Scottish Gaelic learners meet Irish Gaeilge learners

Scottish Gaelic adult learners attending Highland Council Gaelic classes had the opportunity to meet up and compare experiences last week.

A group of 14 adult learners of Gaeilge (Irish) from the Omagh/Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, have been visiting the Highlands as part of an exchange with adult learners of Scottish Gaelic who attend Highland Council classes.

The group who have been visiting a number of local sites such as Culloden, joined with the Inverness based Gaelic learners at a Cèilidh on Thursday evening where everyone enjoyed sharing their learning experiences as well as participating in song and dance activities.

The group learnt about the Scottish Gaelic historical experience from Mr Padruig Moireach of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig as well as taking part in a fun Scottish Gaelic lesson led by local tutor Mr Iain Mackay.

The group concluded their trip with a visit to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye (Gaelic College) to learn more about the College and all the various businesses that are based on the campus.

Councillor Alister Mackinnon Chair of the Gaelic Strategy Implementation Group said, “Exchanges with other Countries who also have minority languages are important as they create opportunities for language learning and also learn about each other’s languages, history and cultures. It also adds value to language learning encourages language usage, and show cases examples of linguistic and cultural best practice”.  

The exchange event received financial support from Colmcille which run by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Foras na Gaelige in Ireland, these are specific funding streams which exist to promote greater understanding of the links between Gaelic heritage in Scotland and Ireland.