Still learning Gaelic in my nineties
It was really encouraging to read in the Banner (February 22) about Feis Arainn and the Gaelic fun day. I do wish them every success.
I retired to Arran in the early ’90s after a career spent mainly in the Scottish new towns (not Gaelic speaking areas). I was curious about Gaelic and within a month of living here went to an open day on the island led by Dr Richard Cox of Aberdeen University.
A beginners’ evening course was then set up in the old high school. A very enthusiastic retired Doctor Robin Whitla, sadly no longer with us, stepped in as teacher. After the classes we would adjourn to a local hostelry and attempt to continue our conversations in Gaelic, prompting other customers to ask if we were Russian spies and was that our submarine in Lamlash Bay?
It was very satisfying to pronounce the Gaelic names of Arran’s mountains and to know what they meant. Gaelic isn’t just a language, it can give you an insight into the lives of our forebears on the island and what was important to them.
Although events forced our return to the mainland, I am still learning more about the Gaelic language and culture. Another good Arran friend, the late John Roberts of Brodick, suggested an annual visit to Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the Gaelic College on Skye, where residential one-week courses are available for all levels of achievement.
And, yes, I did have a Gaelic birthday cake for my 90th birthday ... with a happy birthday to you in Gaelic. Soirbheachchadh dhan feis.
Yours, David Hilton, Portobello.