Gaelic festival reveals events happening in Lewis and Harris
Details of some of the plans for LUACH, a new Gaelicmedium festival on April 3 and 4, have been revealed by organisers.
The festival is being organised by a number of community groups across Lewis and Harris with support from e-Sgoil, a digital learning platform.
Among those taking part will be Dr Alasdair Whyte, Gaelic Ambassador of the Year; Linda MacLeod with ‘Leugh is Seinn le Linda’ (reading and singing sessions for children and their parents); Spòrs Gàidhlig which will be providing outdoor activities; and the festival will be brought to a close by Trail West in Stornoway Town Hall on Saturday April 4.
Jenna Morrison, CnaG officer in Harris, explained: ‘It is important that young people get opportunities to use Gaelic outside the school system and in the community, so that they gain confidence in speaking the language in different situations.’
For the inaugural event, LUACH will focus on different areas in Lewis and Harris but organisers are already working on plans to stage events in communities throughout the Western Isles in 2021.
LUACH has received support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Scottish Government,
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and An Lanntair as well as community groups such as Galson Estate Trust, Bragar and Arnol Community Trust and Comann Eachdraidh Sgìre a’ Bhac.
Shona MacLennan, CEO of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: ‘LUACH will contribute to the main aim of the National Gaelic Language Plan: that Gaelic is used more often, by more people in a wider range of situation.
‘We wish the festival organisers every success with their programme of events which will be attractive to Gaelicspeakers in the islands and from across the country.’
Further information can be found on Facebook @ LUACHnaGaidhlig, by contacting groups involved or emailing mbyrne1u@gnes.net