A curated selection of past events involving Celtic and Scottish Studies.
Each semester, we welcome a fantastic range of guest speakers and colleagues in Celtic and Scottish Studies to present a lunchtime seminar on their work.
As the longest established department of its kind in Scotland, Celtic and Scottish Studies at Edinburgh is a major international hub for research, teaching and learning.
Please note that speaker titles and universities, as listed, date from the time of the event and may have changed.
In 2024, Celtic and Scottish Studies hosted a series of interdisciplinary seminars exploring the formation, development, and perception of medieval Scotland in terms of the constituent linguistic, literary, and material cultures – Brythonic, Pictish, Gaelic, Norse, Scots, and English – from which Scotland emerges.
Please note that speaker titles and universities, as listed, date from the time of the event and may have changed.
| Date | Title | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 3 December 2024 | Dr Megan Kasten: 'Reconstructing Govan Old and its Wider Context through Digital Imaging' Dr Neil McGuigan: 'Searching for ‘Strathclyde’: Sources and Context' | Dr Megan Kasten (University of Glasgow) and Dr Neil McGuigan |
| 19 November 2024 | Patterns of Communication: Women as Inventors of Pattern in Insular Art | Dr Cynthia Thickpenny (University of Edinburgh) |
| 5 November 2024 | Naming Scotland | Dr Sofia Evemalm-Graham (University of Glasgow) and Dr Oisín Plumb (University of the Highlands and Islands) |
| 22 October 2024 | Shaping Scotland | Dr Nicholas Evans (University of Aberdeen) and Dr Kate Ash-Irisarri (University of Edinburgh) |
Researchers in Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh are highly active in the area of future language planning and maintenance, particularly for Scottish Gaelic.
In spring 2019, we held a series of public seminars on language policy, with an emphasis on language in Scotland.
Please note that speaker titles and universities, as listed, date from the time of the event and may have changed.
| Date | Title | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 2 May 2019 | A truthful reconciliation? Bill C-91, the Indigenous Languages Act and Canada's duty to its indigenous peoples | Professor Rob Dunbar (University of Edinburgh) |
| 25 April 2019 | Comasan Labhairt ann an Gàidhlig: developing a research-based resource for Gaelic learning and teaching | Dr Nicola Carty (University of Glasgow) |
| 28 March 2019 | The Scots language in superdiverse educational spaces: a critical discourse analysis of policy into practice' | Dr Karen Lowing (University of Stirling) |
| 21 March 2019 | Gaelic spaces, Gaelic in space: an approach to informal practice and learning of Scottish Gaelic | Fañch Bihan-Gallic (University of Aberdeen) |
| 14 March 2019 | Language provision and inclusion in Scottish mainstream education | Róisín McKelvey (University of Edinburgh) |
| 7 March 2019 | Leasachadh eacanomaigeach agus a' Ghàidhlig: o shealladh an latha an-diugh chun a-màireach | Iain Caimbeul (The University of the Highlands and Islands) |
| 28 February 2019 | The early days of a signing nation? Reflections upon the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 | Professor Graham Turner (Heriot-Watt University) |
An annual conference jointly organised by the departments of Celtic and Scottish Studies and Scandinavian Studies at the University of Edinburgh.
Each year, the conference has a different theme related to Celtic and Old Norse mythology - previous themes include Myth and History, Boundaries, and Similarities and Differences.
Typically, the conference runs over two or three days and comprises a mix of panel sessions, keynote plenaries, workshops and networking opportunities.
Please note that speaker titles and universities, as listed, date from the time of the event and may have changed.
| Dates | Theme | Venue | Keynote speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 and 20 October 2019 | Myth and History | 50 George Square | Professor Joseph Nagy (Harvard University); Dr Emily Lyle (University of Edinburgh); Professor John Carey (University College Cork); Professor Jonas Wellendorf (University of California at Berkeley) |
| 10 and 11 November 2018 | Boundaries | 50 George Square | Professor Ruairi Ó hUiginn (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies); Professor Jens Peter Schjodt (Aarhus University); Dr Kevin Murray (University College Cork) |
| 10 and 11 November 2017 | Similarities and differences | 50 George Square; David Hume Tower | Professor Stephen A. Mitchell (Harvard University); Professor Gregory Toner (Queen’s University, Belfast); Professor Jonathan Wooding (University of Sydney); Professor Jonas Wellendorf (University of California at Berkeley) |
| 19 and 20 November 2016 | 50 George Square | ||
| 24 and 25 November 2015 | 50 George Square | Professor Daniel Melia (University of California at Berkeley) | |
| 8 and 9 November 2014 | Recent developments in Celtic Studies, particularly myth and oral culture | 50 George Square |
Rannsachadh na Gàidhlig is a biennial academic conference series established in 2000 to promote research through the medium of Gaelic and on any topic related to Gaelic.
Typically, the conference runs over three or four days and comprises a mix of panel sessions, keynote plenaries, poster sessions, workshops and networking opportunities such as visits to the School of Scottish Studies Archives, book launches and evening entertainment.
Please note that speaker titles and universities, as listed, date from the time of the event and may have changed.
| Dates | Venue | Keynote speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 28 to 30 August 2018 | Informatics Forum; Appleton Tower; 50 George Square | |
| 23 to 26 June 2014 | Informatics Forum; Appleton Tower | Professor Richard Sharpe (Oxford University); Professor Hugh Cheape (Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI); Dr Moray Watson (University of Aberdeen); Dr Meg Bateman (Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI); Dr John Purser (Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI) |
Dates: 16 and 17 October 2019
Venue: Informatics Forum (University of Edinburgh)
Keynote speakers: Rob Dunbar (University of Edinburgh); Josu Amezaga Albizu (University of the Basque Country (UPV / EHU)); Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones (Mercator Media); Alan Esslemont (Director of TG4); Itziar Azpeitia Iruretagoien (Basque Public TV (ETB))
Organisers: Miren Manias-Muñoz (University of Edinburgh / University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)); Garbiñe Iztueta Goizueta (University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) / Etxepare Basque Institute)
In brief: Organised jointly by Etxepare Basque Institute and the University of Edinburgh, this two-day conference aimed to encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration between academics and professionals working on minority-language media. The conference was a part of Scotland Goes Basque, a programme of Basque culture promoted by the Etxepare Basque Institute in Scotland in 2019, and comprised speaker sessions, three plenaries, a roundtable discussion, a book launch and a screening of the documentary Mugaminak (2016).
Dates: 13 to 18 June 2018
Venue: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Isle of Skye
In brief: A joint meeting of the Ulster Cycle and Finn Cycle Conferences, hosted by the Scottish Celtic departments at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and the University of the Highlands and Islands, to encourage Celticists to engage more closely with Ossianic scholarship.
Dates: 2 to 4 March 2018
Venue: 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh; Teviot Row House, University of Edinburgh
Organisers: Students of Celtic Studies at the University of Edinburgh and The Association of Celtic Students of Ireland and Britain
In brief: The Celtic Studies Students' Conference has travelled throughout the Celtic world since 2012, and in March 2018, the conference returned to its original home for the first time since its inception. The conference consisted of 20-minute presentations on any aspect of Celtic Studies, including literature, language, linguistics, history, archaeology, art, music, ethnology and politics, by students of all Celtic languages and periods: ancient, medieval, early modern and contemporary.
As part of the School of Scottish Studies Archives at 70 celebrations, Celtic and Scottish Studies partnered with Edinburgh Tradfest for the first Rebellious Truth Lecture in May 2021.
Through presentation and live performance, the Rebellious Truth Lecture explores the importance of traditional arts and the role of traditional artists of all backgrounds and practices in addressing societal concerns: environment, sustainability, identity, social cohesion, health, understandings of economy, employment, education, and diversity.
Date: 11 May 2025
Venue: Traverse Theatre (in person) or online via live stream
Event series: Rebellious Truth
In brief: The fifth annual Rebellious Truth lecture-recital in collaboration with Edinburgh Tradfest was given by Gaelic singer, broadcaster, weather presenter, choir leader, language teacher, and step dancer, Joy Dunlop. It was entitled 'No Wrong Path: A Gaelic Learning Journey'.
This lecture detailed Joy's Gaelic journey; from learning Gaelic songs phonetically, to being the face of multi-platform learning brand, SpeakGaelic. Joy discussed her journey to fluency, and both the opportunities and challenges that she encountered on the way.
The event was chaired by Dr Lori Watson (Celtic and Scottish Studies) and included a smattering of music from Joy, along with a special set by Traditional Artist in Residence Fraser Fifield.
Date: 12 May 2024
Venue: Traverse Theatre (in person) or online via live stream
Event series: Rebellious Truth
In brief: The fourth annual Rebellious Truth lecture-recital in collaboration with Edinburgh Tradfest was given by musician, songwriter, producer and broadcaster, Archie Fisher. It was entitled 'Once Upon A Song: Seven Decades of Scottish Folk'.
This lecture was presented as a series of musical anecdotes with Archie bearing witness to the events, people and songs that epitomised 20th century folk culture in Britain, Ireland and beyond. Looking back at the scene over the past 70 years, he reflected on folk music as his constant companion through everything. The talk was chaired by Dr Lori Watson (Celtic and Scottish Studies) and featured performances from Archie and Traditional Artist in Residence Fraser Fifield.
Date: 7 May 2023
Venue: Traverse Theatre (in person) or online via live stream
Event series: Rebellious Truth
In brief: The third annual Rebellious Truth lecture was in collaboration with Edinburgh Tradfest and given by Mischa Macpherson, Gaelic singer, composer, researcher and broadcaster. It was titled 'Balance and Belonging: The Unique Creative Life of Traditional Musicians / Cothromachd Agus Buntanas: Am Beatha Cruthachail Sònraichte Aig Luchd-Ciùil Traidiseanta'.
The talk concerned the mental pressures that traditional musicians face, and provided insight into the joys of playing the music you love. As well as the talk, the event included a short performance from Mischa and special set by our Traditional Artist in Residence Fraser Fifield.
Inaugural Lectures are free public talks by recently-appointed Professors and Chairs at the University of Edinburgh where they share their work with a wide audience, inviting reflection and discussion on its broader implications.
| Speaker | Date | Venue | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Will Lamb (Personal Chair of Gaelic Ethnology and Linguistics) | 4 December 2024 | 50 George Square | Could Artificial Intelligence save Scottish Gaelic? |
The O’Donnell Lectures on the Celtic aspect of the archaeology and languages of Britain were established in 1954 in honour of Charles James O’Donnell.
They are given in the universities of Edinburgh, Oxford, Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Swansea and Lampeter (Trinity St David). At the University of Edinburgh, the O'Donnell Lecture is hosted annually by Celtic and Scottish Studies.
| Speaker | Date | Venue | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Regina Uí Chollatáin (University College Dublin) | 28 May 2024 | 50 George Square | 'Gaedhilg na hAimsire Seo': Revival and the Irish Language Mediascape |
| Dr Fiona Edmonds (University of Lancaster) | 9 May 2019 | 50 George Square | Gaelic around the Solway Firth in the medieval period |
| Professor Donald Meek (University of Glasgow) | 31 May 2018 | 50 George Square | The Gaelic Literary Enlightenment: The Making of the Scottish Gaelic New Testament and Associated Books, 1760-1820 |
| Professor William Gillies (University of Edinburgh) | 16 May 2017 | 50 George Square | 'The Mavis of Clan Donald': engaging with John MacCodrum |
Hosted by An Comann Gàidhealach in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, the annual John MacLeod Memorial Lecture was established in 2019.
Originally from Carloway in Lewis, John MacLeod was a champion of Gaelic language and culture all his life and was actively involved in Gaelic development in Edinburgh. He was a member of the Lothian and Carloway Gaelic Choirs, and was the President of An Comunn Gàidhealach for ten years. In 1996, MacLeod restarted the Edinburgh branch of the Royal National Mòd, and, in 2017, was given the award of "Sàr-Ghàidheal" (Outstanding Gael) at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Gaelic college on Skye.
| Speaker | Date | Venue | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duncan MacLeod | 30 January 2025 | 50 George Square | Beachd a’ Chànanaiche: Dè tha crìonadh cànain ag innse dhuinn mun Gàidhlig? / Thoughts of a Linguist: What does language decay tell us about Gaelic? |
| Katie MacInnes | 1 February 2024 | 50 George Square | One Croft, Many Opportunities / Aon Chroit, Iomadh Chothrom |
| Ruairidh Alastair MacLennan | 26 January 2023 | 50 George Square | A’ togail guth ann an saoghal chruinneil: Ciall-chànain ri linn a lingua franca / Raising a voice in a globalised world: The meaning of language in the age of the lingua franca |
| Iona Whyte | 27 January 2022 | Online via Zoom | Mealladh Uaine is Fionn-Sgeul an Lorg Carbon / Green Washing and the Carbon Footprint Myth |
| Pàdruig Morrison | 28 January 2021 | Online via Zoom | Tìr nan Gàidheal? A’ beachdachadh air òigridh agus na h-eileanan anns an àm ri teachd / Land of the Gael? Considering young people and the islands in the future |
| Dr Alasdair Whyte (University of Glasgow) | 30 January 2020 | 50 George Square | Fèin-aithne is Fèin-mheas nan Gàidheal |
| Kate Forbes MSP | 24 January 2019 | 50 George Square | Dileab Thugainn, Dileab Bhuainn |
Inaugurated in 1996, the lecture celebrates the life and work of Dr Alan Bruford (1937-1995), the School of Scottish Studies' longest-serving archivist and an eminent editor, author, collector and scholar of the folktale and storytelling.
It takes place annually as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
| Speaker | Date | Venue | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Ronald Black (Honorary Fellow, University of Edinburgh) | 29 October 2024 | Scottish Storytelling Centre | Oral Narrative and Propaganda |
| Dr John Shaw (University of Edinburgh) | 24 October 2023 | Scottish Storytelling Centre | John Francis Campbell and ‘This New Science of “Storyology"' |
| Professor John T Niles (University of Wisconsin) | 25 October 2022 | Scottish Storytelling Centre | Storytelling and Worldview: The Legacy of Duncan Williamson and Betsy Whyte |
| Dr John Shaw (University of Edinburgh) | 24 October 2023 | Scottish Storytelling Centre | John Francis Campbell and 'This New Science of "Storyology"' |
Date: 28 November 2024
Venue: 50 George Square
Featured guests: Christopher Whyte and Niall O'Gallagher (Gaelic Writer in Residence)
In brief: A conversation between Gaelic poet Christopher Whyte and the University's Gaelic Writer in Residence, Niall O'Gallagher. It featured readings in Gaelic with English translations from Christopher's new book 'Athair' ('Father').
Date: 7 November 2024
Venue: Project Room 1.06, 50 George Square
Featured guests: Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir/Martin MacIntyre & Niall O’Gallagher (previous and current Gaelic Writers in Residence)
In brief: An evening of poetry and conversation to bid farewell to outgoing Gaelic Writer in Residence Martin MacIntyre, and to welcome in his successor Niall O'Gallagher.
Date: 19 November 2024
Venue: 50 George Square
Speaker: Dr Anja Gunderloch (Celtic & Scottish Studies)
Title: The Gaelic Ways of Life in the Poetry of Donnchadh Bàn Macintyre
Organisers: Celtic and Scottish Studies; The Scottish Gaelic Texts Society (SGTS)
In brief: The SGTS's annual Canna Lecture in 2024 was held within the University, and welcomed Dr Anja Gunderloch (Celtic & Scottish Studies) to discuss the ways of life in Gaelic communities as revealed through the poetry of Donnchadh Bàn Macintyre, a renowned Gaelic poet who played a key part in the 18th century golden age of Gaelic poetry.
Date: 31 October 2024
Venue: 50 George Square
Guest speaker: Donald S. Murray
In brief: A talk by acclaimed Scottish writer and playwright Donald S. Murray in both poetry and prose, and Gaelic and English. Donald explored past and present effects of emigration on Scotland's Western Isles.
Date: 18 July 2024
Venue: Centre for Research Collections
Guest speakers: Dr Peadar Ó Muircheartaigh (University of Edinburgh); Professor Matthew Driscoll (University of Copenhagen); Professor Charles Lock (University of Copenhagen); Dr Désha Osborne (University of Edinburgh); Dr Ulrike Hogg (National Library of Scotland)
In brief: A seminar that examined aspects of the life and legacy of the Scandinavian scholar and antiquarian, Grímur Thorkelin (1752-1829) in eighteenth-century Britain. Topics covered ranged from his correspondence, connections, politics and publishing activity. The event was followed by a display of Icelandic and Scandinavian material from the CRC.
Date: 19 April 2024
Venue: 50 George Square
Performers: Martin MacIntyre (Gaelic Writer in Residence), Ifor ap Glyn and Noèlia Diaz Vicedo
In brief: A book launch to celebrate the publication of Martin's newest poetry collection, 'Running Between Two Dragons'. In a first for Scottish poetry, it has been translated into Catalan, Welsh and English by Martin, Ifor and Noèlia. The poets read a selection of poems from the collection in all four languages and there was an opportunity to purchase the book from Francis Boutle Publishing. The event was chaired by Marion Sinclair, Chief Executive of Publishing Scotland.
Date: 6 December 2023
Venue: 50 George Square
Guest speaker: Dr Priscilla Scott
Title: 'Seinnidh mi le deòin do chliù': Praise of patrons, public figures, and personal friends in the songs of Màiri Mhòr nan Òran
Organisers: Celtic and Scottish Studies; The Scottish Gaelic Texts Society (SGTS)
In brief: The SGTS's annual Canna Lecture in 2023 was held within the University, and welcomed Dr Priscilla Scott to discuss the praise songs of Màiri Mhòr nan Òran / Mary MacPherson (1821-1898), the well-known Skye poet whose work was edited for the SGTS by Professor Donald Meek.
Date: 18 October 2023
Venue: The Saltire Society
Guest speakers: Sissal Kampmann, Ligija Purinaša and Martin Macintyre (Gaelic Writer in Residence)
In brief: An evening of poetry from three featured poets:
This event was hosted by the publisher Francis Boutle, and English translations were provided.
Date: 10 October 2023
Venue: Chrystal Macmillan Building
Guest speaker: Professor Matthew Driscoll (Arnamagnæan Institute, University of Copenhagen)
In brief: A seminar by Professor Driscoll entitled 'Popular Romance in late pre-modern Iceland'. This event was hosted as a joint collaboration between Celtic and Scottish Studies and Scandinavian Studies.
Date: 12 November 2020
Venue: Online (Zoom)
In brief: Hosted by Professor Rob Dunbar (University of Edinburgh), the event celebrated the launch of 'Gaelic in Scotland: Policies, Movements, Ideologies' by Professor Wilson McLeod (University of Edinburgh), the first comprehensive study of Gaelic in modern Scotland.
Date: 8 May 2017
Venue: 50 George Square
Speaker: Dr Priscilla Scott (University of Edinburgh)
In brief: Ttitled "‘Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig!’: The influence of innovative and forward-looking women in the development of the Mòd in the early years of the twentieth century," this lecture focused on the impact of a small group of dynamic ‘new women’ on the development of the Mòd and wider An Comunn Gàidhealach activities, as they sought to implement their own innovative ideas and to encourage a forward-looking and more inclusive organisation in support of Gaelic.
The University's Gaelic Writer in Residence, Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir, ran a series of Gaelic Writing Workshops throughout 2023. These workshops encouraged attendees to share their writing, as well as work on new pieces individually and collaboratively.
| Gaelic Writing Workshop 3 | 15 December 2023 | 40 George Square Cafe |
| Gaelic Writing Workshop 2 | 23 November 2023 | 50 George Square |
| Gaelic Writing Workshop 1 | 26 October 2023 | 50 George Square |
Date: 11 December 2024
Venue: 50 George Square
Performer: Fraser Fifield (Traditional Artist in Residence) and Allan MacDonald (piper, singer, composer)
In brief: A concert that featured Fraser Fifield (Traditional Artist in Residence at the University of Edinburgh) and celebrated piper, singer and composer Allan MacDonald, as they extemporised, improvised and interpreted a wealth of instrumental music and song.
Date: 15 October 2024
Venue: 50 George Square
Performer: Fraser Fifield (Traditional Artist in Residence)
In brief: A concert made up of a selection of traditional music and song that gave a starting point for a series of improvisations performed by Traditional Artist in Residence, Fraser Fifield, using low whistle and looping pedals.
Date: 22 May 2024
Venue: 50 George Square
Guest performers: Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir (Gaelic Writer in Residence), Pàdraig MacAoidh, Linda NicLeòid
In brief: A celebratory cuirm of song, stories, and inspiration in honour of the end of the academic year, and of Màrtainn's last public event as Gaelic Writer in Residence. He was joined by poet and lecturer Pàdraig MacAoidh, and broadcaster and Gaelic language ambassador Linda NicLeòid as well as members of the Residency Gaelic Writing Group.
Date: 26 March 2024
Venue: 50 George Square
Guest speakers/performers: Fraser Fifield (Traditional Artist in Residence); Andy Wightman (author and former MSP); Ross Ainslie (musician)
In brief: An event of two parts: firstly, author, land activist and former MSP Andy Wightman gave a talk based on his acclaimed 2010 book, The Poor Had No Lawyers. Secondly, the University's Traditional Artist in Residence, Fraser Fifield, introduced a newly composed suite of music called 'The Ardoch Suite' that was performed with top traditional musician and piper, Ross Ainslie.
Date: 21 February 2024
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Performers: Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir (Gaelic Writer in Residence), Elzara Batalova, Olga Niekrasova, Tim Porteus and Evie Waddell
In brief: An evening full of song, story and poetry from across the languages of Gaelic, Scots, British Sign Language, Ukrainian, Crimean Tatar and English. This event was in honour of International Mother Language Day. It was part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week), and was in collaboration with TRACS, the University of Edinburgh Gaelic Writer in Residence and the Department of Celtic and Scottish Studies.
Date: 15 December 2023
Venue: 50 George Square
Performers: Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir (Gaelic Writer in Residence), Alasdair Whyte, Kirsty MacDonald
In brief: A bilingual ceilidh of song, poetry, story and chat from featured performers to celebrate the festive period. The event was followed with a reception of mulled wine and mince pies.
Date: 8 November 2023
Venue: 50 George Square
Performers/speakers: Fraser Fifield (Traditional Artist in Residence); Martin MacIntyre (Gaelic Writer in Residence); Alice MacMillan; staff and students
In brief: An evening of songs, music, and poems to welcome in the new year. This event featured performers, colleagues, students and friends of Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh, including Alice MacMillan, who won The Traditional Gold Medal for Gaelic singing at The National Mòd in 2022.
Date: 20 October 2023
Venue: Netherbow Theatre
Performers: Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir, Màiri NicIlleMhaoil, Mhairi Hall, agus Gráinne Holland / Martin MacIntyre, Mairi MacMillan, Mhairi Hall and Grainne Holland
In brief: A trilingual (Gaelic, Gaeilge and English) music, song and story performance that explored the tales of Fionn MacCumhnaill and the Fianna. This event was part of the 2024 Scottish Storytelling Festival and was supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Colmcille Fund.
Date: 6 October 2023
Venue: St Cecilia's Hall
Performers: Fraser Fifield (Traditional Artist in Residence) and Stout/McKay
In brief: A performance of new music by Fraser Fifield inspired by recordings of renowned storyteller and ballad singer, Stanley Robertson (1940 – 2009), as heard on the website, Tobar an Dualchais. Fraser was joined by renowned fiddle and harp duo, Stout/McKay.
Date: 6 August 2023
Venue: Princes Street Gardens
As part of: Edinburgh International Festival
In brief: A set from the thrilling GRIT Orchestra and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland at the Ross Bandstand. This final performance included an appearance from LLC's Traditional Artist in Residence, Fraser Fifield. Performing their unique blend of Celtic and world music traditions, and including a new world premiere accompanied by over 100 young people, GRIT kicked off the Festival with a truly memorable manifestation of the first week’s theme: community over chaos.
Date: 14 June 2023
Venue: 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh
Performers: Fraser Fifield, Traditional Artist in Residence (saxophone) and Dr Jack Taylor (bagpipes)
In brief: A multimedia event, involving a screening of 'MacCrimmon’s Gold' (Gérard Alle, 2019) which was followed by discussion and musical performance by Fraser Fifield and Dr Jack Taylor, all on the topic of 'Piobaireachd'.
Date: 25 May 2023
Venue: Project Room 1.06, 50 George Square
Organiser: Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir, Edinburgh University Gaelic Writer in Residence
Performers: Joy Dunlop; musical contributions from Edinburgh University students, including Mòd Gold Medalist, Màiri Callan; three members of Martin MacIntyre's Gaelic Writing Group
In brief: A stimulating bi-lingual event, full of lively discussion, song and music with special guest and well-know Gaelic singer, presenter and animateur, Joy Dunlop. There was also musical contributions from Edinburgh University students, including Mòd Gold Medalist, Màiri Callan. Three members of Martin MacIntyre's Gaelic Writing Group contributed new short pieces.
Date: 26 April 2023
Venue: Project Room 1.06, 50 George Square
In brief: An afternoon celebrating the culture, heritage and history of Scotland’s Traveller communities. It included live performances from community members Jess Smith, Joss Cameron and Sam Donaldson.
This event provided a short overview of Scotland's Traveller communities and showcased some of the cultural traditions they enjoy. Many recordings of the communities’ voices from the past can be found in School of Scottish Studies Archives and online through the Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches resource.
Date: 24 March 2023
Venue: 50 George Square
Organiser: Martin MacIntyre (Gaelic Writer in Residence, University of Edinburgh)
In brief: An evening of music, song, poetry and chat with Marcas Mac an Tuairneir and Rachel Walker. It was a bilingual event in English and Gaelic.
Date: 26 February 2023
Venue: Reid Concert Hall
In brief: An in-depth reinterpretation of the Elizabeth Ross Manuscript, the earliest known manuscript of Highland music, collected on the Isle of Raasay in 1812. In 1954, the collection was secured by the School of Scottish Studies and subsequently published by Musica Scotia. The manuscript was performed by Traditional Artist in Residence Fraser Fifield and pianist Dave Milligan - they re-presented the music in exciting contemporary settings, putting a spin on the music’s ancient roots.
Date: 14 May 2017
Venue: 50 George Square
Organisers: Scottish Poetry Library, supported by the Celtic and Scottish Studies department
In brief: A film screening of "Seachd - The Inaccessible Pinnacle", featuring two of Scotland's leading Gaelic poets, Angus MacNicol and Angus Peter Campbell.
Date: 30 November 2015
Venue: Playfair Library
In brief: Celebrating St Andrew’s Day in music and song at the University of Edinburgh’s annual concert. Performers included: Allan MacDonald (Highland pipes); Katherine Campbell (Scots song); Patsy Seddon (clarsach); Gary West (Lowland pipes); Margaret Callan (Gaelic song); Padruig Morrison (accordion); a folk group of Will Lamb, Fin Moore, and Sarah Hoy (bouzouki, bellows pipes and fiddle).
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