Events are being organised in Moray to celebrate World Gaelic Week.
Taking place from 19-25 February, Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week), the first official nationwide language week of its kind in Scotland, aims to promote Gaelic for all.
A wave of events are happening across the length and breadth of Scotland and beyond, with support from Bord Na Gàidhlig Small Grants fund.
The Moray events will be held in English and Gaelic, so everyone can get involved.
On Tuesday 20 February, Iain Mac an Tàilleir, who was born and raised in Elgin and previously taught at Skye’s Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland’s centre for Gaelic language and culture, will be hosting a free online session from 7pm – 8.30pm.
The researcher will be analysing the value of the Ordnance Survey Name Books from the 1860s in terms of their ability to identify Gaelic areas in the 19th century.
He’ll be sharing his research focussing on Moray and Banffshire.
Another free session, looking at the whisky bottle place-names of Moray, is being held online on Wednesday 21 February, from 7pm – 8.30pm.
It will be delivered by Dr Jake King, who authored The A to Z of Whisky Place-Names: Landscape, Language & Invention, and who sits on a national advisory partnership that researches and establishes correct and consistent Gaelic forms of place-names for maps, signage and general use.
On Friday 23 February, national partners will hold their annual meet-up at Moray College UHI to shares updates on their Gaelic Language Plans and focus on the year ahead for Moray.
The week of events will be rounded-off by a free Saturday afternoon Gaelic language class for beginners, at Elgin Library, from 1.45pm – 3.45pm on 24 February.
Moray Council’s leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said:
“The funding is welcome and is being used to provide our line-up of individuals and topics.
“All sessions are free and we hope everyone who attends will enjoy them.”
All bookings can be made via eventbrite by clicking here
You can also ring 07800 670692 or email karen.delaney@moray.gov.uk
Click here for World Gaelic Week’s diary of events.
