Following on from the success of the last successful two years of "Gaelic on Board", Comunn na Gàidhlig are once again running this innovative project again. This project, which is being run in partnership with Caledonian Macbrayne, will provide information on the Gaelic language and culture to passengers on Calmac ferries. This innovative project is taking place on the MVs ‘Isle of Lewis’, ‘Clansman’, 'Lord of the Isles' and ‘ Hebrides’.

Archie Maclean, Chief Executive of Comunn na Gàidhlig, said “CnaG are delighted to be able to run this project again this year. Last year’s information sessions were well attended by people from a variety of different countries throughout the world and we are confident that this year’s sessions will likewise be successful. These sessions will be starting this week and will be available throughout the summer months. The aim of each session is to provide those in attendance with a Gaelic taster and prepare them in advance for what they will see and hear while they are in the Islands. We also hope that they will encourage people to take up an interest in the language and ultimately learn it. Information about events related to Gaelic at each destination will also be given.”

The sessions will give those in attendance the opportunity to discover more about the language in bygone centuries and also its current state. As well as this, they will get the opportunity to learn some basic Gaelic and will be given information on the cultural events taking place throughout the islands this summer. Each session will conclude with some Gaelic song or music provided by the Information Officer coupled with the opportunity to ask questions related to any aspect of the Gaelic language.

Hugh Dan MacLennan, CalMac’s Head of Communication and Customer Care, said “We are pleased to once again be able to provide Comunn na Gàidhlig with the opportunity to proceed with this scheme. The last two year’s sessions have been a great success and I’m certain that the passengers who were present benefited greatly as a result. A project such as this adds significantly to the overall service that we provide to our passengers and we are hopeful that it can be continued and further developed in the future.”

ENDS

INFORMATION FOR EDITORS

• This is the third year that "Gaelic on Board" has been run.

• The following officers will be providing the sessions:

• Colin S Morrison: Stornoway – Ullapool

• Rona Wilkie: Oban – Tiree/Coll and Colonsay

• John-Angus Mackinnon: Tiree – Castlebay

• Darren MacIlleathain: Uig – Lochmaddy - Tarbert

This project is supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Highlands & Islands Enterprise Fort further information on this project, please contact Donald Morris, Comunn na Gàidhlig, on 01463 234138 or Hugh Dan Maclennan, Calmac, on 07764 354021.