Gaelic at XpoNorth

The Gaelic language is an exceptionally important part of the culture and creativity of the Highlands and Islands, and has a significant economic impact, particularly through, music and media. Gaelic might be a minority language, but it has an enormous international appeal. This is the subject of several sessions at XpoNorth - 27th and 28th June, in Inverness.

Gaelic, at one time spoken in most of Scotland, has been under pressure from English, as well as historical political and economic pressures. However, in recent years there has been a signficant upsurge in interest in the language. Gaelic medium education is ensuring there are new generations of Gaelic speakers, increased Gaelic content on television and online are driving interest in the language, and the international profile of Gaelic musicians and performers demonstrate that interest is not restricted to Scotland. All in all, Gaelic is not just an historical artefact, but a thriving contemporary language, that offers unique opportunities for the future.

In The Gaelic Angle we will hear from multi-award winning singer and musician Julie Fowlis; Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at MG ALBA and Agnes Rennie, Manager at Acair Publishing in Stornoway and who is also Chair of the community-owned Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn in the North West Of Lewis. The session will centre around the challenges facing the Gaelic sector and the subject of what makes the Gaelic language and culture so alluring to many around the world. This session is in Gaelic with simultaneous translation. Wednesday 27 June @ 10am in Eden Court – Free Entry

BBC ALBA: The Showcase, 10 years on will see Margaret Mary Murray, BBC ALBA Head of Service and Iseabail Mactaggart take a look back at the highlights of 10 years of the Gaelic channel which first began broadcasting in September 2008. BBC ALBA: The Showcase will take place at Eden Court on Thursday 28 June @ 11.15am – Free Entry

Brian O hEadhra, Gaelic Arts Officer with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland will chair Highland Cool (Thursday 28 June) which will look at the factors which make the Highlands and Islands an attractive creative destination and the challenges and benefits of operating a creative business in the Highlands and Islands. Thursday 28 June @10am, Eden Court – Free Entry

?The team from BBC Radio nan Gàidheal’s Rapal music programme will also be recording various performances for future broadcast while the gaelic voice of sport in Scotland, presenter Derek Murray, will be on a panel looking at Scotland’s Radio Sector

Full details of XpoNorth 2018 are available on www.xponorth.co.uk