An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Deo-gréine > Volume 17, October 1921 to September 1922

AN DE6-GRS1INE.
Ill
BRANCH REPORTS.
Killin’.—The Rev. A. MacDiarmid, U.F. Manse,
Morven, delivered a lecture in Gaelic to the Killin
Branch of An Comunn Gaidhealach on Wednesday,
8th March. The subject was “The Gaelic Litera¬
ture of Perthshire,” and it was treated in an
exceedingly interesting and able way. The
lecturer is a native of Lochtay-side, and the
members were delighted to hear Breadalbane
Gaelic at its best. The Rev. G. W. MacKay
presided, and introduced the lecturer, and the Rev.
Mr. MacGregor proposed a hearty vote of thanks.
Ardlussa (Jura).—This Branch of An Comunn
held another Ceilidh recently. The Gaelic sketch,
“An Gaol a Bheir Buaidh,” was splendidly per¬
formed by members of the Branch, and gave the
keenest pleasure to all present, some of whom had
witnessed this now popular form of entertainment
for the first time. Gaelic songs were rendered and
tea served at an interval in a varied programme.
Mr. Neil MacKechnie, sen., president, presided.
Pennyghael (Mull).—This newly formed Branch
has held two meetings on 27th February and 10th
March. These take the form of a Ceilidh with
Gaelic readings, songs, stories, and bagpipe music.
One more Ceilidh is being arranged for before the
end of the session. Brigadier-General Cheape of
Tiroran is president of the Branch.
Torloisk.—Although the President and Secretary
of An Comunn while touring Mull were unable,
on account of the heavy snowfall, to meet the
people of this district as arranged, their desired
object has been attained, and the Branch has now
been revived. At a meeting held recently the
office-bearers were appointed, with Mr. Lachlan
MacLean as president and Mrs. Campbell, Fanmore
School, as secretary.
Benderloch.—The local Branch of An Comunn
held its second gathering of the session in the hall
on the 3rd March. The President, Rev. J. A.
MacCormick, B.D., presided, supported by Rev. D.
M. Camron, Col. R. C. Campbell Preston and Mrs.
Campbell Preston. A party from Oban, assisted by
Mr. MacDonald, Duror, sustained a high-class
programme of Gaelic song. The Gaelic play,
“Reiteach Moraig,” was performed by members of
the branch, and delighted the large audience. The
proceeds were in aid of the West Highland Cottage
Hospital, and a handsome sum has been forwarded
to the treasurer of the hospital fund.
Ardrishaig.—A very successful Ceilidh was
held in the Public Hall on Monday, 13th ult. A
large number of enthusiasts were present, and Mr.
Archd. Campbell, the president, extended a ceud
mile failte to the members and their friends. In
reviewing the work done since the opening of the
Branch, the President said it was too soon to boast,
but expressed himself as well pleased with the
progress made. By working shoulder to shoulder
success was assured. The object of the Ceilidh was
to raise funds in aid of the Provincial Mod to be
held at Lochgilphead on 27th June. Tea was
served by a committee of ladies and gentlemen, and
was, as is usual in the Highlands, a “tlachdmhor”
spread. During the evening songs and violin
selections were given by Miss MacBrayne, Mr. and
Mrs. Malcolm, Messrs. Stewart, Grinlaw, Miss
Shaw and Mr. Gillies, and Masters A. Ferguson,
D. Ferguson, P. Campbell, J. Campbell, and
Crawford MacAlpine. Rev. E. M. Campbell
addressed the meeting, and moved a vote of thanks
to the singers and instrumentalists. Mr. Charles
M'Lean (in Gaelic) thanked all those who so gener¬
ously subscribed in cash and kind to make this
meeting an assured success. Mr. Ferguson moved
a vote of thanks to the ladies who made and served
the tea. Rev. E. M. Campbell thanked the Chair¬
man for presiding, and one of the happiest of
evenings closed with Oidhche mhath leibh beann-
achd leibh.
Knoydart, Inverie.—The Gaelic play, “Reiteach
Moraig,” was acted here last week, in the capacious
dancing hall, when all the actors did their parts
most creditably—so well, indeed, that it would be
invidious to make special mention of any. Morag’s
wedding was also admirably acted. The meetings
of An Comunn Gaidhealach being ended for this
season, a dance in connection with the above was
held in the hall. Gaelic songs were sung. Thanks
are due to Messrs. James Henderson, Dick Huggins,
Roddie Mackay, Simon Maclennan, and Duncan
Macdougall, for supplying the music. Tea arrange¬
ments were admirably carried out by Mrs.
Stewart, Home Farm.
Dervaig.—This Branch of the Comunn
Gaidhealach met in the Memorial Hall, and heard a
most interesting lecture from Rev. Mr. M‘Rae,
parish minister, on the origin and meaning of
quaint and peculiar Gaelic sayings and nick¬
names. There was a large attendance. Mr.
Macmillan, vice-president, was in the chair.
Thurso.—The membership of this Branch at
present numbers 60. Two ceilidhs and a lecture have
been held so far and have been well received. It
was a very great disappointment that .Mr. Roderick
MacLeod was unable to visit the Branch in January,
as was proposed at the commencement of the session ;
but it is hoped that he will be able to do so later on.
Dunoon.—The monthly meeting of the Dunoon
Branch was held on 10th February—Mr. Donald
MacDonald, M.A., president, in the chair. Mr.
Neil Shaw, General Secretary, delivered a very inter¬
esting and entertaining lecture on Highland music.
A splendid programme of songs and recitations was
carried through at the close of the lecture. The
company numbered about 200. Ex-Bailie Miller
proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer.
Rothesay.—Mr. Peter MacDougall Pullar,
Glasgow, gave a lime lecture on a trip to Norway
to the members of this Branch on 17th February.
There was a large attendance, and the lecture was
greatly enjoyed. A programme of Gaelic songs and
pipe music followed.
Duror.—The Schoolroom was filled at a Gaelic
concert, under the auspices of An Oomuun
Gaidhealach, on a recent evening, when Rev. D. C.
MacRae presided. In introducing the Secretary of
the Comunn, Mr. Neil Shaw, the chairman com¬
mended its work. Mr. Shaw followed on the same
lines, and spoke of the delight to be had by taking
a keen interest in the songs and literature of the
Gael. He greatly pleased the audience with his
rendering of several popular Gaelic songs. The
programme was also taken part in by Mrs.
MacLennan, Lagnaha ; Mr. Donald MacDonald, Mr.
Hugh MacTnnes, and Misses K. Cunningham and
MacNicol. Mrs. Chalmers presided at the piano.
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