Anti-Gaelic comments in The Scotsman publications

For many years, The Scotsman publications has seen fit to publish letters and correspondence which put down Gaelic, usually citing "it's a waste of money" or "noone speaks it anymore". Despite the support of The Scotsman via its Gaelic column, the derogatory remarks in the letters columns have been going on for decades. Enough is enough. I'm all for freedom of speech and can completely accept that Gaelic isn't everyone's cup of tea, but the comments go well beyond mere criticism and are at a level that if it was Irish, Urdu or pretty much any other ethic group it would be an offence under race law and the Equalities act and the Scotsman would be censured by the Press Complaints Commission.

This post isn't about being pro or anti Gaelic. It's about freedom of speech and the associated responsibilities that go with it. I want a mature debate at a civilised level, not an ongoing drip drip of Gaelic hate remarks to stir things up and I want the National papers to accept that sometimes they get it wrong.

Please judge for yourselves


In the run up to this year's Mod, the following  letter was published

http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/opinion/john-gibson-happy-to-leave-it-all-to-the-dogs-1-2558639

Please see the correspondence which follows

Correspondence to 29th October
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5730322/EEN291012.pdf

To follow this further, please follow Arthur Cormack on Twitter or on Facebook.

Many have said so already, but let me add to the praise which Art has received for doggedly pursuing The Scotsman group for reasonable answers to reasonable questions in such a magnificent and exemplary way.

If you feel similarly, the contact details for The Scotsman are in the letters.

Craig

Gaelic Ceilidh and singalong The Nell, London

See below for details

--
Sent from my mobile device, please excuse brevity and spelling
Craig Cockburn www.craigcockburn.com

----- Forwarded message -----
From: "thomas macaskill" <tommymaca@hotmail.com>
To:
Subject: Tuesday 23rd October, 2nd Gathering at The Nell
Date: Thu, Oct 4, 2012 17:29

 

---

London Gaelic Choir and Friends 2nd Gathering at the Nell of Old Drury

29 Catherine Street  City of London, Greater London WC2B 5JS  AT 7.30PM, WE WILL BE UPSTAIRS THE LAST ONE WAS A BLAST JOIN US IN 3 WEEKS TIME TO GIVE THE WEST END A GAELIC FLAVOUR The choir will sing; An Ataireachd Ard, Sine Bhan, Null do dh'Uidhist, A' Bheairt-Fhighe Ailsa will come with either Harp (Clarsach) or Fiddle, both if she can get help carrying them There will be some singers and possibly more instrumentalists, and maybe some mouth music Fingers crossed that the new Luadh group give us a wee blast too FINALLY DON'T FORGET THIS IS A FREE NIGHT facebook page now up and running search for London Gaelic Choir

Gaelic events in Edinburgh, October 2012

Tachartasan Gaidhlig an Dun Eideann - Damhair 2012

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Macleod <john@andarach.com>
Date: 1 October 2012 09:01
Subject: Tachartasan Gaidhlig an Dun Eideann - Damhair 2012
To: john@andarach.com

A' chàirdean,

Liosta an cois seo, gu h-ìseal agus air PDF, mu thachartasan sa bhaile tron mhìos seo.  Cuiribh fios thugam ma tha tuilleadh agaibh ri chur rithe.

See below, and attached, for list of Gaelic events coming up in Edinburgh over the coming month.  Please let me know of any changes/additions for future circulations.

Gach dùrachd,

Iain

Monday 01.10.12 – 9.30am               Yaketi-yak Gaelic conversation session, Cuthbert's, Fountainbridge. (1hr) (Cont: 07826 555134 or mail@yaketyyak-languagecafe.co.uk
Monday 01.10.12 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)Monday 01.10.12 –12.45pm              Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 45m), (Units 25 - 36) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 02.10.12 – 9.15am               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hr), (Units 73 - 84) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 02.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 01-08) Newbattle Abbey College. Ends 06.11.12. (Cont: www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk) 
Tuesday 02.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 17-25) Newbattle Abbey College. Ends 06.11.12. (Cont: www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk) 
Tuesday 02.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 19-24) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Tuesday 02.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 79 – 90) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 02.10.12 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Joe Wright. (Cont: 334 7005)
Wednesday 03.10.12 – 12.45pm        Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 37-48) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) (gu Ogmhios)
Wednesday 03.10.12 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 119 - 130) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Wednesday 03.10.12 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 0777 855 1294)
Thursday 04.10.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 49 - 60) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Thursday 04.10.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 109 – 120) Tollcross Comm. Centre. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Thursday 04.10.12 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Gillis Centre, Strathearn Road. (Cont: 07906 318561)
Friday 05.10.12 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. (Cont: 221 5800)
Friday 05.10.11 – 8.30pm                  Bothan Dhùn Èideann – with Rona Lightfoot & Sineag Nic an t-Saoir, Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh. £5 (£3) (Contact: bothanduneideann@googlemail.com or 552 5998)
Saturday 06.10.12 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Trad music/Gaelic Song/Step Dance Classes – Tollcross Comm Centre. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925 or feisdhuneideann@feisean.org)
Saturday 06.10.12 – 3.30pm              Cànan is Cèic (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).
Saturday 06.10.12 – 7.30pm              Comunn Tir nam Beann Ceilidh, Augustine United Church, 41-43 George IV Bridge, with Lothian Gaelic Choir and individual singers/musicians, Neil MacLure (pipes). (Cont: 467 5236)
Sunday 07.10.12 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. (Cont: 225 1900)
Monday 08.10.12 – 9.30am               Yaketi-yak Gaelic conversation session, Cuthbert's, Fountainbridge. (1hr) (Cont: 07826 555134 or mail@yaketyyak-languagecafe.co.uk
Monday 08.10.12 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)
Monday 08.10.12 –12.45pm              Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 45m), (Units 25 - 36) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 09.10.12 – 9.15am               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hr), (Units 73 - 84) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 09.10.11 – 1.00pm               Gaelic Lunch Club, Mercure Hotel, (formerly Mount Royal) Princes St.  Speaker: Donald William Stewart. (Cont: 07906 318561).
Tuesday 09.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 19-24) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Tuesday 09.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 79 – 90) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 09.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 01-08) Newbattle Abbey College. Ends 06.11.12. (Cont: www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk) 
Tuesday 09.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 17-25) Newbattle Abbey College. Ends 06.11.12. (Cont: www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk) 
Tuesday 09.10.12 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Joe Wright. (Cont: 334 7005)
Wednesday 10.10.12 – 12.45pm        Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 37-48) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) (gu Ogmhios)
Wednesday 10.10.12 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 119 - 130) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Wednesday 10.10.12 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting Huse, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 0777 855 1294)
Thursday 11.10.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 49 - 60) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Thursday 11.10.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 109 – 120) Tollcross Comm. Centre. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Thursday 11.10.12 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Gillis Centre, Strathearn Road. (Cont: 07906 318561)
Friday 12.10.12 – 7.00pm                  Gaelic Festival at Newbattle Abbey College, Newbattle, Dalkeith. Gaelic Family Ceilidh with Scottish & Irish musicians/singers. Free entrance. (Cont: 663 1921 or office@newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk)
Friday 12.10.12 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. (Cont: 221 5800)
Saturday 13.10.12 – 10.00am            Gaelic Festival at Newbattle Abbey College, Newbattle, Dalkeith. Morning – Come & Try Gaelic/Children's Songs/ Storytelling. Afternoon – Workshops/Edinburgh Gaelic Choir/ Ceilidh Dancing. (Cont: 663 1921 or office@newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk)
Saturday 13.10.12 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Trad music/Gaelic Song/Step Dance Classes – Tollcross Comm Centre. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925 or feisdhuneideann@feisean.org)
Saturday 13.10.12 – 3.30pm              Cànan is Cèic (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).
Sunday 14.10.12 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. (Cont: 225 1900)
Monday 15.10.12 – 9.30am               Yaketi-yak Gaelic conversation session, Cuthbert's, Fountainbridge. (1hr) (Cont: 07826 555134 or mail@yaketyyak-languagecafe.co.uk
Monday 15.10.12 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)
Monday 16.10.12 –12.45pm              Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 45m), (Units 25 - 36) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 16.10.12 – 9.15am               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hr), (Units 73 - 84) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 16.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 19-24) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Tuesday 16.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 79 – 90) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 16.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 01-08) Newbattle Abbey College. Ends 06.11.12. (Cont: www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk) 
Tuesday 16.10.12 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Joe Wright. (Cont: 334 7005)
Wednesday 17.10.12 – 12.45pm        Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 37-48) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) (gu Ogmhios)
Wednesday 17.10.12 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 119 - 130) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Wednesday 17.10.12 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting Huse, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 0777 855 1294)
Thursday 18.10.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 49 - 60) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Thursday 18.10.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 109 – 120) Tollcross Comm. Centre. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Friday 19.10.12 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. (Cont: 221 5800)
Saturday 20.10.12 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Trad music/Gaelic Song/Step Dance Classes – Tollcross Comm Centre. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925 or feisdhuneideann@feisean.org)
Saturday 20.10.12 – 3.30pm              Cànan is Cèic (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).
Sunday 21.10.12 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. (Cont: 225 1900)
Monday 22.10.12 – 9.30am               Yaketi-yak Gaelic conversation session, Cuthbert's, Fountainbridge. (1hr) (Cont: 07826 555134 or mail@yaketyyak-languagecafe.co.uk
Monday 22.10.12 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)
Monday 23.10.12 –12.45pm              Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 45m), (Units 25 - 36) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 23.10.12 – 9.15am               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hr), (Units 73 - 84) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 23.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 19-24) ollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Tuesday 23.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 79 – 90) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 23.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 01-08) Newbattle Abbey College. Ends 06.11.12. (Cont: www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk) 
Tuesday 23.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 17-25) Newbattle Abbey College. Ends 06.11.12. (Cont: www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk) 
Tuesday 23.10.12 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Joe Wright. (Cont: 334 7005)
Wednesday 24.10.12 – 12.45pm        Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 37-48) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) (gu Ogmhios)
Wednesday 24.10.12 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 119 - 130) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Wednesday 24.10.12 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting Huse, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 0777 855 1294)
Thursday 25.10.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 49 - 60) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Thursday 25.10.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 109 – 120) Tollcross Comm. Centre. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Thursday 25.10.12 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Gillis Centre, Strathearn Road. (Cont: 07906 318561)
Friday 26.10.12 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. (Cont: 221 5800)
Saturday 27.10.12 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Trad music/Gaelic Song/Step Dance Classes – Tollcross Comm Centre. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925 or feisdhuneideann@feisean.org)
Saturday 27.10.12 – 3.30pm              Cànan is Cèic (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).
Sunday 28.10.12 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. (Cont: 225 1900)
Monday 29.10.12 – 9.30am               Yaketi-yak Gaelic conversation session, Cuthbert's, Fountainbridge. (1hr) (Cont: 07826 555134 or mail@yaketyyak-languagecafe.co.uk
Monday 29.10.12 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)
Monday 29.10.12 –12.45pm              Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 45m), (Units 25 - 36) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 30.10.12 – 9.15am               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hr), (Units 73 - 84) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 30.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 19-24) ollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Tuesday 30.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 79 – 90) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Tuesday 30.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 01-08) Newbattle Abbey College. Ends 06.11.12. (Cont: www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk) 
Tuesday 30.10.12 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 17-25) Newbattle Abbey College. Ends 06.11.12. (Cont: www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk) 
Tuesday 30.10.12 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Joe Wright. (Cont: 334 7005)
Wednesday 31.10.12 – 12.45pm        Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 37-48) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) (gu Ogmhios)
Wednesday 31.10.12 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 119 - 130) Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Wednesday 31.10.12 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting Huse, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 0777 855 1294)
Thursday 01.11.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), (Units 49 - 60) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) 
Thursday 01.11.12 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (2hrs), (Units 109 – 120) Tollcross Comm. Centre. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)
Thursday 01.11.12 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Gillis Centre, Strathearn Road. (Cont: 07906 318561)
Friday 02.11.12 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. (Cont: 221 5800)
Friday 02.11.11 – 8.30pm                  Bothan Dhùn Èideann – with Gillian McKenzie & friends, Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh. £5 (£3) (Contact: bothanduneideann@googlemail.com or 552 5998)
Saturday 03.11.12 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Trad music/Gaelic Song/Step Dance Classes – Tollcross Comm Centre. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925 or feisdhuneideann@feisean.org)
Saturday 03.11.12 – 3.30pm              Cànan is Cèic (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).