We grow each year
List of outstanding finalists shows the traditional language is experiencing a welcome resurgence
THE finalists have been announced for this year’s Daily Record and Bòrd na Gàidhlig Scottish Gaelic awards.
The awards pay tribute to all aspects of Gaelic culture, education and language. And the winners will be revealed on Wednesday, November 14, in Glasgow.
One of the finalists in the Event category is Nicola McNicol, who completed the Gaelic Language Learning teacher-training course. She enjoyed teaching Gaelic so much that she contacted early years centres in South Ayrshire in a bid to try to expand the language.
Nicola went on to deliver Gaelic sessions to eight early year centres in 10 weeks.
Her sessions were so well-received that she organised a Gaelic showcase and invited the centres and other local schools who had experience of Gaelic.
The showcase was a wonderful celebration of how the language is growing in South Ayrshire.
Nicola said: “I am delighted to be nominated for this award. Expanding the Gaelic language
throughout South Ayrshire has been a privilege and a joy.
“The children have embraced the language and enjoyed showcasing their new abilities.”
All finalists for the event were selected by judges Mairi Kidd, interim head of literature, languages and publishing at Creative Scotland, Murchadh Moireasdan and Shona NicIllinnein, of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Daily Record’s Torcuil Crichton, Kate Forbes MSP and judges’ chair Cathy MacDonald.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig chief executive Shona MacLennan said: “We were delighted with the variety, number and quality of the nominations, which show the Scottish Gaelic awards continue to grow each year.
“The awards help to recognise the work that various individuals and organisations do to support and develop Gaelic and bring their activities to the attention of national audiences.” Cathy said: “It’s rewarding and humbling to hear some of the work that’s done at grassroots level, especially when it comes to promoting the language and helping learners with resources and support.
“It’s also encouraging to see some of the organisations on the list of nominees that have grown in both size and success.”
Gaelic trio Arthur Cormack, Ingrid Henderson and Iain MacFarlane and Gaelic band Inyal will provide entertainment at the awards ceremony.
Cathy added: “Gaelic is certainly experiencing a resurgence that feels particularly strong amongst the younger generation.
“The internet and social media make it easier for people from all over the world with an interest in Gaelic to access language courses online.”