CANNA BEAT IT
ISLANDER’S GAELIC SLOGANS CATCH EYE AWARD CATEGORIES
LEARNER AWARD To celebrate an outstanding contribution to the learning of Gaelic. This is open to individuals, groups and organisations that inspire the learning of Gaelic by devising new methods of teaching/learning or who create innovative learning. Sponsored by Creative Scotland For the most outstanding contribution to Gaelic culture. The award can cover, literature, poetry, music, visual art, drama, film or TV. For an event which best promotes and or supports the Gaelic language. of the Gaelic language either locally, nationally or internationally. This award is also open to those who may have broken new ground. For the individual, event, group or organisation that best promotes Gaelic abroad. For the practitioners, organisers or commentators with the best use of Gaelic in a sporting event or activity. For teachers, support staff, pupils/students, local authority or education group, which creates innovative ideas to support the delivery of Gaelic education. BY MAGGIE RITCHIE reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk QUIRKY T-shirts, mugs and badges with fun slogans can be found in any gift shop.
But those designed by Anna Rothach are unique – because they are in Gaelic.
Now she has been nominated in the Gaelic Awards for Graficanna, the company she runs from the tiny island of Canna.
Anna, who has been nominated for the Arts & Culture Award, said: “I’m extremely pleased – it’s nice to be recognised by the Gaelic community.”
Having studied and worked at Scotland’s Gaelic College, Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the Isle of Skye, she left to pursue her love of art and design by taking up further study in Glasgow. She launched Graficanna in 2012.
Anna sells her designs to people who live as far afield as Canada, where there are a large number of Gaelic speakers.
The 35-year-old, who designs album covers as well as posters, signs and logos for Gaelic organisations, said: “I’m delighted that my slogans are proving popular.
“I wanted to show how Gaelic can be cool and modern through my designs.”
Anna, who grew up in Corpach, near Fort William, was inspired to learn the language after singing in Gaelic at the Mod.
Her slogans include the well-known “slainte!” (cheers!) and “sgaoil an gaol” (spread the love), as well as children’s T-shirts that say “bodach beag” (wee man) and “caileag bheagh” (little lady).
Anna works in Canna’s cafe and her other jobs are with the coastguard and delivering the post.
She said: “I love living on Canna – there’s a nice bunch of people and everyone gets on.”
The awards take place on November 19 at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel, hosted by Cathy MacDonald. The closing date for nominations is September 25.