Historic first for new cultural centre in Inverness
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History was made when Inverness’s new cultural centre hosted its first Gaelic lessons at the weekend.
People from across the Highlands and further afield gathered at Cultarlann Inbhir Nis for the historic event for the new facility which aims to promote Gaelic language, music, arts and activities. The old East Church on the city’s Academy Street was officially taken over by the Cultarlann last month, after a long campaign to establish a Gaelic centre in the Highland capital.
Gaelic language tutor for the weekend, Padruig Moireach, said: "It’s so exciting to be teaching the Gaelic weekend courses in Cultarlann's own building. We have a full class of keen students from Inverness, the Highlands and places like Perth, Fife and even London
“It’s fantastic to have this unique venue focussing on Gaelic language and culture. I believe this will be the first of many courses catering for learners and enthusiasts at all levels of ability."
The first language class was for those at a more advanced level of learning and 18 people gave up their weekend to boost their conversation skills.
Maggie Trevelyan came from Kiltarlity for the immersion weekend. She said: “Gaelic is such a fundamental part of the culture of this area and we all know the language is in danger. We need to support it and protect it. The Cultarlann is a great chance to promote the language and let it grow. It is very central and easy for a lot of people to get to.”
Lynn Brown travelled from Perth. She said: “The Cultarlann is great. It’s a facility that allows people to come together and speak in Gaelic and help keep the language strong. My daughter is doing Gaelic Medium Education in Perth and I want to be able to speak to her in Gaelic.”
Amanda NicChoinnich lives in Ullapool and has been learning Gaelic for a few years. “It can be difficult to get enough chances to speak. There are people in the Ullapool area who have Gaelic but they are reluctant to use it,” she said.
“The Cultarlann is fantastic because it will be a place to come in and chat to others in Gaelic. In many ways it’s ridiculous that we didn’t have this long ago. Learners can chat and have fun and not worry about getting it wrong.”
While the Gaelic community and its supporters are delighted to have the building in the city centre, they are well aware that a lot of work needs to be done to get the old East Church into shape as a community facility.
Chair of Cultarlann, Inbhir Nis, Maggie Mullholland, said: "It will take a while to get all the funding, permissions and plans sorted, and then for the actual building and renovation work to be done.
“At the moment, we are working with architects, the local authority and HIE on taking some of these developments forward. But after the long campaign to get the building, we’re keen to maximise the benefits for the community immediately.
“As well as the wonderful Gaelic course this weekend, we’ve had Sophie Stevenson in running step-dancing workshops, traditional music classes are now taking place, and we are in discussions with various Gaelic organisations regarding other events and activities.
“Plans are now afoot for an open-doors day on Saturday 11th May to welcome in the whole community to see the venue and find out how to get involved.
“We are keen to bring the various aspects of Gaelic culture together in the Cultarlann, and we confident it will be a superb asset for the whole community.”
