An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Gaidheal > Volume 26, October 1930--September 1931

62
AN GAlDHEAL.
Am Faoiiteach, 193i.
araidh an Inbhirpheotharain. Sin fear do’n
aithne a dheadh riin a chur an gniomh—buaidh
is piseacb air.
Is ann air Iain MacGille-na-Brataich a thuit
taing a tboirt do’n luchd-ealdhain a thug
dhuinn na h-uiread fearas-chuideachd agus
toileachas-inntinn, gun di-chuimhne air an
fheadhainn a chuir rian air gach ni a chum
agus gu’m biodh oidhche shoirbheachail aig
a’ Chloinn—ar deadh chairdean Niall agus
Eoghano. Is aithne dhuibh Fear na Brataich,
b’e fhein an gaisgeach a dhol an ceann a leithid
a dh’oraid. Thainig feasgar fior cheutach
gu crich le greim is cupan agus. “ Oidhche
Mhath Leibh.”
BRANCH REPORTS.
Aberfeldy.—At the opening meeting of the Aber-
feldy Branch Mr. Campbell MacAulay, Fortingall, read
a most interesting and informative lecture on the
meanderings of the Norwegians, and their influence
in Orkney, Shetland, and the Hebrides in early and
mediaeval times. Mr. A. Stewart presided, and a short
musical programme followed.
Bute.—A large audience welcomed Mr. John R.
Bannerman at the meeting of the Bute Branch. In
the course of his talk on “ Sop as gach seid,” Mr.
Bannerman deplored the decline in Gaelic literature
at the present time as compared with the past, though
Gaelic music on the other hand made marked progress
in recent years. The language itself suffered many
hardships in the past at the hands of the authorities,
but now, through the efforts of “ An Comunn ” it
was on a footing which had not been its lot for
years.
Connel.—The opening meeting of the Connel Branch
was a very happy and successful affair. A concert
programme was submitted, and the Rev. G. Gardiner
Smart presided. Tea was served during the evening
by the ladies committee.
Dumfries.—The Dumfries Branch has made con¬
siderable progress since its inception last year, and the
meeting in the local Y.M.C.A. attracted a large and
enthusiastic audience despite inclement weather.
The proceedings took the form of a concert which
was very much enjoyed and appreciated. At the
interval Mr. Urquhart referred to the Gaelic class
which is conducted under the auspices of the branch.
This class is being well attended, and the pupils are
making good progress.
Fort Augustus.—A nicely varied and highly en¬
joyable programme was exhausted at the opening
Ceilidh of the Fort Augustus Branch. Mr. A. M.
Carmichael, organiser for the Northern area, was
introduced to the audience, and in addition to delivering
a spirited address he contributed several songs to the
evening’s entertainment. Not the least interesting
feature of the proceedings was the list of Gaelic conun¬
drums given by Rev. Father Cyril von Dieckhoff,
O.S.B., the eminent Russian and Gaelic scholar. Rev.
Angus MacIntyre presided.
Gairloch.—The first Ceilidh of the recently con¬
stituted Branch was held in the Achtercairn School,
with the Rev. Donald MacLeod, president, as Chairman.
An excellent programme, vocal and instrumental, was
submitted, and thoroughly enjoyed. During the
evening a letter received from Lady Marjory MacKenzie
was read.
Glen Urquhart.—A commendable feature of the
work of the Glen Urquhart Branch is the very practical
interest taken in the teaching of Gaelic in the district.
A class has been instituted under the auspices of the
branch with the Rev. E. Macrury, M.A., and the Rev.
A. Boyd, M.A., as teachers. A large number of pupils
have enrolled, and it is hoped the youth of the Glen
will readily take advantage of this excellent opportunity
to further their knowledge of their native tongue.
Inveraray.—There was an excellent blend of
business and pleasure at the opening meeting of the
Inveraray Branch. Several items held over from the
business meeting were disposed of, and thereafter
tea was served which was followed by a short musical
programme.
Kingussie.—Under the auspices of the Inverness
County Education Committee, a weekly evening class
for the teaching of Gaelic has been commenced in the
Secondary School. Quite a number of pupils have
already taken advantage of the instruction by
Mr. Ronald MacLeod, M.A., Skye, and it is hoped
that several more will associate themselves with
the class.
Lewis.—The Lewis Branch has many friends, and
each is deeply interested in the work. At the monthly
meeting in the Masonic Hall, Stornoway, the attendance
constituted a record, the main hall being filled
to capacity. Mr. James Thomson, president,
occupied the chair, and extended a cordial
welcome to the audience. The programme was
arranged by Mr. John Maclver, and the usual excellency
was associated with his arrangements. It is hoped to
resuscitate the choir in order that they take part in
the National Mod proceedings at Dingwall.
Manchester.—At the meeting of the Manchester
Branch a most interesting and informative paper was
read, Mr. Iain Cameron dealing with the influence
of the Ceilidh on the life, customs, and language of the
Gael. With the march of time new changes were
being introduced, and these in many cases tended to
dispel the attraction and appeal of the Ceilidh which
can never again be the institution it was.
Newtonmore. The Newtonmore Branch was
visited by the Rev. Donald Lament, D.D., Blair
Atholl, who addressed the members. A programme
of vocal and instrumental music was afterwards sub¬
mitted. At the next meeting the proceedings included
a tattie and herring supper. Songs were also rendered
during the evening. The members of this branch are
most enthusiastic, and a large attendance is maintained
at all the meetings.
Rogart.—At a meeting in the Rogart Schoolhouse
it was considered desirable that the branch there should
be reconstituted, and office-bearers were appointed
to further the interests of An Comunn in the district.
It was also decided to give every assistance, moral
and financial to make the 1931 Mod at Dingwall a
success.
Tain.—The members of the Tain Branch spent a
very pleasant evening when the General Committee
entertained several of the lady members to high tea
in recognition of their valued service at all the Ceilidhs
held since the inception of the branch five years ago.
This happy function was held in the Balnagown Arms
Hotel, and after tribute had been paid to the ladies,
the company retired to the drawing room where the
remainder of the evening was spent enjoying a nicely
varied and entertaining musical programme.
Tobermory.—Sgeulachdan on local incidents, by
Mr. Angus Morrison; humorous Gaelic readings, by
Mr. John Cameron ; songs and instrumental items were
all features of the Ceilidh of the Tobermory Branch.
At the previous meeting Mr. George E. Marjoribanks
gave a most interesting Gaelic address on his life in
India.