| Gaelic is the indigenous language of
the Highlands and Islands and was once the language
of most of Scotland. It is undergoing a revival, amongst
adults and in the Primary School. Courses and information
are available at SABHAL MOR OSTAIG, the Gaelic College.
To give you a taste, here is a Gaelic 'Welcome to Sleat'.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is pronounced 'Sol More Ostaig'
Failte gu Slèite
Tha Slèite suidhichte aig ceann-a-deas an eilein
inntinnich seo, ann an cearnaidh a tha bog, gorm is
meath 's e loma-lan chraobhan: Lios an Eilein Sgitheanaich.
Anns an fhichead bhliadhna mu dheireadh tha beothachadh
smuainteanach as ùr air tighinn air beath' an
t-sluaigh, a tha stèidhte air an leasachadh a
chaidh a dhèanamh air oighreachd Gaidhealtachd
dhan lath'-an-diugh ann an Eilean Iarmain, air a cholaisde
Ghàidhlig, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is air gniomhachas
mòr turasachd ann an Armadal. Ann a chuir iad
ri inbhe Shlèite, a tha nis na àite beothail,
tarraingeach is bòidheach airson fuireach no
tadhal, far am faighear blasad dha-rìribh air
coimhearsnachd Gaidhealtachd ag obair.
|
Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the
Isles is set in the heart of a 20,000 acre estate. This
estate, once part of the traditional lands of Macdonald
of Sleat was purchased by the Clan Donald Lands Trust
in 1971.
The Trust has restored the gardens and part of the castle,
created the Museum of the Isles, founded a Study Centre,
built holiday accommodation and established a Visitor
Centre that appeals to groups of all ages. There is also
a licensed restaurant and shop which has mail order facilities.
The Centre also invites membership of the Clan Donald
Trust. Disabled visitors will find the Centre accessible.
There is always something happening at the Centre throughout
the year. |
What's Going On? - Dè tha dol?
There is so much going on in and around Sleat that its
the case that you need to know what’s on in advance
in order to choose your preferred event. Typically performing
arts events of all sorts are organised in south Skye
throughout the year but the highlight of the year is
Feis an Eilein. It is the main event in the summer and
up to the minute information on what’s on can
be found by clicking HERE
The main venue is Arainn Chaluim Chille, at the Gaelic
College.
Full details and tickets are available for most events
from SEALL arts, Tel 01471 844207 or e-mail dm@cali.co.uk
or write to SEALL, Ostaig House, Teangue, Isle of Skye
IV44 8RQ.
Week-long courses in Gaelic, Fiddle, Dance, Bagpipes,
Clarsach, and Singing at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig -
Short Courses Administrator, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig,
Sleat, Skye Tel 01471 844373
Art and sculpture exhibitions at Talla Dearg Gallery,
Isleornsay, and other venues, during the summer.
Look out for ceilidhs, village hall dances, theatre,
folk and classical music, musicians in hotel bars, children's
events, walks, talks, and courses throughout the year.
Obtain full details from the above contacts, on the
Internet, from posters, The West Highland Free Press
and Tourist Information Centres.
|
Crofting is a way
of life, not just a small-scale agricultural system.
Each crofter lives in a croft-house, on a 5-10 acre
croft, usually rented at a nominal fee from a landlord,
with grazing rights over communal lands. Crofting is
intimately connected to the Highland language, culture,
history and social way of life. This age old way of
living is thriving in the north west of Scotland with
more and more people appreciating the value of a lifestyle
that provides more than just a wage for living.
You will see peats in piles by the road. This is the
black top layer of moorland that has been carefully
cut, raised and stacked as winter fuel for burning in
the croft-house. It is symbolic of the careful planning
and hard work that goes into surviving the harsh Scottish
winters. There are two heats from the peats; one when
you cast or cut them and the second when they burn in
the grate.
You can learn more about the crofting way of life at
the Scottish Crofting Foundation web site by clicking
HERE |
