Gairloch’s ‘exceptional’ resource to be tapped by Gaelic learners
GAELIC learners in a Wester Ross community are being encouraged to tap an “exceptional” resource on their doorstep.
Gairloch Museum has received a £7250 grant from Bòrd na Gàidhlig's Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd scheme to launch a weekly conversation group over the next two years.
The initiative, starting this month, reflects the museum’s commitment to promoting and preserving the Gaelic language within the local community and beyond.
The grant will facilitate a series of engaging conversation sessions aimed at both fluent speakers and learners of all ages.
By creating a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environment, Gairloch Museum seeks to enhance Gaelic language skills and cultural appreciation among participants.
A spokeswoman said: “School pupils are especially welcome to join, as we aim to provide students with the opportunity to speak Gaelic outside the classroom.”
Museum curator, Corinna Annetts, said: "This funding is a significant step in our ongoing Gaelic development. We aim to make Gaelic an integral part of the museum's daily life, not only through our exhibitions and interpretation but also as a living, vibrant element of our community interactions."
The museum's extensive Gaelic collections, described as “exceptional from a Scottish museum point of view,” will serve as valuable resources for the conversation group.
These collections include a significant archive of Gaelic literature, oral recordings, local folklore, and detailed information about local place names.
The wealth of materials collected by the late Dr. Roy Wentworth and others provide a deep connection to the region's Gaelic heritage, offering unique opportunities for immersive learning and cultural engagement.
Anna MacQuarrie, Gaelic development officer, who is working with Gairloch Museum, the Applecross Heritage Centre, West Highland Museum and the Highland Museum of Childhood in Strathpeffer to help these museums increase and promote the use of Gaelic language, added: "Gairloch Museum's collections are a fantastic reflection of Gaelic culture.
“This Cearcall Còmhraidh will give local residents the opportunity to hear, learn and use Gaelic, with an eye to the history and heritage of Wester Ross. What a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and build understanding of Gaelic.”
The first session will take place on Friday, August 23, between 12.30pm–2.30pm. And thereafter at 2pm on Fridays during school term time.
The museum invites the community to participate in these weekly conversation sessions “and look forward to seeing the positive impact of increased Gaelic use and visibility at the museum”.
For more information and to join the conversation group, visit the website or contact curator@gairlochmuseum.org.
