ALIVE AND CLICKING
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Kaitlin helps young Gaels breathe new life into language on Instagram
That’s why one of the most celebrated categories at this year’s Daily Record and Bòrd na Gàidhlig Scottish Gaelic Awards is Young Gaelic Ambassador of the Year.
Among the nominees is Kaitlin MacPherson, who has created Instagram page cabadaichlekait to allow herself and others to use Gaelic more frequently.
Not only has Kaitlin created Gaelic social media for people’s timelines, she’s created a space where Gaelic speakers can contribute without feeling judged on grammar or correctness.
This has helped many young people grow in confidence. Kaitlin said:
“Gaelic is important to me as it helps me connect with people in a different way.
“The reason I set up my Instagram page was to show others that Gaelic can be used in any setting, and not just have an educational purpose.
“My main aim is to make everyone comfortable in using the language whatever level they are at without feeling disheartened.”
Fellow nominee Katie Macfarlane’s passion stemmed from having a Gaelic speaking grandfatherwithNorthUistgrandfatherwithNorthUist and Tiree roots.
Attending Fèis Tir an Eorna from the age of six and Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir, the events co-ordinator for Urachadh Uibhist in North Uist is studying Gaelic and Spanish at Glasgow University.
She said: “It always felt like a natural step to me to learn Gaelic as my Papa was a native speaker.”
Lilidh Campbell grew up on Skye and is studying to be a Gaelic primary teacher at Sabhal Mor Ostaig.
She works part-time at Fàs Mòr and took on a babysitting job during the pandemic, looking after children who speak Gaelic.