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sgribhisg · 3 years

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Gaelic singer has joined forces with a Scottish charity to encourage Gaelic conversation, reading and creative writing via Zoom

Kathleen MacInnes, traditional singer and champion of the Gaelic language, is joining poets, academics and a bookshop owner in using online communications to nurture one of Europe’s oldest languages.

Lockdown is feared to have had a damaging effect on the language as speakers, who are widely dispersed in many areas, have been less able to meet and talk.

Some of Gaelic’s remaining strongholds in Highland and island communities that have experienced other severe pressures during the pandemic due to their fragile economies.

Open Book, a Scottish charity that runs more than 70 English language and a Scots groups for shared reading and creative writing, is now aiming to amplify Gaelic voices and allow them to be heard.

Supported by £4,000 from Bòrd na Gàidhlig it is offering one monthly creative writing and four regular shared reading groups for anyone with an interest in Gaelic, from beginners to native speakers.

Ms MacInnes who was raised in South Uist and is the Gaelic officer at Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre on North Uist, is supporting a newly launched Zoom-based Gaelic shared reading group.

The next online Gaelic session will be held on April 21.

She said: “I was lucky, it was the language of the playground and my home when I was growing up and I was surrounded by Gaelic culture. I love the language very much, whether it’s speaking, reading or singing. It’s a beautiful language and it takes me into another world.

“The feedback I’ve had about the idea has been very enthusiastic. I think people who have the same passion that I have will really enjoy the sessions.

"And it doesn’t matter whether they are beginners or fluent, they will be warmly welcome. And the wonderful thing about doing it online is that it doesn’t matter where in the world they are.”

Andrew Wilson, the proprietor of Wigtown’s Beltie Books, will be the lead reader for another shared reading group, and hopes it will be a digital link for far-flung Gaelic speakers.

He said: “There aren’t many Gaelic speakers in Dumfries and Galloway, they are quite isolated from one another, and it’s been very difficult to meet and speak Gaelic over the past year. When I heard about this it seemed blindingly obvious that it was a brilliant idea – you can have someone in Langholm chatting with someone in Stranraer and they don’t have to leave their homes and drive for hours to meet.”

Mr Wilson is a former council Gaelic development worker who learned the language over the last 25 years, wishing now he had studied it at University– nevertheless has fallen in love as much with the culture as the tongue.

He values the fact that Gaelic is Scotland’s oldest indigenous language and is linked to a rich tradition of music, song, literature and stories – and what he believes are a set of cultural values that put community, sharing, nature and the environment above individualism and materialism.

Heather Clyne, a Gaelic academic based near Inverness, has already successfully piloted Gaelic sessions for Open Book. She said: “To me it seems like a win-win – there are huge benefits in being bilingual, and knowing Gaelic helps you understand more about the country you live in.

“It’s a wonderful language – when I speak Gaelic, it does something to me, it is like when I am playing music with someone else. It’s like coming home. It’s like being in tune.”

Open Book was originally based round physical groups that met in libraries, care homes, community centres and a multitude of other settings. Covid–19 forced activities online, something it has now embraced.

When restrictions allow, it hopes that places like Uist, at the Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre, and Dumfries and Galloway may be able to have groups that meet in person as well as in the virtual world.

Open Book was co-founded by Claire Urquhart and the poet Marjorie Lotfi as a gentle, fun and informal way to bring people together around reading and writing.

Unlike book clubs there is no homework or set reading. Reading groups meet up, share a text such as a short story, and use it as a way to spark conversation. The creative writing groups come together to talk about prose and poetry and to create their own work in response, in groups or individually.

Claire Urquhart, Open Book director and co-founder, said: “Our shared reading and creative writing models are ideally suited to support and promote Gaelic usage. They are a great way to share a love of the language, drawing out less confident participants and giving beginners more exposure to the language by providing an opportunity to read Gaelic texts aloud and discuss them in Gaelic.”

Three specific aims are to promote intergenerational transmission of Gaelic in the community, promote Gaelic in the home and support opportunities for adults to use and learn Gaelic.

Shona MacLennan, chief executive officer at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig are delighted to support this project which aims to strengthen Gaelic communities across the country and allow their voices to be heard. We look forward to seeing this project have a positive impact on communities, specifically in promoting the intergenerational transmission of the language.

“The projects also contributes significantly to the National Gaelic Language Plan’s main aim of increasing the use of Gaelic, by more people, in more situations, and also supports the learning of Gaelic in adults and in the home.

We wish Open Book every success with the project and look forward to seeing the growth of Gaelic speakers across the country.”

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scotianostra · 2 years

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The 30th of December 1915 saw the HMS Natal sink in Cromarty Harbour after an explosion in her magazine with the loss of 421 lives.

A Hogmanay party and film show was underway on board HMS Natal, a 13,550 ton armoured cruiser. Among the guests were the factor of Novar Estate, Mr Harry Dods, his wife and three children, three nurses from the naval hospital in Cromarty and Violet Black, wife of the captain, Eric Black.

Without warning the warship was ripped apart by an internal explosion. The ship turned over and sank within five minutes. 421 people, including the captain and all the guests, died either in the explosion or subsequently from their injuries.

Despite rumours of sabotage or an attack by an enemy submarine an inquiry concluded that the explosion was probably the result of unstable cordite. Stored in the magazine room with insufficient ventilation the cordite had begun to sweat and eventually spontaneously combusted. Wartime security meant the incident could not be reported. The Ross-shire Journal could only report that the Dods family had been wiped out ‘as a result of a painful and distressing accident’.

Many bodies were never found. Over time the Natal gradually sank to the bottom but for many years naval ships saluted it when they passed. Much reduced the wreck is still a navigational hazard; the spot marked by a danger buoy.

The last two pics are of HMS Natal Garden, Invergordon, see more here https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/75965

#Scotland #ross & cromarty #ww1 #naval sinking #history #lest we forget

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brilliant-poses · 3 years

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Night of the Coyotes

When Dutch Van Der Linde first began to expand his gang, a group of bounty hunters rose to stop a lot of gangs from becoming too big and powerful. The bounty hunters were a successful group, but the Van Der Linde’s and the O’Driscoll’s kept avoiding the rope. You are apart of the bounty hunting group, the Coyotes. You and your older sister, Pride, have been in the group since you were children. Now, you’re faced with the challenges of hunting down each member. When things get out of hand, do you stay loyal or decide a different life?

Chapter 2 - The Town of Blackwater

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“We should ask everyone, not just one person, Pride.” You reminded, beginning to kick the dirt at your feet and move towards the grass, where the others were camping. There was a lot of talk around the camp, mostly because everyone had heard the Van der Linde gang were near. Every bounty hunter in the family wanted to catch them. For some, it was a personal reason, while the thrill of the hunt persuaded them to go after the gang. There were a few different women who worked in the gang, some being close friends of Vivian’s while others joined later on. Pride sighed and walked towards the cooking tent. A chubby woman hummed loudly, beginning to cut meat into bits and preparing it with seasonings.

“Alina! You need anythin’ from Blackwater?” Pride called, causing the woman to yell in surprise.

“Oh, you scared me, Pride! You silly girly! Yes, I do! Give me a moment!” She said with her heavy accent, wiping her hands off and going towards a journal to write down a list. Alina Kruger was basically the one who kept women alive. She was a German immigrant, traveling here when she was about twenty and managing to keep herself afloat, thanks to a bakery business she worked for. She joined the family when Vivian had suggest she come with them, tell her it would be adventure and cooking, two things Alina said she wanted in life. Alina had platinum blonde hair and crystal blue eyes, her eyes were round with joy and she looked so innocent. Her cheeks were always pink and her smile was absolutely wonderful. Her hair was normally tied back in two braids, her saying it was a normal German style.

“Here you go!” She said and handed the list to you.

“Thanks, Alina.” You smiled as she giggled lightly.

“Thank you! I did not want to go into town today, I have much to do!” She said and patted your head before shooing you two out so she could continue to cook. Pride as about to go towards her horse before you grabbed her braid.

“That’s not everyone, Pride.” You reminded, tugging her over towards some more tents, causing her to cuss and hiss in pain. You let her go once you’re sure she’s not going run towards her horse. You glanced around and saw a few of your sisters. Virginia Ross, Mary Mantle, and Yolanda Romero. As you stepped closer, you can see the details of what they’re doing get better.

Virginia was from New York, she was from a rather rich family, but she gave that up when her daddy tried to make her marry someone. She told him she wanted to do whatever she wanted, saying she didn’t need money. Virginia had only been with you for a few months, but she was a good member. She had dark brown hair and vibrant green eyes, she was a rather cute individual. Mary, on the other hand, was a cold blooded individual. Her parents were murdered by robbers and now hunts for the hell of it. She’s a little younger than you, most of the hunters were, but she did what she needed to. She had pale skin and dark blonde hair, her eyes a dark brown. She had a large scar that ran across her cheek and a few others over her body. She was a force to be reckoned with. Yolanda was a mystery. She was fun and always had stories of Mexico, but never spoke about why she wanted to be a bounty hunter. You all enjoyed her, with her dark skin and dark, black hair. Her eyes were actually a lighter brown, which made her emotions show. She was probably the best hunter you had, besides Pride.

“Hey girls, you need anything?” You asked with a smile, looking towards them. The girls glanced up, stopping their weapon cleaning to think for a moment.

“Gun oil.” Mary said after a moment, going back to cleaning. You quickly wrote this down on the paper that Alina gave you.

“Get us some more ammo too! My shotgun is getting low.” Virginia said, her northern accent punctuating every word. You glanced towards Yolanda after you wrote ‘ammo’ down, noticing her grin.

“What do you want, Yola?” You asked, the Hispanic woman letting out a loud sigh as she thought.

“Oh! If you find a tambourine, get that. I love tambourines.” She smiled again, making Pride roll her eyes.

“Is that essential for your hunts?”

“Well, we make noises like coyotes, so yeah. It’s to make noises!”

“You’re the reason I go solo.” Pride said and flicked her nose, causing Virginia to giggle.

“A tambourine… We’ll see if we can find one.” You said, causing Yolanda to let out a yell of excitement. You and Pride nodded them goodbye and went towards the tent closest to the entrance of the camp.

“Zotova! Liu! The fuck y’all want from Blackwater?” Pride yelled, forcing you to hit her and shush her. Zotova didn’t even look up from her writing.

“Four journals, three pencils, and hand these out.” The Russian said in her broken English, handing you a few papers with their bounty hunting on it.

“Put them in stores and sheriff’s office.” She said, leaning back to take off her small glasses. Zotova Stanislavovna was the person who helped bring in the money. She was in charge of receiving bounties and giving them to Vivian. She did her job well, but being a Russian immigrant, she couldn’t speak the best English. Some of you had to be there to help her explain herself. She had only been in America for about a year, but everything was falling into place for her. She had blonde hair and brown eyes, who wears glasses a lot of the time.

“I don’t want anything.” Liu said, smiling towards you two. Liu Shun was another hunter, an expert animal hunter, as well. She was the best at long distance shots and tracking. She was a Chinese immigrant, who’s parents worked tirelessly on the railroad. When her parents were killed in an accident, due to the horrible conditions they faced, Liu found your family and requested to help make things right for people like her. She had a good mission, but you were concerned on how people would view her. She had short, her black hair and brown eyes.

“Isabella doesn’t need anything, does she?” Pride asked, referring to the woman who took care of the horses.

“No, she’s fine. She hasn’t mentioned anything.” Zotova said, waving them off. You and Pride nodded, walking towards your horses to see the red head taking care of the animals. Isabella was the kindest soul you had, orphaned at a young age, she’s been in the gang with you and Pride for a long time. She and Brigit was close, the Irish woman who was close to Vivian. The two red heads bonded over their love for horses. You and Pride mounted your horses, not noticing Isabella walking away to grab more hay. She was quiet, so it wasn’t the most surprising thing that she did. She was sweet, but very to herself.

“You ready, Peppercorn?” You asked, patting the Gypsy Cob. He was the best horse you had, the black and white painted horse was the most loyal horse you could ever have. Pride’s horse was a large, white and brown Shire named Sunshine. She named her that since she’s the most hot tempered horse in the entire camp. You mounted Peppercorn, listening to him pant lightly in excitement. Your spurs jabbed into his side and you began to ride off next to Pride. Blackwater wasn’t too far away.

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“I can’t believe we’re having to be maids and get shit.” Pride said as she let Sunshine trot in the street. You were sighing lightly, rubbing your face when she complained.

“Come on, Pride. Let’s just get the stuff. Let’s go to the general store.” You offered, listening to her grumble lightly. You and Pride hitched your horses outside the general store, heading inside after you got off the horses. You opened the door, hearing the bell ring and the store clerk greeting you.

“Welcome, ladies!” He greeted, causing you to nod in a greeting. You began to gather the few things that Zotova wanted.

“Pride, go get what Alina wanted from the butcher. I’m going to go get the ammo and gun oil.” You said as you paid for the items, handing him the paper for your bounty hunter family.

“Hang this up.” You said softly and left with Pride. When you were putting the items in your saddle bag, Pride whistled towards you. You looked towards her and saw them. Arthur Morgan and Hosea Matthews.

“Good morning, ladies.” Hosea greeted, knowing exactly who you two are.

“It was.” Pride hissed, glaring towards Morgan, who scoffed.

“We heard you boys were here. We were trying to find you.” You offered Hosea, who chuckled lightly.

“Yeah, we figured. You ladies are very good at what you do.” He said, causing you to nod.

“Y’all are too, for criminals.” You said as Hosea laughed.

“Well, I can’t argue with that.” He said, gently hitting Arthur to make him stop glaring at Pride.

“We’re just here to gather supplies. You gonna try to get us?” He asked, causing you to shake your head. You hit Pride after a moment, seeing her reaching towards her gun.

“We’re here for supplies too. It would be stupid to start shit in the middle of the street. We’ll come for y’all soon.” You explained, causing him to nod.

“Thank ya, ladies. You have a good day now.” He offered and waved slightly. When they trotted past you, you heard Arthur and Pride exchange words.

“Heartless bitch.”

“Tiny dick Morgan.” With that, Pride took the list and stomped towards the butcher while you went towards the gunsmith. You were going to have to tell Vivian about this, but you weren’t going to pursue them. Not yet. It would be dumb to. Pride was hot headed and wanted to kill Arthur Morgan so bad that it consumed her. You were her calm, her reason. You had to show her that the time would come. As you entered the gunsmith’s shop, you knew it was going to be a long day.

#rdr2 #red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 oc #red dead redemption 2 x reader #red dead redemption 2 oc #reader insert

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veryfineday · 4 years

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Friday 25 January 1833

6 1/2

12 55/..

L L Vc U L N

made my fire – Fahrenheit 42 1/2º in my room at 6 40/.. just after the fire was lighted and 30º at 10 1/2 outside my window – breakfast at 9 – having had John Bottomley who came to take ParK farm – told him it was let to Greenwood – he wants another field – all to be settled when my new road above his house is made – Had Firth the glazer – paid him by checK on the banK he would have voted for Wortley but had promised for Wood – will vote for Wortley should there be a vacancy, and thinKs he would be sure to be elected – Down the old bank at 10 40/.. to the Post office – put in my letters to ‘Captain Sutherland of Udale, Braelangwell house, Fortrose, Ross-shire’ and to ‘Dr. Belcombe, YorK’ –

then to mr. ParKer’s office – tooK PicKersgill’s lease that for Greenwood to be the same only rent £86 instead of £80. and the following lands to be reserved out of the taKe Bairstow 3. DW[Day’s Work] 3. quarters 19 percent Far ditto 2.2.18 and Long field 2.0.1 – said I had thought of telling old WilKinson that getting the water would cost £40 or £50 I should therefore save the expense of stopping the foot paths – turn the path just under upper brea house in its old line, and spend my saving on getting the water – mr. P- [Parker] to asK mr. Stansfield clerK to the Godley road commissioners if they would reopen the road there (they blocKed it up) and I would pay the expense of it – mr. P- [Parker] to send up at 7 p.m. on Wednesday someone to witness the signing of Dodgson’s lease –

then called and staid above 1/2 hour at the vicarage with mr. and mrs. musgrave to asK the former his opinion upon letting a young clergyman (rector of Lawton) having a Sunday school room built by a friend of mine to give weeKly lectures in – he agreed with me, could not and would not refuse, tho’ aware of the inconveniences this sort of thing often led to – patronized by many of the bishops (particularly the bishop of Chester) who recommended this plan to the younger clergy – Mrs. M [Musgrave] noticed my thick pickels tallowed boots ssaid I had no petticoats (sso short) to take up as they ladies had I was too independent and in short tho I laughed it off I did not like it –

returned up the old bank some time with PicKels at the deep cutting – the stoning covering with rubble a foot thicK would be worth a pound a rood, and thought the cutting should be worth £2 a rood – told him to go on a little farther as the milK fetchers still get up thro’ the wood – determined to cut off all foot paths that way – then to Lidgate and there at 2 10/.. found miss W- [Walker] and her friend miss Rawson just sitting down to dinner – miss W- [Walker] had had a bad night, and was very poorly that is worse as to her mind more despairing and beside herself very soon went with her to her room she lay down and I sat by talking and reasoning which did her good for the moment while it lasted but no longer saw Miss R [Rawson] for a little while alone in her room said I had written to hurry captain S [Sutherland] Miss W [Walker] frightens her I wish she was well off –

home in 1/2 hour at 5 3/4 – dinner at 6 5/.. – came to my room at 6 3/4 and wrote and sent off at 8 5/.. 3 pp.[pages] and ends Kind letter to M- [Mariana] ‘Lawton hall Lawton Cheshire’ saying one vicar agreed with me in opinion and therefore I the more confidently advised her to let their rector have the Sunday school room to lecture in once a weeK hoping however that he would take care that his hearers conducted themselves with as much church-liKe sobriety as possible – chit chat – did not Know when I should get off – if obliged to give up Italy for the present must thinK of some other tour – forgot to say I was no worse after my ducKing in the brook asleep over the fire above 1/2 hour –

Had printed note this morning from mr. Rawdon Briggs junior treasurer of the H-x[Halifax] Literary and philosophical society calling for my subscription from. 1 October 1832 to 1 October 1833. ‘the subscriptions are due on the 1st of October, in each year, being considered due in advance’ if unpaid 6 months a fine of 5/.[shillings] if unpaid 12 months fine 10/.[shillings] – have just written in answer to go tomorrow morning; ‘miss Lister is obliged to the treasurer of the H-x[Halifax] Literary and philosophical society for his note, ‘and encloses £2, being her last year’s subscription which she is sorry should have been so long unpaid – she inquired when it would be due, and to whom it should be paid, some months ago at the museum, but merely got for answer from the woman in attendance , that it would be called for – Shibden hall. Friday evening 25 January 1833’ –

went down stairs at 9 35/.. and came up again at 10 25/.. – wrote the last 18 lines of the journal of yesterday and the whole of today till 11 35/.. – very fine frosty day –

#anne lister code breaker #1833 #mariana lawton #ann walker

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teesfortims · 4 years

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‘Confident’ Chairman Set For Celtic Go-Ahead

Ross County chairman, Roy MacGregor has said that he is confident that fans will be allowed in for next weekend’s clash against the Scottish Champions.

The Highland club have said they are just waiting to be given the go-ahead in order to allow around 500 fans in the Global Energy Stadium.

This game is expected to be one of three trial events to take place next week.

As reported Ross-Shire Journal

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theknittingchap · 4 years

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Ross-shire staff chip in to success of University of the Highlands and Islands charity cash boost for Mikeysline - RossShire Journal https://t.co/K7bmEoF6ZL pic.twitter.com/MiUxaHYpEJ

— The Knitting Chap (@theknittingchap) February 16, 2020

#theknittingchap #Knitting #Yarn Bombing #Fashion

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seemabtechno · 5 years

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· Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser

· Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser

· Arbroath Herald

· Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald

· Argyllshire Advertiser

· Arran Banner

· Ayr Advertiser

· Ayrshire Post

· Banffshire Journal

· Barrhead News

· Bellshill Speaker

· Blairgowrie Advertiser

· Border Telegraph

· Brechin Advertiser

· Buchan Observer

· Buteman

· Caithness Courier

· Campbeltown Courier

· Carluke Gazette

· Carrick Gazette

· Clydebank Post

· Cumbernauld News

· Cumnock Chronicle

· Daily Record

· Deeside Piper and Herald

· Donside Piper and Herald

· Dumbarton and Vale of Leven

· Dumfries and Galloway Standard

· Dundee Messenger

· Dunferline Press

· Dunoon Observer

· East Kilbride News

· East Lothian Courier

· East Lothian News

· Evening Express

· Evening Telegraph

· Evening Times

· Fife Herald

· Forfar Dispatch

· Forres Gazette

· Fraserburgh Herald

· Galloway Gazette

· Greenock Telegraph

· Guide and Gazette

· Hamilton Advertiser

· Hawick News

· Helensburgh Advertiser

· Highland News

· Ileach

· Inverness Courier

· Inverurie Herald

· Irvine Herald

· Irvine Times

· Jewish Telegraph

· John O'Groat Journal

· Kilmarnock Standard

· Kincardineshire Observer

· Kirkintilloch Herald

· Kirriemuir Herald

· Lanark Gazette

· Largs and Millport Weekly News

· Lennox Herald

· Linlithgow Gazette

· Lochaber News

· Mearns Leader

· Midlothian Advertiser

· Milngavie Herald

· Motherwell Times

· North East Weekly

· Northern Scot

· Northern Times

· Oban Times

· Paisley Daily Express

· Peeblesshire News

· Perthshire Advertiser

· Press

· Reporter

· Ross Shire Journal

· Rutherglen Reformer

· Scotsman

· Selkirk Weekend Advertiser

· Shetland News

· Shetland Times

· Southern Reporter

· Stanraer and Wigtownshire Free

· Stirling Observer

· Stornoway Gazette

· Strathearn Herald

· Strathspey and Badenoch Herald

· Student

· Sunday Herald

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· The Courier

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· The Scotsman

· West Highland Free Press

· West Lothian Courier

· Wishaw Press

· Wreckered

#IFTTT #Blogger

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