Places are still available for the first lecture of the 2022 season. On Thursday 17 February, at 7.00 pm UK time via Zoom, Catriona Black will present Sly Cooking: 42 irresistible Gaelic words. These are just a few examples of long lost and largely forgotten Gaelic vocabulary collected and recorded during the 1890s by Father Allan, priest, poet and folklorist, on the islands of Eriskay and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides.
Ever needed a word for the little bits of dust you see in a ray of sunlight? Or the noise made by women when they gather? Back in 2013, artist and animator Catriona found herself captivated by these words noted by Father Allan. She asked for the Royal Celtic Society’s support in turning these lost Gaelic words into a pocket book, and we were glad to give her a grant. In 2017, Acair published her book and BBC Alba broadcast a documentary about it. In the years since, her hand-printed illustrations have made their way around the Highlands and Islands in a popular touring exhibition. Catriona will tell us about the entertaining words she chose, and about the much-loved parish priest who collected them.
Catriona an Edinburgh Gael now living in the Netherlands, lives her life in three languages. Over the last 20 years, she has produced three illustrated Gaelic books and several award-winning animated films in the language. She has been nominated for international cultural prizes at the Scottish Gaelic Awards and recently won a Scottish BAFTA.
If you would like to attend her lecture, please email us on info@royalcelticsociety.scot for an invitation to the Zoom meeting. There is no charge made for these lectures, but donations are welcome via the PayPal button on the front page of our website, www.royalcelticsociety.scot