Alba - Scotland --------------- Contents 3.1: Scotland's name 3.2: Celtic background 3.3: Where can I get Gaelic books? 3.4: How can I learn Gaelic? 3.5: Where can I get Gaelic music and words to Gaelic tunes, info on Gaelic 3.6: Are there any files I can access for more information on Gaelic 3.7: Scottish music radio programmes 3.8: How can I get Gaelic TV/radio programmes 3.9: Info on Robert Burns 3.10: Info on cooking and haggis 3.11: Where can I get haggis? 3.12: Address to a Haggis - by Robbie Burns 3.13: What is the Scots language. Who do I contact for more info? 3.14: What Scottish Record labels are there 3.15: How do I find out about Folk events in Scotland which might be on? 3.16: When are the major Scottish folk festivals 3.17: Where's a good place to buy folk records? 3.18: How do I trace my Scottish ancestry? 3.19: Any Scottish songs on-line? 3.20: What's the number of the Scottish Tourist Board ? 3.21: Politics: Scotland and the UK/devolution/independence 3.22: When are Burns night and St Andrews Day. 3.23: How do I find out about Highland Games or Mods in my area. What is a Mod? 3.24: Information on Runrig 3.25: Information on Capercaillie 3.26: Scottish Cultural classes (music, singing, language, history etc) 3.27: Gaelic wedding blessing 3.28: Dalriada Celtic society BBS 3.29: The Gaelic for "Frequently Asked Questions" 3.30: Edinburgh Festival Fringe 3.31: Living Tradition. 3.32: Seeing Underground Edinburgh 3.33: Primary Literary figures 3.34: Scottish Guide books. 3.35: Primary folk music pubs 3.36: What is a Ceilidh 3.37: Best Scottish pubs 3.38: Scottish Kings 3.39: Attitudes towards Gaelic TV in Scotland 3.40: What does Craig's signature mean? 3.41: Where can I buy a kilt/Highland accessories 3.42: Scottish song books 3.43: Books for learning the fiddle 3.44: Whisky (whiskey) 3.45: The Scottish Youth Hostels Association 3.46: The Ramblers Association 3.47: Books for hillwalkers 3.48: What is a Munro/Corbett? 3.49: Legal questions 3.50: Gaelic festivals 3.51: Gaelic playgroups 3.52: Scotch 3.53: Plaid 3.54: Scottish URLs 3.55: alt.scottish.clans 3.56: Edinburgh Folk Festival 3.57: Postgraduate courses in Celtic Studies ##### 3.1 - Scotland's name ---------------------- Scotland gets it's name from the Scots, or Scotti who first arrived in Argyll in the late 3rd to mid 4th centuries AD. It was not until about 500AD that they built up a sizeable colony though. The Scots spoke Irish, not Scots. Scots is a Germanic language like English, described later. ##### 3.2: Celtic background ----------------------- It is incorrect to think of Scotland as a wholly Celtic country. Since the first millenium BC, Scotland has been a place of multiple languages and this tradition continues today. First of all it was Pictish and British; then Gaelic, Norse and Scots came and today it's English, Scots and Gaelic. Nearly all of Scotland was once Gaelic speaking except Orkney, Shetland and Caithness which had a variety of Norse until recent times and East Lothian which was settled by the Angles. Galloway had a Gaelic community which became separated from the Gaelic speaking Highlands and Gaelic was still in use until about the 17th century in Galloway. "Poets, scholars and writers in Lowland Scotland up until the 16th century readily acknowledged Gaelic to be the true and original Scottish language. For Walter Kennedy 'it suld be al trew Scottis mennis lede': ('Flyting with Dunbar' c.1500)" : section quoted from "Gaelic: a past and future prospect", Kenneth Mackinnon. Gaelic is a Celtic language, like Irish. Other notable reads include anything by the late Prof Kenneth Jackson, particularly "A Celtic Miscellany", any of John Prebble's books (ie "1000 years of Scottish History") or Nigel Tranter ("The Story of Scotland") ##### 3.3: Where can I get Gaelic books? ----------------------------------- The Gaelic Books Council stocks every Gaelic book in print including prose, peotry, songs, music, children's material etc. They have a catalogue. Address: An Comann Leabhraichean, The Gaelic books council, An Roinn Cheilteach, Dept of Celtic, Oilthigh Ghlaschu, University of Glasgow, Glaschu, G12 8QQ Glasgow G12 8QQ. tel: 041 339 8855 Note: All Gaelic addresses can be used fine provided the postcode is written. ##### 3.4: How can I learn Gaelic? ----------------------------- Join the Gaelic learners association. They can advise about books, learners near you, classes, correspondence courses etc. They are called Comann an Luchd-Ionnsachaidh. This is abbreviated to CLI and prounounced CLEE. Motto: "The voice of Gaelic Learners". CLI has members around the world. Address: 5 Caolshraid Mhicheil, Inbhir Nis, IV2 3HQ, Alba 5 Mitchell's Lane, Inverness, IV2 3HQ, Scotland Tel/Fax : 0463 711792 (+[44] 463 711792) Also join GAELIC-L, an e-mail list for all 3 Gaelics. Details elsewhere in this FAQ Suggestions for learners: Teach Yourself Gaelic (book,tape) author: Boyd Robertson. 16.99 pounds for both. ISBN 0-340-55925-X. Book alone is 7.99 (ISBN 0-340-55923-3) Speaking Our Language (workbooks, tapes, videos), published by Canan (email: canan@smo.ac.uk). Highly recommended for complete beginners and people with a year or so in evening classes. Everyday Gaelic (book) author: Morag McNeill (intermediate level) Gaidhlig Bheo: Correspondence course, run by The National Extension College, 18 Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge Tel: (0223) 316644 Fax: (0223) 313586 Gaelic/Highland/Music/Singing courses (1-2 weeks long) Sabhal Mor Ostaig, An Teanga, Sleite, Isle of Skye IV44 8RQ, Scotland tel: 04714 373 Email: gavin@smo.ac.uk (Sleite is pronounced "Slate") ##### 3.5: Where can I get Gaelic music and words to Gaelic tunes, info on Gaelic ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact An Comunn Gaidhealach, 109 Sraid na h-Eaglais, Inbhir Nis, IV1 1EY. They have a lot of Gaelic music and maintain a list of every Gaelic choir in Scotland. Currently the only Gaelic choirs outside Scotland are in London, Sydney and Vancouver. An Comunn also has an American branch (see international section of this FAQ at the end) ##### 3.6: Are there any files I can access for more information on Gaelic? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- See the Gaelic-L archives (link may not be up yet) http://yeats.ucs.csufresno.edu Or go back to the Gaelic Homepage http://sunsite.unc.edu/gaelic/gaelic.html ##### 3.7: Scottish music radio programmes ------------------------------------- In Scotland: Radio Scotland (MW= Medium Wave 810, FM = 92.4 to 94.7) Sat: 7-8pm Take the floor (FM,MW): 8-10pm "Travelling Folk" (FM,MW) 10-midnight: "Celtic Horizons" (FM,MW) (Fiona Ritchie) In the US: The Thistle and Shamrock. This is hosted by Fiona Ritchie. There is an on-line list of stations carrying this programme - ftp://celtic.stanford.edu/pub/thistle.list. The list is maintained by Pat Murphy (pmurphy@nrao.edu) and posted regularly to the rec.music.celtic group The T&S has a brochure that gives some background on Fiona Ritchie and the show, and includes information about their Newsletter, Playlists, and Souvenirs -- T-shirts, a pin, tankard and coasters. If you want this brochure, send a SASE to "The Thistle and Shamrock, P.O. Box 560646, Charlotte, NC 28256 (USA). ##### 3.8: How can I get Gaelic TV/radio programmes ---------------------------------------------- Gaelic Radio is on Radio Scotland Medium Wave (810) 9pm-10pm Mon-Fri This can be picked up throughout most of the UK, including as far south as London. Gaelic TV is on BBC Scotland. Scottish Television and Grampian Television. For details of times and programmes, see the Gaelic TV times "Suas!", publisher: The Gaelic Television Committee. contact: Suas!, 4 Acarsaid, Cidhe Sraid Chrombail, Steornabhagh, Eilean Leodhais PA87 2DF, Scotland. Tel: 0851 705550 Fax: 0851 706432 ##### 3.9: Info on Robert Burns -------------------------- Robert Burns, the National Bard of Scotland, was born in 1759, the son of an Ayrshire cottar. A cottar is a Scots word for a tenant occupying a cottage with or (from the late 18th century) without land attached to it or a married farmworker who has a cottage as part of his contract. The word dates from the 15th century. Anyway, back to Burns. He apparantly developed an early interest in literature. Between 1784 and 1788, whilst farm-labouring, he wrote much of his best poetry, including "Halloween", "The Cotter's Saturday Night" and the skilful satires "Death and Dr Hornbrook" and "Holy Willie's Prayer". In 1786 the "Kilmarnock" edition of Robert Burns' early poems was published, bringing with it fame and fortune, and the second edition, published by William Creech, brought him enough financial security to marry his mistress Jean Armour. The couple settled to a hard life in Ellisland with their four children, and to supplement their meagre income, Burns took a job as an excise man. From 1787, Burns concentrated on songwriting, making substantial contributions to James Johnson's "The Scots Musical Museum", including "Auld Lang Syne" and "A Red, Red Rose". In 1796, at the age of 37, he died, his health undermined by rheumatic fever. Most of the above was taken from a recommended book "The complete illustrated poems, songs and ballads of Robert Burns" 12pounds 95p. Published by Lomond Books, ISBN 1 85152 018 X. This is a reprint of a 1905 publication so the print is a bit strange and unfortunately there is no index and the contents aren't in alphabetical order. However, it is 650 A5 size pages (hardback) and was recently seen in bargain books for a mere 5 pounds! The picture most usually seen of Burns (but not the one on the Bank of Scotland five pound note) is from an engraving after a portrait by Alexander Nasmyth, 1787. Today, many thousands of Scots around the world celebrate Burns night on his birthday, 25th January. Burns night has even been commemorated in the Kremlin. Burns night consists of having a meal of tatties (mashed potatoes), neeps (turnips - not swede!) and haggis. Details of how to buy haggis are elsewhere in this FAQ. There is usually quite a bit of whisky drunk at these occasions too, particularly as Burns was a well known drinker (and womaniser). Usually a bloke makes a speech remembering Burns and how his thoughts and poems are timeless and as relevent today as they were when they were written. Then there's a "reply from the lassies" where it's usual to point out the other side of Burns and how he left many women broken hearted. Well, that's the general idea anyway, there's lots of variations. Probably Burns' most famous tune is Auld Lang Syne, however most people do not sing either the right words or the original tune. A lot of people erroneously insert the words "the sake of" in the chorus - this was not written by Burns. The tune is a bit confused too. Burns originally wrote the words to a tune which his publisher didn't like, so he then put the words to the tune which most people know. However, the second tune is also claimed by the Japanese!. The original tune is available on some recordings, including "The Winnowing" by The Cast and "File under Christmas" by Scotland's leading Clarsach (Harp) duo, Sileas (pronounced Shee-lis"). The old tune is rapidly gaining momentum however, and I have heard hundreds of people sing it in Edinburgh without difficulty. The old version of the tune is also in The Digital Tradition (see elsewhere for details). It is someting of a comment on the English-biased nature of Scottish education that Scotland has produced one of the world's greatest and best loved poets and yet he is hardly studied in his own country, most people studying Shakespeare at school. Shakespeare was obviously a world class bard as well, but isn't there room for Burns too? To hear some of Rabbie Burns' poetry read by a native of Prestwick, go to the Gaelic Homepage and look in the Scots section. ##### 3.10: Info on cooking and haggis --------------------------------- 2 recommended books: F. Marian McNeill - The Scots Kitchen, it's lore and recipies. A classic and as much a source of folklore and history as a culinary reference. First published in 1929. 300+ pages. Published by Grafton Books, 8 Grafton St, London, W1X 3LA. ISBN 0-586-20784-8. Grafton books is a division of Collins, Glasgow. Just about every recipie has a tale, saying, poem, song or bit of history printed with it (the occasional one in Gaelic; with translation). F. Marian MacNeill was a historian by profession. Another book, rather more contemporary (no stories etc but probably biased towards modern eating trends and it also has US-UK conversions). Scottish Cookery: Catherine Brown. ISBN 0-86267-248-1. Published by Richard Drew publishing, 6 Clairmont Gardens, Glasgow G3 7LW. Really good traditional stuff and well laid out. McNeill's book gives several recipies for haggis. The Traditional Cottage Recipe includes : "The large stomach bag of a sheep, the pluck (including heart, lights and liver), beef-suet, pin-head (coarse) oatmeal, onions, black pepper, salt, stock or gravy. Meg Dod's recipie includes "Sheep's pluck and paunch, beef-suet, onions, oatmeal, pepper, salt, cayenne, lemon or vinegar.". Haggis Royal includes "Mutton, suet, beef-marrow, bread-crumbs or oatmeal, anchovies, parsley, lemon, pepper, cayenne, eggs, red wine.". Deer Haggis includes "Deer's heart, liver and suet, coarse oatmeal, onions, black pepper, salt, paste." It takes about a day to make a haggis from scratch, but very very few people do this as it is particulaly gruesome. Most people buy their haggis from the butcher's. See next section for details of how to get some. ##### 3.11: Where can I get haggis? ------------------------------ The best haggis in the world (in my opinion, and several other people's too) is made by Charles MacSween of Edinburgh. He makes about 1 ton a day and ships it all over the UK and overseas too (it keeps remarkably well in the post). Many shops in the UK (including supermarkets) sell MacSween's haggis. There is also a vegetarian version which is quite tasty. contact: McSweens Haggis, 130 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4ES Tel: 031 229 1216. ##### 3.12: What is the Scots language. Who do I contact for more info? ------------------------------------------------------------------ The Scots language is a Germanic language related to English. It is not Celtic, but has been influenced by Gaelic. For more info, write to: John Mackay, Membership Secretary 6 Cairn Walk, Cults Aberdeen, AB1 9TF. Ordinary membership (UK) is 7 pounds a year There is also some info in the following section: "The Pocket Guide to Scottish Words: Scots, Gaelic" by Iseabail Macleod. Published by W&R Chambers, Ltd. 43-45 Annandale Street, Edinburgh EH7 4AZ (ISBN 0-550-11834-9). Widely available at bookshops and airports US distributors Unicorn Limited, Inc. P.O. Box 397 Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 (304) 379-8803 It has "Place names, personal names, food and drink. Scots and Gaelic words explained in handy reference form." There are 30 pages of Scots words explained. No grammar. It does list a number of interesting sounding books: SCOTS LANGUAGE DICTIONARIES: ---------------------------- Mairi Robinson, editor-in-chief "The Concise Scots Dictionary" 1985, (Aberdeen University Press) 862pp, a comprehensive one-volume dictionary covering the Scots language from the earliest records to the present day; based largely on: William Grant, David Murison, editors "The Scottish National Dictionary" 10 vols., 1931-76, the Scots language from 1700 to the present day, and: Sir William Craigie, A J Aitken et al "A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue" published up to Pr- in 5 vols., 1931-, the Scots language up to 1700. Alexander Warrack, "Chambers Scots Dictionary" 1911, 717pp. William Graham, "The Scots Word Book English-Scots, Scots-English Vocabularies" 1977 and 1983, 194pp. GENERAL SCOTS BOOKS: -------------------- A J Aitken, Tom McArthur, eds "Languages of Scotland" 1979, 160pp., a collection of essays on Scots and Gaelic. David Murison "The Guid Scots Tongue" 1977, 63pp "The New Testament in Scots" 1983, by W L Lorimer Just to add to the list of books of/about Scots, one should mention the reprint of P Hately Waddell's _The_Psalms:_Frae_Hebrew_Intil_Scots_ (orig 1871, reprinted with modern introduction 1987 by Aberdeen Univ Press). I would love to see some instructive writing about the Scots tongue, more than just word-lists. Especially pronunciation, intonation, cadence, etc. as well as grammar. There are two books that are essential reading on the subject of Scots. The first is "Scots: the Mither Tongue" by Billy Kay. This is available both in hardback and paperback. The second is "Why Scots Matters" by J. Derrick McClure. This is more of a booklet than a book, and is an inexpensive paperback. William Graham, "The Scots Word Book English-Scots, Scots-English Vocabularies" 1977 and 1983, 194pp. Although the Scots-English part of this is fairly limited, this was once worth having for the English-Scots part, which for a long time was the only one available. Last year the Scottish National Dictionary Association published its long- awaited "Concise English-Scots Dictionary", which is a far more comprehensive work. Although it still has a number of imperfections, I'd recommend it rather than Graham's work, good in its day as it was. ##### 3.13: What is the Scots language. Who do I contact for more info? ------------------------------------------------------------------ The Scots language is a Germanic language related to English. It is not Celtic, but has been influenced by Gaelic. For more info, write to: John Mackay, Membership Secretary 6 Cairn Walk, Cults Aberdeen, AB1 9TF. Ordinary membership (UK) is 7 pounds a year There is also some info in the following section: "The Pocket Guide to Scottish Words: Scots, Gaelic" by Iseabail Macleod. Published by W&R Chambers, Ltd. 43-45 Annandale Street, Edinburgh EH7 4AZ (ISBN 0-550-11834-9). Widely available at bookshops and airports US distributors Unicorn Limited, Inc. P.O. Box 397 Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 (304) 379-8803 It has "Place names, personal names, food and drink. Scots and Gaelic words explained in handy reference form." There are 30 pages of Scots words explained. No grammar. It does list a number of interesting sounding books: SCOTS LANGUAGE DICTIONARIES: ---------------------------- Mairi Robinson, editor-in-chief "The Concise Scots Dictionary" 1985, (Aberdeen University Press) 862pp, a comprehensive one-volume dictionary covering the Scots language from the earliest records to the present day; based largely on: William Grant, David Murison, editors "The Scottish National Dictionary" 10 vols., 1931-76, the Scots language from 1700 to the present day, and: Sir William Craigie, A J Aitken et al "A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue" published up to Pr- in 5 vols., 1931-, the Scots language up to 1700. Alexander Warrack, "Chambers Scots Dictionary" 1911, 717pp. William Graham, "The Scots Word Book English-Scots, Scots-English Vocabularies" 1977 and 1983, 194pp. GENERAL SCOTS BOOKS: -------------------- A J Aitken, Tom McArthur, eds "Languages of Scotland" 1979, 160pp., a collection of essays on Scots and Gaelic. David Murison "The Guid Scots Tongue" 1977, 63pp "The New Testament in Scots" 1983, by W L Lorimer Just to add to the list of books of/about Scots, one should mention the reprint of P Hately Waddell's _The_Psalms:_Frae_Hebrew_Intil_Scots_ (orig 1871, reprinted with modern introduction 1987 by Aberdeen Univ Press). I would love to see some instructive writing about the Scots tongue, more than just word-lists. Especially pronunciation, intonation, cadence, etc. as well as grammar. There are two books that are essential reading on the subject of Scots. The first is "Scots: the Mither Tongue" by Billy Kay. This is available both in hardback and paperback. The second is "Why Scots Matters" by J. Derrick McClure. This is more of a booklet than a book, and is an inexpensive paperback. William Graham, "The Scots Word Book English-Scots, Scots-English Vocabularies" 1977 and 1983, 194pp. Although the Scots-English part of this is fairly limited, this was once worth having for the English-Scots part, which for a long time was the only one available. Last year the Scottish National Dictionary Association published its long- awaited "Concise English-Scots Dictionary", which is a far more comprehensive work. Although it still has a number of imperfections, I'd recommend it rather than Graham's work, good in its day as it was. ##### 3.14: What Scottish Record labels are there -------------------------------------------- -- search this FAQ for "Lloyd MacIsaac" Main labels are Temple, Lismore, Greentrax Also, see the Gaelic homepage for an extensive list of many celtic labels. ##### 3.15: How do I find out about Folk events in Scotland which might be on? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Scottish Folk Arts Directory. This is a book detailing virtually everything to do with the Scottish folk music scene. contact: Blackfriars Music, 49 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NB Tel: 031 557 3090. 1994/5 edition was published July 94. ##### 3.16: When are the major Scottish folk festivals ------------------------------------------------- Edinburgh is the last 3 weeks in August usually Edinburgh folk festival is on for 8 days during the Easter break ##### 3.17: Where's a good place to buy folk records? ------------------------------------------------ The best shop which specialises in folk is Blackfriars Music -- address is in the answer to 14. The other good places in Edinburgh are the folk/Scottish sections of Virgin Records and HMV (on Princes St). Folk is often subdivided in these shops into subcategories (i.e. Scottish, Irish, pipe bands, folk etc). John Menzies (sometimes pronounced "Mingis") and also on Princes St, is usually the cheapest place to get CDs but the folk section is small and poorly organised. Tower records is probably the best place to start looking in Glasgow. or as sgibb@cix.compulink.co.uk would have it The best folk record shop in Scotland at present is in Parnie Street, Glasgow, next to Adam McNaughton's book shop. ##### 3.18: How do I trace my Scottish ancestry? ------------------------------------------- There is a book published by HMSO (Her Majesties Stationary Office) called "Tracing your Scottish Ancestry". All the records for births, marriages and deaths in Scotland are held at: New Register House, West Register St, Edinburgh, EH1 Tel: 031 334 0380 Fax: 031 314 4400 ##### 3.19: Any Scottish songs on-line? ---------------------------------- There are quite a few in The Digital Tradition, a free 4000+ strong database (many with tunes to play on your computer's speaker). It is available to FTP from ftp.uwp.edu, or mail digitrad@world.std.com for more information. There is also a lot of other musical info and folk info on that ftp site. Particularly watch out for the October 94 edition which should have a lot more Scottish material Also, check out the Ceo\l section of the Gaelic Homepage. ##### 3.20: What's the number of the Scottish Tourist Board? ------------------------------------------------------- 031 332 2433 (+[44] 31 332 2433) ##### 3.21: Politics: Scotland and the UK/devolution/independence ------------------------------------------------------------ Addresses of relevant organisations: Political Parties: Labour Party Scottish National Party, 6 North Charlotte St Edinburgh. EH2 031 226 3661 (also known as Partaidh Naiseanta na h-Alba - PNA) Conservative and Unionist Party Liberal Democrats, 4 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 031 337 2314 Green Party Politically Oriented organisations: Common Cause, PO Box 822, Glasgow, G14 9JA 041 631 2420 Democracy for Scotland, 5 Regent Rd, Edinburgh EH7 031 558 3088 Scottish Patriots, 76 Constitution St, Leith, EH6 031 554 7951 ##### 3.22: When are Burns night and St Andrews Day. ----------------------------------------------- 25-Jan, 30-Nov. Neither is a holiday in Scotland. ##### 3.23: How do I find out about Highland Games or Mods in my area. What is a Mod? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- An Comunn Gaidhealach runs the Mods. An Comunn is based at 109 Church St, Inverness, IV1 1EY The Mods are a series of Gaelic competitions involving singing, poetry, drama, music etc. The Royal National Mod is held in Mid-October each year. Forthcoming venues for it are: 94 (Dunoon), 95 (Golspie), 96 (Blairgowrie), 97 (Inverness) The National Mod runs from a Friday to the Saturday morning of the following week (the competitions end on the final Friday) There are also local Mods. Here's a list of them: Caithness/Sutherland; Dalriada (Lochgilphead area); Easter Ross; East Kilbride; Edinburgh; Glasgow; Harris; Inverness; Islay; Kyle; Lewis; Lochaber; Oban; Mull; Perthshire/Angus; Skye; Stirling; Uist; Wester Ross. Local Mods generally run over a weekend. Contact An Comunn Gaidhealach in Inverness for contact details ##### 3.24: Information on Runrig ---------------------------- Contact the fan club at: Runrig Fan Club, 55 Wellington St, Aberdeen AB2 1BX. Tel: 0224 573100 Runrig is a term Blair Douglas thought up when he was studying in Glasgow. A rig is a strip of farmland and a run is a series of those strips. The run-rig system of farming is no longer used, but the marks of it can still be seen particularly on Skye where the core of the band is from. Discography: ------------ Play Gaelic (good, very folky, last 2 tracks are very good, limited lyrics in Gaelic available from fan club) Highland Connection (v good, my favourite, mix of ballads and heavy rock, lyrics supplied, but no translations. I have translations of Cearcall a' chuain - one of my all time favourite tracks and an easy one to sing along to and learn) Recovery (v. good, close second, similar to Highland Connection. Translations for Gaelic available from this point on) Heartland (v. good, slightly more commercial than previous two, less Gaelic) Cutter and the Clan (OK. considerably more commercial than Heartland. 2 Gaelic tracks. An uabhal as airde is a very good song from this album) Once in a lifetime (live album featuring material from previous 4, but only 1 track from Play Gaelic- Chi mi'n Geamhradh) Searchlight (OK. More commercial than "Cutter", 2 Gaelic tracks) Big Wheel (improvement on Searchlight. Commercial, but some good tracks, 2 Gaelic tracks) Amazing things (rather bland and middle of the road. Some good tracks, but many forgettable) The band seem to be struggling to make their albums more and more commercial in sound and the Gaelic content of each is nearly always lower or the same as the last. However, they don't seem to be having much sucess outside Scotland. They are the biggest selling band in Scotland, and I think Donnie Munro is a very good singer. It's ironic that Capercaillie have managed about the same sucess with singles as Runrig yet Capercaillie's single was in Gaelic and a lot more traditional. Runrig are perceived as too Scottish by many non-Scottish audiences and their following is very heavily biased towards people from Scotland or with Scottish connections. Runrig have played a major part in bringing Scottish music up to date and reviving the Scottish folk scene, and interest in the Gaelic language. However, I wish they'd accept that they're not going to have a major breakthrough in popularity overseas and go back to the feel of their earlier material. This early material, particularly pre-"Cutter" gets a better response at concerts in Scotland. The fan club has all the albums and can be reached at the address above. I think most of the band currently live in the Edinburgh area. ##### 3.25: Information on Capercaillie ---------------------------------- Try: Capercaillie Fan Club Chapmanagement PO Box 1155 Glasgow G3 7TW There is also a fanzine called Sidetaulk. Call Mandy Shanks on Hopeman 0343- 835194 for more info, or write to her at: 21 Thom St, Hopeman, Elgin, Moray, Scotland IV30 2SS Capercaillie is pronounced "Cap-ir-cay-lee", not "Cape-r-cay-lee" A Capercaillie is the largest member of the Grouse family (from the Gaelic words for Wood Grouse) and is an endangered species. capercaillie albums ------------------- Album #1:Cascade (recorded 1984) Lineup: Karen Matheson (lead vocal) Joan MacLachlan (fiddle, vocal) Marc Duff (Recorder, Whistles, Rauschpfeife) Shaun Craig (Guitar, Bouzouki) Martin Macleod (Basses, Fiddle) Donald Shaw (Accordion, Keyboards, Fiddle) Published by Taynuilt Records, Highfield, Taynuilt, Argyll, PA35 1JQ This is the village which the band hail from and it's possible the record company has some of Karen's earlier recordings when she was with The Etives. The band met at Oban High School. This is a really good album, but has no words with it and is only on cassette. Greentrax stock it. Album #2: Crosswinds (1987): No words with this, many copies of the words are available in books though. Excellent album. Available on Green Linnet Album #3: The Blood is strong (1988) Soundtrack for TV series. Very good tunes (most are quite short though, as is the album). Lyrics and translations Album #4: Sidewaulk (1989) Similar in sound to Crosswinds. The first album with any English on it. Full Gaelic and English lyrics supplied On Green Linnet At this point the band leave the Green Linnet label and join Survival records. The fan club starts in a London suburb (graciously promoting a ceilidh I was singing at in London!) and later moves to the studio in Glasgow where the band do much of their recording. The sound becomes a bit more contemporary, the Gaelic content goes down slightly but the sound remains much more traditional than Runrig Album #5: Delirium (published 1991) Coisich a' ru\in (a 400 year old waulking song) from this album becomes the first ever Scots Gaelic tune to enter the UK top 40 after it becomes the theme tune for a UK wide TV programme featuring Prince Charles entitled "A Prince among islands". Charles appeared on this programme supporting Gaelic and has since appeared on TV talking in Gaelic. 3.26: Scottish Cultural classes (music, singing, language, history etc) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For the Edinburgh area, contact either The School of Scottish Studies (Sgoil Eolais na h-Alba), University of Edinburgh, 27 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LD (they run a number of summer schools) Tel: 031 650 1000 The main work of the dept is with teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Scottish ethnology (there is a separate dept of Celtic) or The Adult Learning Project (ALP), 184 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh, EH11 2EP Tel: 031-337 5442 (has about 20 classes and about 300 students in culturally related evening and day classes) for Skye, try Sabhal Mor Ostaig (address elsewhere) ##### 3.27: Gaelic wedding blessing ------------------------------- -- Supplied by Christopher Lau, University of Calgary Mi\le fa\ilte dhuit le d'bhre/id, Fad do re/ gun robh thu sla\n. Mo/ran la\ithean dhuit is si\th, Le d'mhaitheas is le d'ni\ bhi fa\s. Translated as: "A thousand welcomes to you with your marriage kerchief, may you be healthy all your days. May you be blessed with long life and peace, may you grow old with goodness, and with riches." This is attributed to the Rev. Donald MacLeod, minister of Duirinish, Skye, Scotland c. 1760. The bit about the marriage kerchief probably isn't applicable these days, so you could just ignore it. (any Bards fancy thinking up a suitable replacement?) ##### 3.28: Dalriada Celtic society BBS ---------------------------------- Information on Arran's only BBS. Here's the details: Dalriada BBS: (line 1) up to V.42 bis. +44 (0)770 302049 24 hours Fidonet number 2:259/6 (line 1 only) (line 2) up to V.42 bis. +44 (0)770 302532 Celtic file areas - culture, crafts, folklore, myths & tales, etc. CELTNET Celtic conference network, "What's On" guide etc. Sysops - Sammy McSkimming, Helen McSkimming, Lorraine MacDonald Date: Wed, 6 Jul 94 11:05:00 +0000 Organization: ALMAC: Scotland : +44 (0)324 665371 ALMAC are pleased to announce the availability of information from the Dalriada Celtic History Society. It is available (along with a host of other Scottish/Celtic material) on gopher://almac.co.uk:70/11/ With thanks to Lorraine MacDonald of Dalriada for some excellent work. Forrest Duncan forrest.duncan@almac.co.uk ALMAC tel: +44 (0) 324-666336 141 Bo'ness Rd fax: +44 (0) 324-665155 Grangemouth FK3 9BS BBS: +44 (0) 324-665371 ##### 3.29: The Gaelic for "Frequently Asked Questions" ------------------------------------------------- "Ceistean Minig a Thig" (Scots Gaelic) "Ceisteanna Minic a Thig" (Irish Gaelic) There is a saying : "Is truagh nach ta\inig Minig Nach Tig. Leath cho minig 's a tha\inig Minig a Thig" ##### 3.30: Edinburgh Festival Fringe -------------------------------- The complete programme for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is now available by gopher from almac.co.uk. (Forrest Duncan, forrest.duncan@almac.co.uk first described this on a UK newsgroup - thanks). There is also some generic information about how the Fringe works. This is HUGE, over 10000 lines of information, and I don't think Almac has a very powerful server. Don't overwhelm them, save the address and call sometime over the next few days. It might be an idea for somebody in the US to make a copy available over there (subject to the Fringe agreeing - the programme is copyrighted). From a quick look it doesn't seem to me to be *quite* complete - no details about exhibitions yet. But hey, getting 95% of the schedule for the biggest arts festival in history available this way is a darn good start. Forrest says the Fringe can be contacted at festival.fringe@almac.co.uk; I haven't got this to work yet and they are unlikely to be offering an email booking service. No word yet on when or whether the International Festival, Jazz Festival and Film Festival will go electronic. Accommodation is not handled by the festival organizers but by the Tourist Information Office. The dates for the 94 fringe are 14th August- 3rd September. 95 dates are 13 August to 2 September ##### 3.31: Living Tradition. ------------------------ This is the main magazine for Scottish folk music info, although it covers other forms of traditional music too. The magazine can be reached at: living.tradition@almac.co.uk (E-mail) ##### 3.32: Seeing Underground Edinburgh ----------------------------------- The bit that the tourists (and very few locals) have ever seen. Mary King's close, a medieval street under the Royal Mile. Sealed off in 1670. Not generally open to the public, but groups can book access by arrangement by calling John Wilson on 031- 662 0039 (early evenings). Access is through the City Chambers. The section is 60 metres long, steep, slippery and full of ghosts (!). John's tour's get booked up several weeks in advance. They last about three hours and are generally midweek starting about 7pm. The tour covers both the Close and the City Chambers. A donation of 3 pounds is requested for the tour. John is a councillor with an interest in local history. Bob Morton also does tours, but these just cover the Close. Sometimes it is possible to find a spare slot or two on an existing tour. About 30 people are catered for at a time. ##### 3.33: Primary Literary figures ------------------------------- Robert Burns Lewis Grassic Gibbon (author of Sunset Song - my favourite book) Neil Gunn (particularly recommended is Highland River/The Silver Darlings) James Hogg (Confessions of a Justified Sinner) Sir Walter Scott (The Heart of Midlothian) Robert Louis Stevenson (Kidnapped) Norman MacCaig (Collected poems) Sorley Maclean (From Wood to Ridge) The greatest Gaelic poet alive today and one of the greatest ever. Book is bilingual; author's own translations. Astoundingly powerful stuff. ISBN 0 09 9887207 (published by Vintage, London) ##### 3.34: Scottish Guide books. ---------------------------- The definitive guide to eating good traditional Scottish food is "The Taste of Scotland" published by Taste of Scotland, 33 Melville St, Edinburgh, EH3 7JF The primary guide to finding out the best things to do, go, eat, see etc in Scotland is "Scotland the Best". This is an alternative guide to Scottish culture for both locals and tourists alike. I liked it so much I bought the book. However, there were a few things I wanted adding so I sent in some comments for the 94 edition (ISBN 1 85158 622 9) (possibly ..662 9) and for my efforts got a free bottle of single malt, free Capercaillie tickets and my name in the book! ##### 3.35: Primary folk music pubs ------------------------------ Edinburgh: The Ceilidh House Sandy Bell's West End Hotel The Royal Oak Digger's (Wednesdays) Cafe Royal (Wednesdays, entrance fee but high profile acts) Scruffy Murphy's Old Coach Inn (Caledonian beer; non smoking bar; Folk Thu's) ##### 3.36: What is a Ceilidh ------------------------ A Ceilidh (pronounced "Kay-lay", emphasis on 1st syllable) is many things. It derives from the Gaelic word meaning a visit and originally meant just that (and still does in Gaelic). It can also mean a house party, a concert or more usually an evening of informal Scottish traditional dancing to informal music. Ceilidhs in the lowlands tend to be dances, in the highlands they tend to be concerts. Dances in the highlands are called "ceilidh dances". Ceilidh dancing is fundamentally different from Scottish Country Dancing in that it is much less formal and the primary purpose is the enjoyment of doing the dance. Scottish Country Dancing is much more oriented towards being a demonstration or exhibition. Ceilidhs are extremely popular indeed with young people and often attract from a few dozen people to several hundred. There are world championships for ceilidh bands now (the first winners were Fire in the Glen, now called Tannas). There are also workshops for ceilidh bands at The Adult Learning Project, Dalry Road, Edinburgh. Best places for Ceilidhs are: Edinburgh: Walpole Hall, Assembly Rooms, Marco's leisure centre, Cafe Royal, Southside Community Centre, St Bride's centre. The West End Hotel has leaflets on the noticeboard showing when ceilidhs are on, or look in the Folk music section of The List (the Glasgow and Edinburgh what's on guide; out fortnightly available at most newsagents). The West End Hotel also has great beer. Glasgow: The Riverside Club. OK place for a ceilidh but prone to being busy and too much like a nightclub. There are even bouncers (unheard of at all the good ceilidhs) A good book for anyone wanting to learn how to do ceilidh dances and play ceilidh tunes is Let's have a ceilidh by Robbie Shepherd (well known Radio Scotland presenter of Take the Floor) Price 4.95, 100 pages. Published by Canongate Press, 14 Frederick St, Edinburgh, EH2 2HB ISBN 0 86241 412 1 Includes 20 of the most popular dances, plus a selection of music to go with the dances. There are explanations for the various steps with diagrams, as well as some notes on the history of dancing. ##### 3.37: Best Scottish pubs ------------------------- To find out where to get the best beer (Real Ale), look in The Good Beer Guide, available from all major bookshops. Published by CAMRA. ISBN 1 85249 006 3. Published in October each year. Edinburgh: Bannerman's; Bert's bar; Bow bar; Canny Man's; Cumberland Bar; Clark's Bar; Drew Nicol's; Golden Rule; Greenmantle; Guildford Arms; Halfway House; Hampton Hotel; Holyrood Tavern; Kay's Bar; K. Jackson's Bar; Leslie's Bar; Malt and Hops; Oxford Bar; Robbie's Bar; Royal Ettrick Hotel; Smithie's Ale House; Southsider; Stable Bar; Starbank Inn; Todd's Tap The Caledonian Brewery (Slateford Road) has a big beer festival in early June; The biggest beer festival in Scotland is held at Meadowbank Stadium in early October. Glasgow: Athena Taverna; Babbity Bowser; Bon Accord; Boswell Hotel; Brewery Tap; The Horse shoe; Mitre; Cask & Still; Sloane's; Station Bar; Tennents; Three Judges; Ubiquitous Chip; Victoria Bar Non-smoking bars in Scotland. Compiled by Craig Cockburn. Please e-mail additions or corrections to me at craig@scot.demon.co.uk This list is regularly sent to anti-smoking organisations and compilers of books. Borders Selkirk: Tibbie Shiels Inn, Tel: 0750- 42231 Swinton: The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tel: 089 086- 257 Central Dollar: Strathallan Hotel, Tel: 0259- 42205 Dumfries and Galloway Dumfries: Station Hotel, Tel: 0387- 54316 Highland Inverness: Glenruidh House, Tel: 0463- 226499 Kingussie: Royal Hotel, Tel: 0540- 661868 Ullapool: The Ceilidh Place, Tel: 0854- 612103 Lothian Edinburgh (Canonmills): Old Coach Inn (totally non-smoking lounge bar) Tel: 031- 539 8123. Also has a regular folk evening and real ale. Edinburgh (Newhaven): Starbank Inn. Tel: 031- 552 4141 (not a proper no-smoking bar, but a no-smoking restaurant which converts into a no-smoking drinking area when they stop serving food. Real Ale). Edinburgh (Newington): The Festival Theatre. 031-529 6000. Real Ale, no smoking allowed at all. The bar is at the front and you don't have to be attending a performance to have a drink there. You can watch the performance on the TV screens. South Queensferry: Hawes Inn Hotel, Tel: 031- 331 1990 (no-smoking family room until 9pm, smoking is allowed after 9pm). Lothianburn: The Steading. Tel 031- 445 1128 (no-smoking restaurant which converts into a no-smoking drinking area when the meals trade dies down, usually after 9pm) Strathclyde Ayr: Chestnuts Hotel. Tel: 0292- 264393 Glasgow: Boswell Hotel, Tel: 041- 632 9812 Kilmarnock: Hunting Lodge, Tel: 0563- 22920 Paisley (Glasgow Airport): Tap and Spile, Tel: 041- 848 4869 Tayside Broughty Ferry: Old Anchor Inn, Tel 0382- 737899 (no-smoking area is only at lunchtimes) Dundee: Speedwell Bar, Tel: 0382- 67783. Sawdust on floor! Kinesswood: Lomond Country Inn, Tel: 0592- 84253 Montrose: George Hotel, Tel: 0674- 75050 ##### 3.38: Scottish Kings --------------------- Kenneth I MacAlpin 843 - 858 Donald I 858 - 862 Constantine I 862 - 877 Aed 877 - 878 Eochaid 878 - 889 Donald II 889 - 900 Constantine II 900 - 943 Malcolm I 943 - 954 Indulf 954 - 962 Dubh 962 - 966 Culen 966 - 971 Kenneth II 971 - 995 Constantine III 995 - 997 Kenneth III 997 - 1005 Malcolm II 1005 - 1034 Duncan I 1034 - 1040 Macbeth 1040 - 1057 Lulach 1057 - 1058 Malcolm III Canmore 1058 - 1093 Donald Ban 1093 - 1094 Duncan II 1094 - 1094 Donald Ban (again) 1094 - 1097 Edgar 1097 - 1107 Alexander I 1107 - 1124 David I 1124 - 1153 (this is incomplete) The Scottish Monarchy merged with the English Monarchy in 1603 when James VI of Scotland became James I of England. ##### 3.39: Attitudes towards Gaelic TV in Scotland ---------------------------------------------- (a frequent source of argument on the scot.* and ed.* hierarchy). This survey was conducted by System Three for the Gaelic Television Committee and published in July in their 93/94 annual report. The Gaelic TV programmes are not funded by TV licence money, they are funded directly from the Government by Act of Parliament. Unweighted base: 1052. Figures are percentages The columns are 1) Agree strongly 2) Agree slightly 3) Neither agree nor disagree 4) Disagree slightly 5) Disagree strongly 6) Don't know 7) Mean score Questions: a) There are too many Gaelic programmes on television nowadays Answers: 11 15 13 36 20 4 -0.40 b) I enjoy watching Gaelic TV programmes, even though I may not speak Gaelic myself. Answers: 12 30 12 20 23 4 -0.14 c) Too many Gaelic TV programmes are shown at peak times Answers: 14 14 13 36 17 6 -0.29 d) It is important that the Gaelic language in Scotland is kept alive through Gaelic programmes on TV Answers: 40 35 9 8 5 3 1.00 ##### 3.40: What does Craig's signature mean? ---------------------------------------- It is "Sgri\obh thugam 'sa Ga\idhlig ma 'se do thoil e." and is Scots Gaelic for "Write to me in Gaelic please". ##### 3.41: Where can I buy a kilt/Highland accessories -------------------------------------------------- One shop which seems to get recommended frequently is: Geoffrey (tailor) Highland Crafts Ltd 57-59 High Street (2 doors up from John Knox's house) Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 1SR Tel: 031 557 0256 or in the US Geoffrey Tailor Highland Crafts 17 Greenwood Dr. South San Francisco, CA 940080 Tele--1-800-253-7269 Open 7 days and late on Thursday. Although it's on the Royal Mile, the prices should be reasonable. They hire outfits; sell outfits and also sell ex-hire outfits. Note that women in Scotland don't wear kilts, they wear kilted skirts. ##### 3.42: Scottish song books -------------------------- I'm frequently browsing through bookshops to find good songbooks, but most of the time they're of the tourist top 40 genre with only the most popular tunes in. These are the sort of tunes you might hear played at the Edinburgh tattoo, and not the sort you'd here at a folk concert or down the pub. I was at Blackfriars Music yesterday (the "Headquarters" of Scottish Folk) and got a copy of an excellent book by them called "The Singing Tradition on Scotland: Book 1, The Birken Tree". This particularly caught my eye as The Birken Tree was a song which our singing group performed in a concert a few weeks ago. The book is 3 pounds 50p, has 56 songs and is 64 pages. All the songs are Scottish, have staff music supplied, as well as a glossary of Scots words, notes on the songs and notes for guitarists. There's the usual tourist songs such as The Lewis Bridal Song (Mairi's Wedding), Scotland the Brave and The Skye Boat Song, but the majority of songs are of the type that folk artists would record or which you would here down the pub. There's about 10 by Robert Burns. Unusually for book not written for the Gaelic market, there is a Gaelic song "Cumha Mhic Criomain" = MacCrimmon's Lament. Blackfriars Music specialise in folk music and bagpipe music and sell instruments, records and books. The also publish the "Scottish Folk Arts Directory", the "yellow pages" of the Scottish folk scene detailing festivals, artists, record labels, societies, radio programmes, folk pubs etc etc. The 1994/95 edition is published next week. The 93/94 edition was 70 pages. Blackfriars Music can be reached at: Blackfriars Music 49 Blackfriars St Edinburgh EH1 1NB Scotland Tel: 031 557 3090 (if you are visiting, the shop is open 7 days and is near The Scandic Crown hotel on the Royal Mile). Another good book is "The Trefoil Song Book". This is a Scottish version of Rise up Singing. It has Scottish songs as well as non-Scottish songs. The lyrics are supplied together with chord sequences and chord charts for guitar. The book has about 150 songs and is 63 A4 pages. To order one, contact The Trefoil Centre, Gogarbank, Edinburgh, EH12 9DA, Scotland Tel: 031 339 3148. The book is 2 pounds 50p plus postage. The Trefoil centre organises holidays for the handicapped, is a charity, and proceeds from the sales of the book go towards continuing the work of the centre. ##### 3.43: Books for learning the fiddle ------------------------------------ Failte gu Fidheall - The Scottish Folk Fiddle tutor, Book 1. (This book is in English with a bilingual Gaelic-English introduction) A Comprehensive guide for beginners Compiled and arranged by Christine Martin and Anne Hughes Published by Taigh na Teud (Harpstring house) Address: 13 Breacais Ard, Isle of Skye, Scotland, IV42 8PY Published 1992, ISBN 1 871931 90 8 They also publish "Ceilidh collections", "Ceol na Fidhle" (=music of the fiddle) and "SessionTunes". The book is about 5 pounds and is 42 A4 pages There is also a demonstration tape to accompany the book, available from the publishers. This is a really good book with one of the best selections of tunes (Highland, Lowland and others) I've seen in any book. ##### 3.44: Whisky (whiskey) ----------------------- Try the whisky www page at http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/staff/jhb/whisky/index.html Whisky is the spelling used in Scotland. Whiskey is the spelling used in Ireland, the US and some other countries. People very rarely call whisky "Scotch" in Scotland, they either ask for it by brand name or ask for any malt, or just ask for a whisky. The word "scotch" is used though (scotch is an appellation). A single malt scotch must fulfill three requirements: i) It must be the product of only one distillery ii) It must be made exclusively from barley malt iii) It must be made in Scotland. Highland malt whisky must be made in an area north west of a line which passes near Dunblane (my home town!). It includes both Deanston and Blackford, the adjacent towns to the west and north of Dunblane. The definitive book on Malt Whiskies is: Michael Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion A Connoisseur's Guide to the Malt Whiskies of Scotland Published by Dorling Kindersley Ltd, 9 Henrietta St, London, WC2E 8PS ISBN (1989 edition - probably superceded now) 0-86318-387-5. 9 pounds 95p. 240 pages, hardback Covers over 250 malts from over 120 distilleries with full tasting notes. Includes all well known brands plus rare and specialist bottlings Includes rating system for both the whisky and the distillery. Includes alphabetic index, and list of distilleries (with phone numbers) that offer tours. The best selling single malt in Scotland is "Glenmorangie", pronounced to rhyme with "orangey" (stress on the 2nd syllable of Glen-mor-an-gie). This word comes from the Gaelic for "Glen of Great Tranquility". The best selling single malt scotch in the world is Glenfiddich (=Glen of the Deer). My personal favourites are Highland Park (12 years old, from Orkney). Jackson rates this as "The greatest all-rounder in the world of whisky". For special occasions, I'd recommend MacAllan 18 year old. Astounding stuff! ##### 3.45: The Scottish Youth Hostels Association --------------------------------------------- The best way to see Scotland if you've got a tight budget. Even if you can afford more luxurious accomodation (accomodation is always singular in Britain), Youth Hostels are definitely worth using. All ages use them and cost is typically 5 pounds a night. Most of them have lights out at 11pm, except those in large cities which are often open later. Contact for more info, to book accomodation etc The Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SHYA) 7 Glebe Crescent Stirling Scotland FK8 2JA Tel: 0786 451181 Joining the SHYA, (#2.50 ages 5-17, #6.00 ages 18+) entitles you to use Youth Hostels all over the world ##### 3.46: The Ramblers Association ------------------------------- A UK wide organisation. Produces a book "The Ramblers yearbook and accomodation guide" which is a good source of low cost accomodation (typically 10 - 20 pounds per person per night) ISBN 0-900613-75-0 Available from: The Ramblers' Association, 1/5 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2XX Tel: 071 582 6878 ##### 3.47: Books for hillwalkers ---------------------------- 2 that spring to mind are: Ralph Storer's "100 best routes on Scottish mountains", Warner books. A division of Little, Brown and Company (UK) Ltd, 165 Great Dover St, London, SE1 4YA ISBN 0 7515 0300 2 223 pages, includes a variety of mountains throughout Scotland. Mountains classified by grade; terrain; navigation difficulty and seriousness. Includes diagrams and Gaelic translations and phonetics Ordnance Survey: "Place names on maps of Scotland and Wales" ISBN 0-319-00223-3 24 pages of info on Gaelic, Norse and Welsh placenames, meanings, grammar, common Anglicisations. V useful for translating many place names in remote areas. ##### 3.48: What is a Munro/Corbett? ------------------------------- A Munro is a Scottish mountain over 3,000ft. There are 277. There must be a vertical drop of 500ft between two peaks for them to both qualify as Munros. A Top is a mountain over 3,000ft not separated by a vertical drop of 500ft from a Munro. The name Munro comes from Munros tables compiled by someone called Munro, but there have been some modifications since the table was first compiled. A Corbett is a separate mountain over 2,500ft ##### 3.49: Legal questions ---------------------- Scotland has its own legal system and its own laws. You cannot at present buy alcohol from an off-license (including supermarkets) on a Sunday, but this is likely to change soon. Answers to most common Scottish consumer questions can be found in: Your Rights and Responsibilities, A personal guide for Scottish Consumers. published by HMSO and the Scottish Consumer Council. ISBN 0 11 495205 1, 4 pounds 95p Telephone orders: 071 873 9090 ##### 3.50: Gaelic festivals ----------------------- Contact: Arthur Cormack Feisean nan Gaidheal 5 Caolshra\id Mhicheil Inbhir Nis (Inverness) Scotland, IV2 3HQ Tel: 0463 226472 Fax: 0463 237470 ##### 3.51: Gaelic playgroups ------------------------ Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich (CNSA) 21A Castle Street Inverness IV2 3ER Tel: 0463 225469 There are about 100 pre-school playgroups throughout Scotland through the medium of Gaelic ##### 3.52: Scotch ------------- This is a term used to mean various things, but is considered mildly offensive when referring to people - generally use "Scots" for people and "Scottish" for everything else. Whisky is usually not referred to as "Scotch" - see note on whisky. Historically, the word was widely used in Scotland as a adjective meaning the same as "scottish". In fact, it was not until ~1925 that the Scotch Education Department became the Scottish Education Department. ##### 3.53: Plaid ------------ Plaid (pronounced "plad") is the name of the material which is used for making kilts. It isn't the name of the pattern on the material, this is called "tartan". In the US, plaid is pronounced "plaid" and refers to the material - plaid and tartan are interchangeable terms there, they aren't in Scotland. ##### 3.54: Scottish URLs -------------------- As good a place as any to start, try the Almac http site. Includes the Glasgow Herald's homepage. http://leapfrog.almac.co.uk University of Stirling's WWW Home Page in Gaelic http://www.stir.ac.uk/gaelic_index.html For the BUBL Information Services Scottish Text Archive which contains works by Robert Burns, Scottish Peotry Collection, Scottish Stories Collection and Ochil Fairy Tales. All of which are ongoing projects. gopher://bubl.bath.ac.uk:7070/11/BUBL_Main_Menu/S/SB/SBF www-2nd-cs.dcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/~wdw/Afalonrhithwir.html John Andrea's WWW page of tartans http://www.stfx.ca/people/jandrea/projects/tartans.html The alternative Scottish FAQ from Scot.genreal ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/academic/languages/gaelic/Scc/scot.general ##### 3.55: alt.scottish.clans ------------------------ A group has been created called alt.scottish.clans. The purpose of this group is to discuss the folklore, traditions and history of the various Scottish clans. Current clan gatherings and announcements will also be found here. Anyone interested in this sort of thing is invited to join in the discussions. ##### 3.56: Edinburgh Folk Festival ----------------------------- Edinburgh Folk Festival 95 is April 7th-16th Contact address: EFF95(F), PO BOX 528, Edinburgh, EH10 4DU Tel (+44) (0)131 556 3181, fax (+44) (0)131 556 4177. The programme is *FREE* The 1995 lineup is: Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, Davey Spillane, Dervish, Oige, Dick Gaughan, The Easy Club, Eileeen Ivers Band, Deanta, Deiseil, Rock Salt and Nails, The Lakeman Brothers, Cluain Tarbh, Liam O' Flynn, Robin Williamson, Brendan Power, Sean Keane band, Le Quintet de Cornemuse, Ian Carr and Karen Tweed, Gordon Duncan, Seelyhoo, Luke Daniels, Lammas, Flatville Aces, Catriona MacDonald and Ian Lowthian, Hamish Moore and Dick Lee, Ishbel MacAskill (yes!), Anna Murray (yes!) Flora MacNeil and Maggie MacInnes (yes!!!), Simon Thoumire, Tony MacManus, Kate Rusby and Kathryn Roberts, Kristina Olsen, Ed Miller, Mirk, Tom McConville, Inner Sense Percussion Orchestra, Canterach, Take these chains from my heart, The Lang Reel, Jamie MacDonald Reid (yes!!), Mats Melin, Robbie Shepherd's Nighmare, Crooked Jack, Gutty slippers pipe band, and many many more plus+ Open stage, tuition, Children's shows, sessions and late late bars. Craig will be at the ALP Gaelic singing class. He hopes to see anyone from the net there. Pre-festival box office: Queen's Hall, Clerk St, Edinburgh Tel: 0131 668 2019, Fax: 0131 667 7776 ##### 3.57: Postgraduate Courses in Celtic Studies -------------------------------------------- Dept of Celtic, The University of Edinburgh, David Hume Tower, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JX Fax: 0131 650 6536 Tel: 0131 650 3622 contact: Professor William Gillies Degrees available: PhD (min 3 years); MLitt (min two years); MSc/Diploma (one year/nine months) Entrance qualifications for all three is a good Honours degree in Celtic studies or a related or relevant discipline, but I understand each case is considered on its individual merits. The MSc/Diploma is based around a series of prescribed specialisms including literary, linguistic and historical options of which candidates chose one. There isn't much specific info on the content of the other courses The Dept of Celtic was founded in 1882 and is the oldest in Scotland. Current members include Prof William Gillies (head of dept), Ronald Black and Robert Mullally. Thomas Clancy (British Academy Post-Doctoral fellow) and Allan MacDonald also take part in teaching. Nerys Ann Jones, Kenneth MacKinnon and Cathair O Dochartaigh are Honorary Fellows of the Faculty of Arts in the field of Celtic Studies. #####