Comunn Gàidhlig Inbhir Nis

Celebrated Scottish folklorist, historian and Gaelic singer Margaret Bennett will be warning local Ross-shire residents about the dangers of not passing on traditions, stories and songs to the next generation, at  a social evening in the Gaelic centre, An t-Oisean, in Evanton tomorrow night. Entitled “Bhon chaill mi a’ Ghàidhlig na b’ fheàrr cha d’ fhuair mi” (Handing on Tradition across the Generations), the evening promises to be an occasion of little heard words and music, coupled with a strong message of how to ensure that  the youth of today will retain a valuable sense of their own heritage.

Centre coordinator Fiona Mackenzie, said:

“We are absolutely delighted and extremely honoured to have Margaret  coming to visit us here in Evanton. She is one of the world’s most respected Scottish folklorists and is full of stories and songs of our forefathers, from all parts of Scotland. To entice her to come so far North is a great achievement in itself.  Her presentation is sure to keep us enthralled as well as prove immensely educational and interesting.”

The evening will include audio and visual clips gathered by Margaret from various parts of the world, of the people who have left Scotland for shores overseas and showing their importance to us today.

Margaret explained the motivation behind the creation of her presentation by saying:

“I’d like to use the example of emigrants who left the Isle of Canna and Moidart in particular,  in the early 1800s — some are related to the famous Glenuig pipers, Allan, Ian and Angus.

“I’ve got recordings of four generations of the one family (the fourth being and example of what happens if you don’t keep the language going) I’ll  be playing selections to illustrate their ‘story of emigration’ Those interested in the songs in particular will also have the opportunity to learn some of them.”

Ms Bennett’s presentation will be held at An t-Oisean Gaelic Community Centre (Cornerstone), in Evanton, on Friday March 11th at 7pm.  For more information, telephone 01349 864156, or visit the An t-Oisean Gaelic Community Centre website.

Margaret and Fiona are both members of the Gaelic Society of Inverness and would be delighted to see some other members in Evanton tomorrow night.