Arts: High drama as £115,000 for new production

New funding has been announced in support of Gaelic drama development as the Royal National Mod marks literacy day.

Bord na Gaidhlig announced that they are putting £115,000 to support a new production which will tour venues across Scotland.

The Mod marked the traditional literacy day yesterday with competitions in drama, poetry and storytelling across various venues in Stornoway.

Bord na Gaidhlig will now go out to tender to create the new piece.

Bord na Gaidhlig director of language planning and community developments, David Boag, said: “Bord na Gaidhlig recognises the valuable part that the arts play in raising the profile of Gaelic across Scotland, while providing Gaelic speakers with a valuable opportunity to use the language.

“The primary aim of this project is to produce a professional Gaelic drama that will tour communities across Scotland, whilst at the same time offering on-the-job career development opportunities for those interested in working in the sector.

“We expect that local community groups and school pupils will benefit from workshops associated with the touring production.”

The Gaelic Books Council also announced yesterday that it is seeking two unpublished writers to take part in the Gaelic New Writers Awards 2017.

Through the programme, two new Gaelic writers will each receive grants of £2,000 and expert advice regarding their work.