MemoriesIshbell MacDonald (Ishbel Bhobshie), her brother Dòmhnall and John MacDonald (Swannie) chat with Coinneach Mòr.0
791519998812019-11-072020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 491722:594Hughena NicDhòmhnaill (1)An early sample from a pilot project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, embark on recording the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first of two parts, Hughena talks about her family background and her happy memories of growing up and going to various schools in Uist and Benbecula, including her experience of coming across computers for the first time when Sgoil Lìonacleit opened. This was followed by a spell in Stornoway where she studied at the college and did part-time work, including with Radio nan Gàidheal. On returning to Uist she worked in various places, and raised a family. She describes how she enjoys working with people, and how she likes to relax afterwards.0
791616092522019-11-072020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 479921:504Hughena NicDhòmhnaill (2)An early sample from a pilot project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, embark on recording the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers. Here, in the second of two parts, discussion of the importance of Hughena’s faith to her leads onto broader reminiscence over customs and traditions in the days of her childhood, when casual visits to and from neighbours would be more frequent, often related to crofting matters. Hughena describes early memories of collecting and eating shellfish from the shore, and of baking skills less often put to use these days now that so much is so easily available in the shops. The conversation finishes with some discussion of the strength of Gaelic use in her family, how she’s passed it on successfully to her children, and the value of now encouraging older community members to share their spoken skills, while acknowledging the challenges involved in recording them.0
843216555252020-03-122020-06-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 471521:234Iain Greumach (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Iain Graham talks about his family background and his earliest memories of life in Back, on Lewis, where he grew up in a close-knit community. He describes his early education in the local school and how that was followed up by a spell at the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway. He also talks about the typical occupations in the community at the time, where many people were involved in weaving, and about Hallowe’en practices. He continued his education in Aberdeen, before being recruited to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on Skye.0
843315821882020-03-122020-06-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 448022:174Iain Greumach (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Iain recalls initially what Sabhal Mòr Ostaig was like when he first joined. He has seen many developments, not just in the estate, but also in the range of courses that have been developed over time. While the first students tended to come from the islands, the student body has changed, with greater geographical mixing and of ages. Course delivery methods have also become more flexible. Iain is closely involved with organising work experience for students, and is pleased that college graduates find good employment. Finally, he reflects on both change and continuity as he experiences it on frequent return visits to Lewis.0
11883176162024-04-042024-04-04BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1033642:513Kenny Murdo agus Christine Dhòmhnaill GhoidyKenny Murdo (Rev Ferguson) and his sister Christine in conversation with Coinneach MacIomhair. Memories of Sràid a’ Bhac, Buth Bellann and their careers.0
91694011852021-02-112021-02-11BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 497525:194Magaidh Smith (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Maggie Smith, from Achmore on Lewis, talks about early childhood memories and stories of Glasgow where she was born, though she has Achmore roots going back many generations. Returning home she recalls the kind of upbringing island children of her age received, in which community links and mutual responsibilities were strong. Grandparental stories from work experience in Patagonia, and snatches of Spanish at the fank guarded against cultural introversion. She recalls her schooling, and the impact of television’s arrival on cèilidh culture, with traditional work on the land noticeably falling off in the 80s, particularly after oil work began.0
9170383662021-02-112021-02-11BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 385719:184Maggie Smith (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part Maggie and Peter talk about trends in island work patterns over the years. The advent of the Arnish yard led to skills development opportunities for men across Lewis, which many later put to use in openings around the world. Weaving was a traditional occupation, frequently practised in combination with other jobs. Even as a schoolchild Maggie was accustomed to fitting her schoolwork into other duties, such as fetching water for the house. After a short spell working in Inverness after school she returned to work with the family haulage firm for many years, before branching out into media work, tourism and other projects.0
9171393812021-02-112021-02-11BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 5879334Maggie Smith (3)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the third part Maggie talks more about her cultural activity in the community, including community drama based on locally sourced stories, and the collection of local poetry. Moving to Zoom during lockdown has created a new platform for locals to share stories and for incomers and Gaelic learners to learn about the culture, recreating old communities and gathering new people. She also talks about the power of music and song in working with older people at risk of memory loss, and of collecting fishermen’s stories, mostly in Gaelic. The conversation ends with a discussion of changes that have come over Achmore and the use of Gaelic in the community.1
825216711262020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 551524:184Màiri Robasdan (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Mary Robertson from Benbecula, talks about her family and her memories of her early schooldays in Torlum. Her father was a gamekeeper for the South Uist estate. Leaving at 15 to get further training at Duncraig Castle was a shock. She describes the daily routine there. After that she worked in Edinburgh for two years before moving to Fort William to do hotel work, where she found more of an island community.0
82531595352020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 604626:474Màiri Robasdan (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Mary describes returning to Benbecula after her husband’s death, and the changes she noticed, particularly with the increased army presence and the work available through public schemes. She found work in the newly opened Sgoil Lìonacleit, where she continued till retirement. She is also involved with various charities and community groups, and her church involvement has entailed trips abroad to various countries. Her Gaelic interest also took her to Canada. She still dances and enjoys walking in various parts of the Highlands.0
122346092025-01-272025-02-03BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 997 6:23Martin MacIntyre in Conversation (1)In Part 1, Martin outlines his island connections to Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra, reeling off a sloinneadh of impressive length that traces his genealogical roots on his father’s side as far back as the late 17th century. He visits when he can, though he has always been mainland-based, having been brought up in Lenzie, a town to the north of Glasgow which itself has a Gaelic-based name.0
122353402025-01-272025-02-03BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1226 7:51Martin MacIntyre in Conversation (2)In Part 2, Martin talks about his Gaelic learning journey, an interest that has been with him since his first visit to South Uist with his father and brother when he was still in primary school, where he first encountered the language in an extended family and community setting. He describes his father’s initial surprise at his son’s interest, and how in time they came to speak Gaelic to each other more and more, and how this also helped when it came to raising his own children with Gaelic.0
1223636332025-01-272025-02-03BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 970 7:20Martin MacIntyre in Conversation (3)In Part 3, Martin first develops his thoughts on the affective implications of language choice and use, particularly in relation to emotional bonds, for example between family members. The conversation moves on to consideration of community factors in Gaelic use and maintenance in a context of ongoing language shift to English, and his own family’s notable success in passing the language on to a new generation in the urban context of Edinburgh. He cites close family connection, the importance of habitual use of the language, including listening to Gaelic radio, and involvement in school and community activity as crucial factors.0
122373302025-01-272025-02-03BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 835 7:05Martin MacIntyre in Conversation (4)In Part 4, still discussing Gaelic’s minority status in Edinburgh, Martin suggests the evident multicultural milieu may in some ways and in some situations make it comparatively easy to mount Gaelic events, while also noting that he perceives a move towards more specifically Gaelic activities among Gaelic communities. He goes on to describe the inspiration he has derived from other minority language contexts, particularly Catalan and Welsh, and his collaborative work with poets in those languages in one of his latest books.0
122386602025-01-272025-02-03BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 927 7:59Martin MacIntyre in Conversation (5)In Part 5, moving on from other multilingual contexts the conversation turns to questions of literacy and literature in a Gaelic context, where many of the most fluent speakers of Gaelic do not habitually read or write it. Martin reflects on the lasting legacy of the historically poor treatment of the language in education, while also recording his appreciation of the Gaelic oral tradition, and of songs and stories created by speakers who were not writers.0
122394062025-01-272025-02-03BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 854 7:01Martin MacIntyre in Conversation (6)In Part 6, the conversation moves on to discussion of possible positive steps that may help ameliorate a difficult situation for Gaelic. Martin points out that, irrespective of age, people are capable of learning new skills, for example in the use of computers. Traditional speakers’ knowledge of the cultural and oral tradition should be valued. At the same time, he notices more confident use of Gaelic on social media. Picking up on voice-notes, he also suggests that new technologies could enable easier creation of audio-books that could help bring new literature closer to traditional speakers.0
4514335512092016-10-112019-03-19BY-NC-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 666852:254Norman Maclean on Friday: GàidhligOn the last day, Norman is invited to turn his thoughts specifically to Gaelic and its place in people’s hearts and minds, and to Gaelic development efforts. Acknowledging the challenges the language faces in today’s world, he reflects on the complex interplay and relationships between Gaelic and English, and on various ways in which bilingualism can be viewed. In emphasising its benefits he counsels against the dangers of a monolingual “English ghetto”, colourfully invoking his own observations on the nomination campaign for the American presidential election. In contemplating bi-directional bilingualism he discusses the challenges of, and offers his own advice on, the learning of Gaelic and, in particular, the place of literacy. Finally, he relates the language issue back to the culture from which it springs, sharing personal thoughts on how his sense of belonging reinforces his sense of identity, and emphasising his own willingness and commitment to pass on his knowledge to others.0
4510343013732016-10-112016-11-11BY-NC-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 489638:334Norman Maclean on Monday: Sinnsireachd“Every Gael knows who he is.” Norman talks about his genealogy, on both sides of the family, and how these family networks played an important part in his early upbringing in Glasgow, Lochaber, and Benbecula. He has clear memories of his paternal grandfather teaching him songs, a man who himself won a prize for Gaelic singing at the Falkirk Tryst of 1878. His maternal grandmother, meanwhile, migrated to Glasgow from North Uist and never learned to speak English, functioning socially just within the Gaelic-speaking community of Glasgow of that time. Norman reflects on how community relations were experienced from different perspectives in his childhood.0
451327877222016-10-112016-11-11BY-NC-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 566844:214Norman Maclean on Thursday: CruthachalachdNorman is invited to discuss his personal creativity as a teacher, writer, poet, musician, and comedian. He reflects on the varied influences of others, from backstreet singers to Billy Connolly, and discusses figures and trends in various art forms, and offers his opinions. He also recites a recently composed example of his own poetry, and other verses that have impressed him. In discussing how his bilingual background contributed to shaping his material, he also reflects on how commentators’ propensity to place performers in pigeonholing categories could result in narrow or distorting descriptions of his work, for example as a “Gaelic comedian”.0
4511278210922016-10-112016-11-11BY-NC-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 467435:134Norman Maclean on Tuesday: FoghlamAfter offering some further thoughts on the dominant Catholic-Protestant divide in the Glasgow of his youth, Norman goes on to trace his educational journey, with customary vivid detail and illustrative anecdote, through primary schools in Lochaber, Benbecula and Glasgow, and on to Belahouston Academy and Glasgow University. He discusses the constraints on, and the opportunities for, varied language choices he and others made in these contexts, within and outwith home and school environments, reflecting also on the Gàidheal-Gall relationship in Glasgow, and some of the wider educational choices he made at that time.0
451228206272016-10-112016-11-11BY-NC-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 696853:484Norman Maclean on Wednesday: CoimhearsnachdanNorman describes and reflects upon changes he has witnessed in Gaelic community life over the years, both in Glasgow and in the Hebrides, highlighting some paradoxes and tensions. In former times geographical horizons may have been much closer in comparison with the global awareness modern connectivity enables, yet the latter may not lead to a sense of greater connectedness. He discusses how, while the Gaelic community in Glasgow may have tended to envisage itself in a higher or somewhat exclusive position in relation to other Glaswegians, there was nonetheless a strongly felt imperative to acquire their language. Conversely, while young Gaels might be envied by their peers in some ways, they did not feel their language was respected by non-speakers, with apparent racial imprecations sometimes experienced. Lastly, in discussing how broadly the term “Gàidhealach” might be applied, he depicts in more detail the links and fissures between Glasgow communities of Irish and Scottish Island/Highland extraction.0
7689227815692019-09-032020-06-02BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 480326:354Pàdruig MoireachAn early sample from a pilot project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, embark on recording the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. This film was made in an initial training session. As part of their training Archie quizzes Pàdruig on his lifestory. Pàdruig establishes his family roots in Carloway, Lewis, and talks about his early memories of home and community life there as a child. He goes on to describe his progress through school on Lewis and higher education in Aberdeen, leading to work on the North Sea rigs. This was followed by a career change into language teaching which him took him abroad before returning to Scotland and involvement in teaching Gaelic to adults. The conversation concludes with a discussion of some of the pleasures and challenges entailed in this area of work.0
9686352962021-09-072023-06-27BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 505833:494Pàdruig Moireasdan (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. In the first part, he recalls his family history, including his grandfather’s celebrated recordings and their importance for the preservation and transmission of Gaelic culture, and his father’s love of singing and the continuation of tradition. His own Gaelic was nurtured in the extended family and community, with the strong support of his English-speaking mother. An early interest in music was well supported through Uist schooling initially, and then intensively in Edinburgh, where he found additional impetus for his Gaelic through church and university circles. Following his father’s death, he maintained close contact with his Grimsay home, to which he always intended to return.0
9687244102021-09-072021-09-08BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 504133:39Pàdruig Moireasdan (2)0
1230053242025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1199 7:563Paul McCallum 1APaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 1A Paul recalls his memories of arriving in South Uist as a four-year old with his two older brothers, to be looked after by a local brother and sister family in South Lochboisdale with Eriskay connections. He came from a musical family and found himself in a musical place - "Gleann a' Cheòlraidh" - where he picked up Gaelic before starting school with the help of his musical ear.0
123013802025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1240 7:483Paul McCallum 1BPaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 1B he remembers his schooldays and some of his teachers, most of whom were Gaelic speakers even though education was conducted through English. He recalls how music came to him easily, and competing in mòds from an early age (at which he and James first came into contact). On leaving school he worked as a cook for MacBraynes on the Islay ferry, through which he came across Islay Gaelic, which was quite different from his own.0
123023602025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1104 7:413Paul McCallum 1CPaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 1c James notes how the advent of electricity marked a turning-point in Gaelic cèilidh culture, and Paul reflects that good singers would not necessarily be comfortable performing on a stage. Nevertheless he is encouraged by signs of natural musical ability in the local community. After MacBraynes he moved on to a Dominican centre helping people with drug or alcohol problems, where he mixed with people from all walks of life, and experienced a meaningful education.0
123034202025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 720 5:283Paul McCallum 1DPaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 1D Paul talks more about how his singing career took off, and how he received voice training in the classical tradition over a period of years. He notes that there are Gaelic songs that are classical, but notes also that the traditional worksongs of crofting communities provided natural voice training without the need for study, and that true vocal power is best demonstrated in soft singing.0
123043442025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1114 7:523Paul McCallum 1EPaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 1E Paul explores further the differences between classical and traditional singing, and the importance, in his view, of presenting Gaelic songs to islanders in a natural manner which chimes with their environment, albeit with the help of classical training. (He listened to classical singers as a boy and received help from classical teachers.) In Gaelic domestic culture he experienced an ingrained prayerful spirituality that combined naturally with music and the environment.0
123054802025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 989 7:013Paul McCallum 2APaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 2A Paul and James share their experiences of being welcomed and absorbed into their respective communities in South and North Uist as young children. When James questions him about his later stage performances, Paul explains that that placed a distance between him and his audience, where he had the persona of "The Singer", which was different from the Paul McCallum in his own home. Now retired from singing, he doesn't miss the stage. He enjoys having his feet on the ground.0
123063902025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1055 7:463Paul McCallum 2BPaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 2B Paul talks a bit about his own writing, and how it's inspired by the local environment. Moving on to discuss local poets from earlier times he notes the exemplary command they had over the language and how today's Gaelic has changed. He regrets the loss of vocabulary and idiom and cautions against a felt need to change the language to "keep up" with today's world. If the language is indeed "dying" we should be careful not to kill it off with words and idioms that don't belong to it.0
123079302025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1316 7:573Paul McCallum 2CPaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 2C, reflecting on the disappearance of cèilidh houses, Paul suggests it is the community that is dying, more than Gaelic. He is reminded of recent visitors who talked of their memories, and about sloinnidhean - genealogies - and how much he enjoyed and learned from those visits. He believes young community members are also interested in old stories, but time needs to be found for such activities. Like James, he is a fluent Gaelic speaker and it's the language he prefers to use in the community. Questioned by Paul about his own musical tastes, James talks about his influences, for example, Runrig.0
1230841342025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1023 6:443Paul McCallum 2DPaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 2D James asks Paul if he thinks they both value Uist and Gaelic so highly because of the way they were taken there. Paul points out that, rather than being taught Gaelic formally, they absorbed it naturally. They arrived with nothing, and were given access to life, language, culture, music, beliefs, which may well have given them a deeper appreciation of their language and surroundings. James echoes his appreciation of the learning he received, especially from his adoptive father and other elders in the local community.0
123094512025-02-272025-02-28BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 947 6:233Paul McCallum 2EPaul McCallum talks to James MacLetchie. In Part 2E Paul turns the tables on James and asks him about his own writing of songs, and encourages him to pass them on - "Bheir seachad iad". Once they're written they no longer belong to him. They should be shared, to help keep the language and the music alive. "You could take it all over the world." James reflects on Gaelic connections with First Nations of North America, and Paul notes commonalities in their troubled histories. But looking forward, he repeats his warning about needless change to the language - "Mura h-eil e briste, na cuir air dòigh e". (If it ain't broke, don't fix it.)0
11436161202023-06-222023-06-27BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 201016:152Recording Community Conversations for Aire Air SunndGordon Wells reviews Island Voices’ input to Aire air Sunnd and explores how online videos that have been made during the project show Gaelic conversational recordings in the community that all can understand, whether or not you actually speak the language. YouTube subtitles can be enabled using the CC (closed captions) button. Select Auto-translate among the language options in the Settings Wheel to choose any language you would like them to be translated into from Scottish Gaelic. The Aire Air Sunnd project is supported by the Ideas Fund, and led by Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath (North Uist Historical Society) in collaboration with researchers from the Universities of Aberdeen, St Andrews, and the Highlands and Islands.0
1187213892024-04-012024-04-01BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 593534:433Rena MacIver (Bean a' Pheadaran)"Over a hundred years old yet still sharp as ever, it was a great privilege to chat with Mrs Rena Maciver."1
100374902572021-12-092021-12-13BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 149911:174Seanchas: Coinneach Bàn, Fear-taca Lacasaigh, le Magaidh SmithMaggie Smith retells the story of Calum Bàn, Tacksman of Laxay, from her own knowledge of oral tradition.0
10036208262021-12-092021-12-13BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1076 9:494Seanchas: Deireadh sliochd nan Leòdach, le Magaidh SmithMaggie Smith brings back to Gaelic life a story from William Cummings' edited collection "Family Traditions: John Macleod, 11 Melbost".0
823617653452020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 688026:074Seonag Smith (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Seonag Smith from Hàclait talks about her early years in Benbecula, including schooling in Daliburgh and Iochdar. She recalls family life as the eldest child, including helping on the croft, boat trips, and social practices associated with peatcutting, such as family division of labour and attention to the needs of elderly neighbours. She also talks about army-community relations once she started working at the “camp” after leaving school.0
82371486782020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 762731:324Seonag Smith (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Seonag talks about the social scene in Benbecula when she was young, and how she met her husband. She also talks about her work on St Kilda, and her impressions of that island. Army life took them to Germany, and she mentions how she felt knowing Gaelic helped her learn German. This was followed by spells in Catterick, and London, where she had the chance to observe a different world at close hand. Eventually they returned to Benbecula to a newly built house.0
82381469172020-02-052020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 854534:374Seonag Smith (3)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the third part, Seonag talks about her pastimes, such as reading, and her regular appearances on Gaelic radio and TV (and the prizes she’s won) and reflects on current Gaelic employment opportunities. She also recalls her parent’s stories of older feasting traditions attendant on weddings and sales days. Acknowledging the facilities now available at the 6-year school, and through online services, she regrets the lack of job opportunities for young people. Returning to cooking, the conversation ends with a discussion of traditional seafoods.0
838818412752020-02-272020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 606129:594Seònaid Mhoireach (1)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first part, Jessie Murray, originally from Shawbost, Lewis, talks to her son Peter about their family history, and how his grandparents actually met and married around the time of the Depression in Detroit, where there was a strong Gaelic community. She tells stories of jumping ship, and working conditions and how they differed in America. On returning to Lewis they raised a family on the croft, and Jessie talks of her earliest memories of life on the land, herding the cows and getting home-made butter and cheese, and the food she got at school before they opened a canteen.0
838914831292020-02-272020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 667133:344Seònaid Mhoireach (2)Part of the Stòras Beò nan Gàidheal project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, record the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part, Jessie recalls her schooling and the weak Gaelic component to it, though the language was strong in the playground and the community. Communion practices are also recalled, as well as the role of supernatural tales, and New Year and Hallowe’en customs in a culture where house visits were common. After leaving school at 16 and some work experience Jessie settled on training for nursing, which took her to Glasgow. Plans to move to Canada were abandoned when she met Peter’s father, and they returned to Lewis, first to Carloway, then Stornoway. Now living in Inverness, she offers thoughts on changes she’s seen in Lewis and the lack of opportunities. She prefers to remember home as it was.0
121457002024-10-132024-10-23BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 684 5:573Tobhta Bean Eachainn (2)Dòmhnall Ruairidh Caimbeul relates stories and a poem to Tommy Macdonald concerning Tobhta Bean Eachainn in South Lochboisdale, South Uist. Part 2 features a poem about the priest who looked after the occupants of the ruin.0
12383702025-04-172025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 834 7:583Tobhta FhearchairTommy Macdonald tells some of the history of the Beatons, from Tobhta Fhearchair on the boundary between Tobha Mòr and Dreumasdal, South Uist. Tommy explains that the Beatons were renowned as doctors, especially in the West of Scotland, with strong connections to Skye and Islay as well as Uist. He refers to the work of Alasdair Carmichael (Carmina Gadelica) to illustrate their knowledge of plants and their uses, while acknowledging that Fearchar himself may not have been as knowledgeable as his forebears. A finishing quote from Martin Martin underlines the family's historical association with the medical profession.0
1187711222024-04-022024-04-08BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 893 7:583Tobhta Mhic Eachainn (1)In a project exploring taighean tughaidh (thatched houses) of Uist, and their ruins, local historian Tommy Macdonald presents some stories about Neil MacEachan and his son Alexandre - the "French Macdonalds" - from the remains of Neil's original house, later to be visited by the Duke of Tarentum in an act of filial homecoming following the Napoleonic wars.0
1187810212024-04-022024-04-08BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 805 7:563Tobhta Mhic Eachainn (2)In a project exploring taighean tughaidh (thatched houses) of Uist, and their ruins, local historian Tommy Macdonald presents some stories about Neil MacEachan and his son Alexandre - the "French Macdonalds" - from the remains of Neil's original house, later to be visited by the Duke of Tarentum in an act of filial homecoming following the Napoleonic wars.0
785320305942019-10-122020-05-25BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 458829:544Tòmas MacDhòmhnaill (1)An early sample from a pilot project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, embark on recording the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the first of two parts, Tommy Macdonald talks to Archie Campbell about his life in South Uist. Tommy talks about his family antecedents and also about his employment history, starting with helping in his father’s mobile shop, followed by a long spell with a fish farm company during which time he developed his computing skills and interests. This was followed by a diversification into a number of different paths, including providing local information on visiting bus tours. Local genealogical research led him to an interesting discovery about his own family history.0
78541599772019-10-122020-06-01BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 501732:104Tòmas MacDhòmhnaill (2)An early sample from a pilot project in which the UHI Language Sciences Institute with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Soillse, together with Irish partners, embark on recording the natural speech of Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers in their own communities with user-friendly equipment and techniques. Here, in the second part Tommy talks about his involvement with various local cultural groups in South Uist, such as Ceòlas, Fèir Tir a’ Mhurain, and the Accordion and Fiddle club. He and Archie also discuss some of the challenges and opportunities of working with and in Gaelic in the community today in and between the various generations. The modern disappearance of the “taigh ceilidh” stimulates the recollection and brief retelling of some of the stories that would be told in earlier times.0
11879147232024-04-032024-04-08BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 827 7:103Tommy agus Betty air taighean-tughaidh (1)Continuing the project exploring taighean tughaidh (thatched houses) of Uist, and their ruins, local historian Tommy Macdonald quizzes his wife Betty on what it was like to live in one. In this section Betty recalls who built her house (her grandfather) and aspects of her childhood life on the croft, including herding and milking of the cattle, as well as some of the thatching process as she remembers it.0
118801091002024-04-032024-04-08BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 687 6:203Tommy agus Betty air taighean-tughaidh (2)Talking about taighean-tughaidh, Tommy and Betty go on to discuss some of the stiff challenges that would be entailed in keeping a traditional thatched house on a par with modern standards. Talking about the cèilidh culture of earlier times, Tommy recalls how stories would be shared between family members and visitors - some of which remain unexplained to this day.0
1188110722024-04-032024-04-08BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1060 9:283Tommy agus Betty air taighean-tughaidh (3)Continuing their reminiscences about life in taighean-tughaidh, Betty and Tommy's attention towards food and drink, and the important place of staples such as eggs and milk - and sometimes rabbit. Services such as electricity and water were a relatively recent introduction. They recall some of the other thatched houses in the area, with a handful having been done up to meet modern standards.0
1188213362024-04-032024-04-08BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 941 7:163Tommy agus Betty air taighean-tughaidh (4)Tommy and Betty share memories of more recent times, when a thatched house was converted into a hostel for tourists, under Betty's mother's watchful eye. In the early days visitors would often stay for weeks, helping out on the croft, and are fondly remembered. To end, more stories are shared of amusing and perplexing incidents.0
11981142112024-06-012024-08-09BY-NDGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 1194340:203Vatisker MemoriesTalking to Coinneach MacÌomhair, Alexina Graham and Mal Macleod remember growing up in Vatisker.0
12376402025-04-172025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 144212:113Wellbeing, stories & Gaelic (G) - Part 1Gordon Wells talks in Gaelic about his view of the importance of stories and the place for Gaelic to the Wellbeing group in the Aire air Sunnd project for Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath (North Uist Historical Society). In part 1 he relates a story about his uncle, Norman Maclellan, supplemented with some family photos.0
12377402025-04-172025-04-17BY-NC-SAGuthanNanEileanGàidhligC2 178815:593Wellbeing, stories & Gaelic (G) - Part 2Gordon Wells talks in Gaelic about his view of the importance of stories and the place for Gaelic to the Wellbeing group in the Aire air Sunnd project for Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath (North Uist Historical Society). In part 2 he offers some thoughts and reflections, particularly in relation to language, arising from the family story he narrated.0
154728042372013-12-142013-12-15BY-SAcaoimhinsmoGàidhligC2+214 6:32Salm 122, na h-earrainn 6-9, Dòmhnall MacLeòidSalm 122, na h-earrainn 6-9. Dòmhnall MacLeòid (Port Rìgh agus Sgalpaigh)0

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