Gaelic News
A bilingual newsletter, 'Cur is Fàs', is produced with support from the Gaelic Language and Culture Plan for the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey area see http://www.cnag.org.uk/cuairtlitir.php
Culture
Gaelic traditions form the roots for much of the cultural heritage of Inverness, in language, music and song. The city remains one of the key locations for the annual Royal National Mod, a competitive cultural and linguistic event held every October and which moves around a circuit of Scottish towns. Inverness has its own local Mod which, along with non-competitive Fèisan (cultural and linguistic festivals), provide an ideal opportunity to see and hear some of the best of Highland and Gaelic music and song.
Language
Gaelic language plays a very important role in the life of modern Inverness. Many of the place names in and around the city are in Gaelic or are derived from the Gaelic language. Some are of ancient Pictish origin. Inbhir Nis (Inverness) means Mouth of the River Ness. Tom aiteann (Tomatin) means juniper hillock. Tom na h-lubhraich(Tomnahurich) hill-top cemetery close to the canal means Hill of the yew trees. You can still hear Gaelic spoken around our city.
Try a little-
Ciamar a tha thu? (Pronounced - keemara has oo) means - How are you?
Tha mi ag iarraidh (Pronounced - ha me uk ee uray) means I want.
Drama (Pronounced drama) - means a dram(whisky).
Biadh (Pronounced beeudh) - means food.
For more information, a number of Gaelic organisations are based in Inverness and can tell you more about the traditional language and culture of the Highlands. The following may be of assistance:
- www.bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk
- www.cnag.org.uk
- www.ancomunn.co.uk
- www.inbhirnis.org
- www.cli.org.uk/cgi-bin/main
- www.gsi.org.uk/index.htm
Tell everyone about inbhir nis 'Cathair Bhaile na Gaidhealtachd' (Inverness, the City in the Highlands).
