Experts to give free lecture on Gaelic writing and publishing
A well-known Gaelic writer and the director of the Gaelic Books Council will give a free talk on Gaelic writing and publishing in Benbecula this month.
Catriona Lexy Campbell, a published novelist and poet from Lewis, will join Rosemary Ward from the Gaelic Books Council (Comhairle nan Leabhraichean) to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with Gaelic writing and publishing. Topics will include getting started on a book, how to approach publishers, the publication process and digital developments.
The talk, which will be delivered at Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula, later this month, is the last in a series of free Gaelic lectures taking place this year. Organised by the University of the Highlands and Islands, the series marks the 60th anniversary of Lews Castle College UHI, a partner of the university.
Based on the theme of Gaelic in modern life, the lectures recognise Gaelic as an integral part of Scotland’s heritage and national identity. Head of BBC ALBA, Margaret Mary Murray, spoke about Gaelic media in Glasgow in January and a lecture on Gaelic in education took place in Stornoway in May.
The talks also tie in with courses offered by the university, which include degrees in Gaelic language and culture; Gaelic with education; Gaelic and development and a higher education certificate in Gaelic and communication. All of these courses are offered through Lews Castle College UHI as well as Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, where Catriona Lexy Campbell is the current writer in residence.
Speaking about the lecture, Catriona Lexy Campbell said: “Through my work with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, I have had many opportunities to meet people who are interested in writing in Gaelic and I'm very happy to be taking part in this project and building on that experience. I'm sure it’ll be a great day.”
Rosemary Ward said: “I am delighted to have been asked to participate in this important series of lectures that highlight the contribution the media, education and literature and publishing have made to the revitalisation of Gaelic. I am particularly pleased to be invited to deliver the lecture in Benbecula in front of a ‘home’ audience having, myself, been brought up and educated in South Uist.
“Comhairle nan Leabhraichean is committed to increasing the number, range and quality of Gaelic publications and our development strategy focuses on supporting Gaelic authors, editors and publishers to produce accessible, new and exciting Gaelic books. The upsurge in digital developments presents challenges and opportunities for us in our efforts to address the demands of readers to have Gaelic literature available in a variety of formats.”
James Fraser, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, welcomed the lecture, saying: “We are delighted that Rosemary Ward and Catriona Lexy Campbell are speaking about Gaelic writing and publishing as part of this lecture series and that they are doing so in Benbecula. The University of the Highlands and Islands is spread across the Gàidhealtachd and, through Lews Castle UHI, offers a number of important programmes in music and art in Uist and Benbecula. Adding this lecture to the other activities underlines our commitment to the whole of our region.”
The Gaelic writing and publishing talk will take place from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesday 19 June at Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula. The lecture will be delivered in Gaelic and simultaneous interpretation into English will be available through headphones. To book a FREE place, contact the university’s events team on 01463 279 344 or at events@uhi.ac.uk