Glasgow Letter

I had a great night at the FilmG awards last Thursday in the Old Fruitmarket where there were some really fantastic films on display.

This was especially true of the junior competitions where the level of Gaelic (not to mention standard of plot, characterisation, and often humour) was simply astounding.

It was the 15th anniversary of the awards and the films on display were testament to its success over the years.

Niall Iain MacDonald and Fiona Mackenzie steered the evening expertly as always with many great laughs throughout the night – particularly when Niall Iain speculated that Alasdair Allan MSP had been updating his CV backstage rather than his speech! After which Alasdair graciously laughed and confirmed he would not be standing for the SNP leadership. The following Saturday night, I unfortunately missed the Mull and Iona Gathering concert but very much enjoyed the dance with the Alan Gardiner band.

Added to my What’s On section this week are two Gaelic choral concerts. The first is tomorrow, Friday February 24, as the Glasgow Islay Gaelic choir are at Bearsden Hub for their first annual concert since the global pandemic. Under the baton of Kirsteen Grant, the choir (to quote their own Facebook page) have been “rehearsing their socks off”, so I am sure it will be a fantastic night. The conductor of Govan Gaelic Choir, Kathryn Callander, will be putting choral rivalries aside to act as Bean-an-taighe for the evening and special guests are Tanya Dunford and Islay Rae performing fiddle duets. Tickets are £10, cash or cheque only, and available from choir members or at the door on the night.

The second upcoming choral concert is that of the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association, the GG’s, conducted by Kenny Thompson, which will take place on Friday March 10 in Kingsborough Gardens Sanctuary, formerly Hyndland Parish Church. This venue has been playing host to a number of Gaelic events recently and it really is a beautiful place to sing.

Amazingly, and to the great credit of the choir, the event is free and donations are encouraged to the worthy Glasgow charity, Refuweegee.

The observant among you will notice another subtle change in the What’s On section from last week in relation to the Glasgow Skye Buntata ’s Sgadan supper, which has since become a Buntata ’s Rionnach supper.

If you turn up expecting herring, you will be served instead with mackerel – a timely reminder of the importance of buying your Oban Times each and every week.

Entertainment will be by singer, Alison Macrae, and box player, Charlie Kirkpatrick.