Youngsters combine their talents for Gaelic comic

Young people from four island communities in Argyll and Bute have joined forces to create a unique Gaelic comic book celebrating the area’s culture and heritage.

Na Gaisgich was written by Primary seven pupils from Islay, Jura, Mull and Tiree as part of a transition project before secondary school.

They were all learning Gaelic at school and were able to create the comic with Scottish Government funding.

After some deliberation, the pupils decided to base the book on folklore and fables from their islands, and the ideas helped form the final product.

Social enterprise company Magic Torch Comics, visited each of the islands involved to deliver workshops that enabled the children to adapt their stories, characters, illustrations and plots into comic strips.

Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “The comic book looks great. I particularly

“Tales from the area that could otherwise get lost”

like the way it has been created with both Gaelic and English translations, enabling everyone to enjoy it.

“The children have written the stories in a way that really captures the readers’ attention, while celebrating their heritage.

“They are an extremely talented bunch and I’m sure they will go far.”

Councillor Robin Currie, the council’s policy lead for Gaelic, added: “It’s very encouraging to see young people using their initiative in projects like this.

“Not only are they promoting the Gaelic language to a younger audience, but they are also helping preserve tales from the area that could otherwise get lost over the years.”

The comic can be viewed on the council’s website.