Gaelic Events in Edinburgh - June/July

Wednesday 01.06.11                          Exhibition (7 wks) on Life & Work of Alexander Carmichael – Special Collections, Edinburgh University Library, George Square. (Cont: Kirsty @ 0131 665 1719)

Wednesday 01.06.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café, 3 Bristo Place. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Wednesday 01.06.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 01.06.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 02.06.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 02.06.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 03.06.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 04.06.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 04.06.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).           

Sunday 05.06.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. (Cont: 225 1900)

Monday 06.06.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 07.06.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office, 137 Dundee St. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Tuesday 07.06.11 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Tuesday 07.06.11 – 7.30pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (6 wks) at Telford College, Edinburgh. (Cont: Neil McGregor 0131 221 1461)

Wednesday 08.06.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café, 3 Bristo Place. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Wednesday 08.06.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 08.06.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 09.06.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 09.06.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 10.06.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Friday 10.06.11 – 8.30pm                  "Bothan" at The Canons' Gait, 232 Canongate. With the popular Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Saturday 11.06.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 11.06.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk).           

Sunday 12.06.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. (Cont: 225 1900)

Sunday 12.06.11 – 3.00pm                 Gaelic service, St Columba's Free Church (Hall), Johnston Terrace. Mr John Murray, Dowanvale Free Church. (Cont: 228 3782).

Monday 13.06.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 14.06.11 – 1.00pm               Gaelic Lunch Club, Ramada Jarvis Mount Royal Hotel, Princes St. Guest speaker: Sheriff Roddy John Macleod. (Cont: 07906 318561).

Tuesday 14.06.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office, 137 Dundee St. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Tuesday 14.06.11 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Tuesday 14.06.11 – 7.30pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (final evening) at Telford College, Edinburgh. (Cont: Neil McGregor 0131 221 1461)

Wednesday 15.06.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café, 3 Bristo Place. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Wednesday 15.06.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 15.06.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 16.06.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 16.06.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 17.06.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 18.06.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 18.06.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk).           

Sunday 19.06.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. (Cont: 225 1900)

Monday 20.06.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 21.06.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office, 137 Dundee St. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Tuesday 21.06.11 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 22.06.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café, 3 Bristo Place. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Wednesday 22.06.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 22.06.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 23.06.11 – 9.00am             Two-day conference (Carmichael Watson Project) at Edinburgh University Library, George Square – "Alexander Carmichael: Collecting, Controversy & Contexts". (Cont: Kirsty @ 0131 665 1719)

Thursday 23.06.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 23.06.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 24.06.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Friday 24.06.11 – 8.00pm                  Ceilidh (Carmichael Watson Project) at St. Cecilia's Hall, Cowgate – with Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes and local choir Coisir Dhun Eideann.

Saturday 25.06.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 25.06.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).

Saturday 25.06.11 – 7.30pm              Edinburgh Argyll Association Ceilidh, St. John's Church Hall, Princes St. With Sheena Walker, Mod Gold Medallist, Andrew McIntyre (pipes) & others. (Cont: 0131 453 5766) 

Sunday 26.06.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. (Cont: 225 1900)

Monday 27.06.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 28.06.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office, 137 Dundee St. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Tuesday 28.06.11 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 29.06.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café, 3 Bristo Place. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Wednesday 29.06.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 29.06.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 30.06.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 30.06.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 01.07.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 02.07.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 02.07.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).

Sunday 03.07.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. (Cont: 225 1900)

Monday 04.07.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 05.07.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office, 137 Dundee St. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Tuesday 05.07.11 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 06.07.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café, 3 Bristo Place. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Wednesday 06.07.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 06.07.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 07.07.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 07.07.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 08.07.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 09.07.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 09.07.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).

Gaelic events in Edinburgh - May/June 2011

----- Forwarded message -----
From: "John Macleod" <john@andarach.com>
To: "&apos;John Macleod&apos;" <john@andarach.com>
Subject: Gaelic events in Edinburgh - May/June 2011
Date: Tue, May 3, 2011 13:18

A' chàirdean,

Tachartasan Gàidhlig a tha gu bhith ann an Dùn Eideann air feadh na seachdainean a leanas.

Please note the following Gaelic or Gaelic-related events in Edinburgh over the next few weeks.

Gach dùrachd,

Iain   

Sunday 01.05.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk,

Monday 02.05.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 03.05.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) (Units 43-48) at Drummond High School,

Tuesday 03.05.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office,

Tuesday 03.05.11 – 7.30pm               – SNP Rooms,

North St. Andrew St.

with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 04.05.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café,

Wednesday 04.05.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 04.05.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 05.05.11 – 5.15pm             Soillse Seminar on Language Policy & Planning, 27 George Square.  Dr Rhian Hodges, University of Wales (Bangor):  "Burghers or Spiralists? Integrative or Instrumental Incentives? Welsh-medium Education and parental incentives- The Case of the Rhymni Valley, Caerffili." (Cont: 650 3623).

Thursday 05.05.11 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, (Units 18-24) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 05.05.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 05.05.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 06.05.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 07.05.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 07.05.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) .          

Sunday 08.05.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk,

Monday 09.05.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 10.05.11 – 1.00pm               Gaelic Lunch Club, Ramada Mount Royal Hotel, Princes St. Guest speaker: Catriona Mackinnon. (Cont: 07906 318561).

Tuesday 10.05.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) (Units 43-48) at Drummond High School,

Tuesday 10.05.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office,

Tuesday 10.05.11 – 7.30pm               – SNP Rooms,

North St. Andrew St.

with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Tuesday 10.05.11 – 7.30pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (6 wks) at Telford College, Edinburgh. (Cont: Neil McGregor 0131 221 1461)

Wednesday 11.05.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café,

Wednesday 11.05.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 11.05.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 12.05.11 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, (Units 18-24) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 12.05.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)  

Thursday 12.05.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 13.05.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Friday 13.05.11 – 8.30pm                  "Bothan" at The Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh With Gillian McKenzie, Ewan McPherson & Alasdair White. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Saturday 14.05.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 14.05.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk).           

Sunday 15.05.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk,

Monday 16.05.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 17.05.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) (Units 43-48) at Drummond High School,

Tuesday 17.05.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office,

Tuesday 17.05.11 – 7.30pm               – SNP Rooms,

North St. Andrew St.

with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Tuesday 17.05.11 – 7.30pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (6 wks) at Telford College, Edinburgh. (Cont: Neil McGregor 0131 221 1461)

Wednesday 18.05.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café,

Wednesday 18.05.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 18.05.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 19.05.11 – 7.00pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, (Units 18-24) Drummond High School, Bellevue Place. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 19.05.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 19.05.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 20.05.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 21.05.11 – 11.00am            Celtic Festival, Newbattle Abbey College,

Newbattle Rd

, Dalkeith. Family activities includes Gaelic workshop. Free entry. (Cont: 0131 663 1921)

Saturday 21.05.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 21.05.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk).           

Sunday 22.05.11 – 12.30pm               General Assembly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk,

Monday 23.05.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 24.04.11 – 4.00pm               General Assembly Highland Meeting, Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street. Speaker: Iain Morrison, Stornoway.

Tuesday 24.05.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) (Units 43-48) at Drummond High School,

Tuesday 24.05.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office,

Tuesday 24.05.11 – 7.30pm               – SNP Rooms,

North St. Andrew St.

with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Tuesday 24.05.11 – 7.30pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (6 wks) at Telford College, Edinburgh. (Cont: Neil McGregor 0131 221 1461)

Wednesday 25.05.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café,

Wednesday 25.05.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 25.05.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 26.05.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 26.05.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 27.05.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 28.05.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 28.05.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk) .

Saturday 28.05.11 – 7.30pm              Edinburgh Argyll Association Ceilidh, St. John's Church Hall,

Sunday 29.05.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk,

Monday 30.05.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 31.05.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office,

Tuesday 31.05.11 – 7.30pm               – SNP Rooms,

North St. Andrew St.

with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Tuesday 31.05.11 – 7.30pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (6 wks) at Telford College, Edinburgh. (Cont: Neil McGregor 0131 221 1461)

Wednesday 01.06.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café,

Wednesday 01.06.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 01.06.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 02.06.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 02.06.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 03.06.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 04.06.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 04.06.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).           

Sunday 05.06.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk,

Monday 06.06.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 07.06.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office,

Tuesday 07.06.11 – 7.30pm               – SNP Rooms,

North St. Andrew St.

with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Tuesday 07.06.11 – 7.30pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (6 wks) at Telford College, Edinburgh. (Cont: Neil McGregor 0131 221 1461)

Wednesday 08.06.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café,

Wednesday 08.06.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 08.06.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 09.06.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 09.06.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 10.06.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 11.06.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 11.06.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk).           

Sunday 12.06.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk,

Sunday 12.06.11 – 3.00pm                 Gaelic service, St Columba's Free Church (Hall), Johnston Terrace. Mr John Murray, Dowanvale Free Church. (Cont: 228 3782).

Monday 13.06.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 14.06.11 – 1.00pm               Gaelic Lunch Club, Ramada Mount Royal Hotel, Princes St. Guest speaker: Sheriff Roddy John Macleod. (Cont: 07906 318561).

Tuesday 14.06.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office,

Tuesday 14.06.11 – 7.30pm               – SNP Rooms,

North St. Andrew St.

with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Tuesday 14.06.11 – 7.30pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (final evening) at Telford College, Edinburgh. (Cont: Neil McGregor 0131 221 1461)

Wednesday 15.06.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café,

Wednesday 15.06.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 15.06.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 16.06.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 16.06.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 17.06.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 18.06.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 18.06.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk).           

Sunday 19.06.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk,

Monday 20.06.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 21.06.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office,

Tuesday 21.06.11 – 7.30pm               – SNP Rooms,

North St. Andrew St.

with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 22.06.11 – 2.00pm          Gaelic Conversation Session – The Forest Café,

Wednesday 22.06.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 22.06.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 23.06.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 23.06.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 24.06.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 25.06.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 25.06.11 – 3.30pm              Còmhradh Disathairne (Gaelic Conversation Session) – Venue: Two Thin Laddies, 103 High Riggs. Led by Deirdre Nì Mhathúna. (Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk).

Saturday 25.06.11 – 7.30pm              Edinburgh Argyll Association Ceilidh, St. John's Church Hall,

Sunday 26.06.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk,

Greyfriars Place

. (Cont: 225 1900)

Princes St

. With Sheena Walker, Mod Gold Medallist, Andrew McIntyre (pipes) & others. (Cont: 0131 453 5766) 

3 Bristo Place

. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Gaelic Conversation Circle

137 Dundee St.

(Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Greyfriars Place

. (Cont: 225 1900)

3 Bristo Place

. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Gaelic Conversation Circle

137 Dundee St.

(Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Greyfriars Place

. (Cont: 225 1900)

3 Bristo Place

. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Gaelic Conversation Circle

137 Dundee St.

(Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Greyfriars Place

. (Cont: 225 1900)

3 Bristo Place

. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Gaelic Conversation Circle

137 Dundee St.

(Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Greyfriars Place

. Mr Mark Macleod.  (Cont: 225 1900)

Princes St

. With Kirsteen Grant & Iain Maclean (Gold Medallists), Douglas Watson (harmonica), Andrew McIntyre (pipes). (Cont: 0131 453 5766) 

3 Bristo Place

. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Gaelic Conversation Circle

137 Dundee St.

(Cont:  mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Bellevue Place

. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk))

Greyfriars Place

.

Rev. Dr.

Roddy Macleod, Cumlodden. (Cont: 225 1900)

3 Bristo Place

. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Gaelic Conversation Circle

137 Dundee St.

(Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Bellevue Place

. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk))

Greyfriars Place

. Rev. Murdo Macleod.  (Cont: 225 1900)

3 Bristo Place

. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Gaelic Conversation Circle

137 Dundee St.

(Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)

Bellevue Place

. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk))

Greyfriars Place

. Mr Mark Macleod.  (Cont: 225 1900)

3 Bristo Place

. (Conversation & music – Early Learners). (Cont: Mark at  feadan24@hotmail.com) 

Gaelic Conversation Circle

137 Dundee St.

(Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk)  

Bellevue Place

. (Cont: mechthild@cli.org.uk))

Greyfriars Place

. Rev. Angus Smith.  (Cont: 225 1900)

Gaelic events in Edinburgh, February 2011

Wednesday 23.02.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 23.02.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 24.02.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: ulpan@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 24.02.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 25.02.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 26.02.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 26.02.11 – 9.00pm              An Comunn Ceilteach – Highland Annual Ball – Teviot Row House, Bristo Square. Advance tickets £9/£7 online or from Coda Music. Ceilidh & Dance till 0300. Photo ID required.

Sunday 27.02.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place.  Mark MacLeod. (Cont: 225 1900)

Monday 28.02.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Monday 28.02.11 – 7.00pm               Gaelic School Consultation – Public information meeting at St. Thomas of Aquin’s School, Lauriston called by City of Edinburgh Council for all with an interest in the future of GME in Edinburgh. (Cont: 0131 228 5035)

Tuesday 01.03.11 – 7.00pm               Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (7pm-8.30pm) at Gaelic Office, 137 Dundee St. (Cont: ulpan@cli.org.uk))

Tuesday 01.03.11 – 7.30pm               Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 02.03.11 – 7.15pm          Ulpan Gaelic Learning course (1hr 30m), Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 2228)

Wednesday 02.03.11 – 7.15pm          Coisir Dhun Eideann (formerly Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir) weekly rehearsal – Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Tce. (Cont. 669 6418)

Thursday 03.03.11 – 7.15pm             Ulpan Gaelic Learning course, Room 2, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: ulpan@cli.org.uk)

Thursday 03.03.11 – 7.15pm             Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Friday 04.03.11 – 7.00pm                  Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Room 3 Tollcross Comm Centre (2hrs). With Déirdre Ní Mhathúna. 

Saturday 05.03.11 – 12.45pm            Féis Dhùn Èideann Gaelic Singing Class – Tollcross Comm Centre (1hr). Songs from waulking songs to puirt-a-beul, with Mairi Kidd. (Cont: Gillian MacDonald 07514 386925)

Saturday 05.03.11 – 7.30pm              Comunn Tir nam Beann Ceilidh, St. John’s Church Hall, Princes St. with ‘Gleusda’ (Donnie Mackenzie, Catriona Laird, Alison Lamonby, Jim Hanson & John Oswald); Ewan Macleod (Mod Gold Medallist); Maureen McMahon (Scots singer) & Neil McLure (piper). MC: Donnie MacKenzie.  (Cont: 334 7005)

Sunday 06.03.11 – 12.30pm               Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place.  (Cont: 225 1900)

Monday 07.03.11 – 11.00am             Gaelic Coffee Morning – Café Nero, Frasers, West End. Conversational opportunity for Gaelic speakers of all ages & abilities. (Cont: 0131 228 5035) 


Please see the Edinburgh Gaelic Partnership for more info

Manran in top 40 bid for Gaelic with charity single

Forwarded from my friends at Fèisean nan Gàidheal:

Fèisean nan Gàidheal is supporting Mànran in their bid to get into the Singles Charts with their Gaelic Song, “Latha Math”.

Please pass this round your own contacts to see if we can help them get into the Top 40! They need to sell at least 7,500 downloads this week.



“Latha Math” costs just 79p and is downloadable from iTunes here http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/latha-math/id406278896

Further Information:

Scotland Shinty captain targets historic chart success.

The captain of the Scotland shinty squad has set his sights on leading a team of Scottish Gaelic musicians into next week’s UK top 40 for the first time in the 21st century.

Gary Innes, who led the Scotland team to victory in the last international match against Ireland at Croke Park in Dublin, wants to emulate the success of Capercaillie and Runrig who enjoyed chart hits with Gaelic songs in the 1990s.

Innes will swap his caman for an accordion as his band launch their debut single – “Latha Math” or “Good Day” - in Glasgow’s ABC club on the 16th January during the Celtic Connections festival. It will be released the following day.

“Latha Math”, written by singer Norrie MacIver, describes an idyllic and peaceful day in his native island of Lewis in the Western Isles. The six musicians came together in April 2010 to form Mànran, which means “man about town” or “sweet, tuneful and melodic”.

The other band members joke that both are fitting descriptions for shinty legend Innes, a fireman who is now playing music full-time alongside his sports career. In 2010 Innes scored in the last minute to clinch victory for Fort William in the final of shinty’s premier trophy, the Camanachd Cup, to pick up his fifth winners’ medal.

“Latha Math” has to achieve at least 7500 downloads in the seven days from the 17th of January to break into the Top 40. Innes admits it will be a challenge to convince that number of people to buy the single: “It is a big target but we are a strong team of musicians. We really need the public to get behind us and support Gaelic and traditional music.”

The Scotland forward, who featured on the cover of Runrig’s last album ‘Everything You See’, added that chart success would be important for the Gaelic language: “If Gaelic is to survive as a living language the kids have to think it is cool. A Top 40 hit alongside Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas and Katy Perry can help achieve that.”

Mànran have already received the backing of Runrig, who regularly play to sell out crowds across Europe and are the only band to make it into the Top 20 with a Scottish Gaelic song. “An Ubhal as Àirde” – “The Highest Apple” - reached Number 18 in the charts in 1995.

Founder member of Runrig, Calum MacDonald, urged everyone who is interested in music, Gaelic and shinty to download the single next week: “Anyone who has an eye for goal like Gary Innes will have an eye for the charts. Runrig will be delighted if they make it a hat-trick of chart wins for Gaelic songs.”


Notes for Editors:

“Latha Math was released on Monday 17th January. It is available on iTunes, Amazon and other music sites and will be for download only.

For further details please contact:

Gary Innes
(m) 07748 706316
(e) info@garyinnes.com

Albannach, Whisky and Restaurant, London

Tonight I ate at Albannach (Scots Gaelic for 'Scottish') at Trafalgar Square, London. I used to do restaurant and pub reviews when I travelled a lot (you can read some of the previous reviews here) but haven't done one in a while. Tonight's visit has prompted me to get back into Gordon Ramsay mode.

First of all, I'd like to steer clear of the Scottish stereotypes. A place doesn't have to be dripping with tartan, heather and playing Kenneth McKellar for me to say it's authentic - we've all had enough of Scottish kitsch, but there are a few basics to get right. Albannach is in the Scottish heart of London - a stone's throw from The Scottich office, The Crown Court Church of Scotland, the world's oldest Scots Gaelic choir at Covent Garden and the meeting venue of the Gaelic society of London (founded 1777). No shortage of local experts then.

It's perfectly possible to be modern and relevant and still be Scottish. The revival in Gaelic, the growth of modern Scottish folk music with new interpretations on old songs, the kilt being cool to wear amongst young people at ceilidhs all goes to show you can be trendy and contemporary yet still be Scottish. Rstaurants such as Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh are using Gaelic now - after all it's always cool to demonstrate knowledge of your own country, rather than ignorance.

The Albannach has trendy white antlers for decoration, but that's about as far as it goes. The music was I think American swing, the staff from somewhere in Europe. They didn't really understand Scottish cuisine and I had to explain it to them. There's some basics you really need to get right. I usually get served by Indian people in an Indian restaurant and get Indian music. I would feel a bit surprised being served by Chinese people in an Indian restaurant whilst African music was playing in the background, yet this cultural mix up seems completely OK when you're a Scottish restaurant in London. I'm not going to dwell on this too much since doing so might seem too stereotypical, the point is that when I go out in Scotland there's often non-Scots serving me and this is perfectly OK but the difference is that there they know the menu and can explain it.

For a restaurant trying to be up-market, there is a pretty dire selection for vegetarians, none of the vegetarian options being very Scottish. Best go elsewhere. I was a bit surprised too that for a restaurant priding itself on its whiskies and being a "restaurant and whisky" venue, that I was presented with the wine menu on seating, no whisky menu in sight. Perhaps a wine and whisky menu would be more relevant in the circumstances?

Having been a fan of McSween's haggis for about 20 years (and mentioning it in the Scottish FAQ, the first online guide to Scotland, since 1994) I went for the haggis main course. What a disappointment. It was a haggis tower, trying to be trendy but like a Bay City Roller in platform shoes 30 years too late, failing miserably. It resembled a haggis hamburger atop a potato slab. I looked for several minutes for the neeps (turnip) that was supposed to accompany it but eventually gave up and called the waiter. He explained the white stuff tasting like potatoes was turnip, and then went to get some more "neeps", which also turned out to be potatoes. After some more digging around in the potato slab I eventually found about a square inch of actual turnip, buried deep within the tatties (potato). There it was, small yet not perfectly formed, as it was undercooked and not mashed or even cooked properly. This was a potato slab with a hint of turnip buried deep within, rather than the traditional tatties, neeps and haggis in roughly equal proportions side by side on the plate. Accompanying this was an anonymous whisky, no mention of which one it was. For a place priding itself in its whisky knowledge, I would have though asking me which one I wanted or at least saying which one it was might have been a basic.

When the second helping of "neeps" arrived I had actually finished the main course at this point so had a helping of potatoes as an intermediate course. Nice. Not. Again, there were a few small pieces of actual neeps buried deep within, like finding the proverbial sixpence within Granny's Christmas pudding. However, I thought I would illuminate the staff with a few pictures from Wikipedia illustrating what neeps looked like as it seems they had never tasted it personally and mistakenly believed that mashed potatoes were in fact turnips. Huh? Shurely shome mishtake?

I ordered coffee and dessert. Normally in a basic restaurant, never mind one trying to think about being upmarket you get the dessert first then the coffee. Not so at the Albannach, when you get the coffee first then the dessert 10 minutes later.

It is difficult to see how this place has one the awards that it has, it would be interesting to see when the awards were actually given and if the current staff were involved in any way.

Surprisingly for a restaurant that couldn't be booked online and gave the impression of being full for weeks, the place was deserted. There were about 3 tables in use, 9 staff or so busying themselves doing apparently nothing in as many creative ways as possible. It might have been better on a coldish night if we hadn't been sat next to the draughty window with our coats on and tables near the bar were going empty, another mistake. Maybe it was the cold keeping people away, or maybe tonight's diners had found somewhere more attractive to eat.

I don't subscribe to the 12.5% service charge philosophy. If I want to leave a tip I will and if I don't like the service I like the option of not paying it. Should a restaurant find it's not making enough money, it should increase the food prices and not rely on a 12.5% service charge to make up the shortfall. I also don't subscribe to the philosophy of just because it's central London it's got to be expensive either.

Wetherspoons in Whitehall is but a 5 minute walk away from Albannach. When Wetherspoons serve haggis, it is also from MacSween's. They do neeps you can see and which are separate. They do mashed potato (tatties) too. They charge about 1/4 the price of Albannach, have a warm room and the portions are bigger too. So there's no justification in being ripped off just to look at white antlers.

Perhaps you could be a bit more Scottish and cool by playing Clarsach music, something by Capercaillie or the Red Hot Chilli Pipers? A menu in Scots or Gaelic would be helpful or at least to say they are available on request, it shows you might have been to Scotland recently where bilingual signs are becoming increasingly commonplace. You might even pick up some good Scottish words such as "Hogmanay" rather than the "New Year's Eve" menu advertised on the site. If you put Cranachan on a menu, surely using the Scottish word for turn of the year isn't too much to ask?

I had cranachan for dessert. Again, this was made by someone who didn't seem to have a clue. The dry oats sandwiched between the cream and fruit were difficult to blend together with the soup spoon. Try picking up some tips from a proper Scottish award winning restaurant such as the three chimneys or on the cover of the Scots cooking bible if you want to know how to make this. Come to think of it just about anywhere in the excellent taste of Scotland would be able to give this place the proverbial boot in the goolies. Perhaps Taste of Scotland should come down and give them some advice. The chef at Albannach is Jason Wilson. I couldn't find any info about him other than he had previously worked at an Argentinian restaurant (Gaucho Grill) but did note that along the way that Albannach were advertising on Gumtree for staff, a rather surprising location to be looking for upmarket staff.

Bio: The author is a Gaelic speaking Scotsman, used to work for the Scottish Tourist Board, who work closely with Taste of Scotland (although the opinions here are entirely my own) and wrote the first online guide to Scotland and which even has a food and drink section. The restaurant mentioned above in London has thankfully absolutely no connection with the excellent Albannach Hotel which has a highly coveted Michelin star.

London school closure status

Please visit opencheck for the latest info on school closures in London.

For a quicker way of getting the info just for your school, you might be interested in the following steps. Once you have done this once, you can bookmark the page for quick and easy access in future.

I'll use Abbey Primary school in Sutton (the first school in the Sutton area dropdown) as an example, however this will work for any London school in the scheme.

Goto edubase and search for your school there. Enter the relevant details for town and establishment name to search for your school. Click on the establishment name in the search results and in the example above this will take you to this page.

Note the LA number (in this case 319) and the 4 digit school reference (in this case 2012) and combine them together: 3192012.

Now put that number into this URL https://support.lgfl.org.uk/public/bits/opencheck.ashx?code=3192012 (replace the 7 digits at the end with the number for your school)

Bookmark this page. Now you have a quick one-line up to date status for your school that loads very quickly.

Hope this helps.

Craig