National Library Launches First Ever Gaelic Language Exhibition

Or in Gaelic, Leabharlann Nàiseanta a’ cur air bhog a’ chiad taisbeanadh Gàidhlig aige riamh (to read this article in Gaelic, please scroll down the page).

The National Library of Scotland’s first ever dual-language exhibition Sgeul | Story: Folktales from the Scottish Highlands focuses on the work of 19th-century folklorist John Francis Campbell, who worked with local storytellers to record and save Gaelic folktales which at the time were preserved solely by a dwindling oral tradition and therefore at risk of oblivion.

The exhibition invites visitors to hear and learn about folktales told for centuries in the Gaelic-speaking areas of Scotland, and discover how they have been preserved for current and future generations to enjoy.

National Librarian Amina Shah said: “We’ve really enjoyed working with partners around the country in the development of this exhibition. It’s a natural fit for us given we have the largest collection of Scottish Gaelic manuscripts in the world – some dating as far back as the 14th century. We want to do more to promote Gaelic and do it better. It feels like this exhibition – taking a Gàidhlig-first approach – is a turning point for us. We’re excited to play our part in what feels like a resurgence in Gaelic language in Scotland.”

The exhibition is almost entirely bilingual in Scottish Gaelic and English. Panel texts were translated and enriched with further text by academics from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

The audiovisual elements are the result of collaborations with Gaelic-medium schools, students, Gaelic storytellers, musicians, and colleagues from The City of Edinburgh Council and the University of Edinburgh.

This exhibition is the culmination of the work the National Library is doing to promote the Gaelic language. Alongside the exhibition, there will be opportunities for people to engage in Gaelic language and culture through the Library’s complementary programme, from informal opportunities for people to converse or learn the basics of Gàidhlig, to exciting traditional music events, as well as talks, screenings, and more.

Sgeul | Story runs through April 2024 at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh 

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Tha 'Sgeul | Story’ stèidhichte air obair an eòlaiche beul-aithris bhon 19mh linn, Iain F. Caimbeul - Iain Òg Ìle, a dh’obraich còmhla ri sgeulaichean ionadail gus beul-aithris Gàidhlig a chlàradh agus a shàbhaladh – a bha ann an cunnart a bhith air a dhearmad mar thoradh air crìonadh ann an traidisean a’ bheòil-aithris.

Tha an taisbeanadh a’ toirt cothrom do luchd-tadhail a bhith a’ cluinntinn agus ag ionnsachadh mu sgeulachdan a chaidh innse fad linntean air a’ Ghàidhealtachd, agus gus faighinn a-mach mar a chaidh an glèidheadh dhuinne agus airson nan ginealaichean ri teachd.

Thuirt an Leabharlannaiche Nàiseanta Amina Shah: “Chòrd e rinn gu mòr a bhith ag obair le com-pàirtichean air feadh na dùthcha gus an taisbeanaidh seo a chruthachadh. Tha e fìor iomchaidh dhuinn leis gu bheil an cruinneachadh as motha de làmh-sgrìobhainnean Gàidhlig san t-saoghal againn – cuid a’ dol cho fada air ais ris a’ 14mh linn. Tha sinn airson barrachd a dhèanamh gus Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh agus tha sin airson a dhèanamh nas fheàrr. Tha e a’ faireachdainn dhuinn gu bheil an taisbeanadh seo – a tha a’ cur na Gàidhlig an toiseach – na cheum air adhart mòr dhuinn. Tha sinn fìor thoilichte a bhith a’ cluich pàirt ann an ath-bheothachadh na Gàidhlig ann an Alba.”

Tha an taisbeanadh cha mhòr gu tur dà-chànanach ann an Gàidhlig agus Beurla. Chaidh teacsaichean pannail eadar-theangachadh agus a neartachadh le teacsa a bharrachd le acadaimigich aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
Rinneadh na h-eileamaidean lèir-chlaistinneach ann an co-obrachadh le sgoiltean tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig, oileanaich, sgeulaichean Gàidhlig, luchd-ciùil, agus co-obraichean bho Chomhairle Baile Dhùn Èideann agus Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann.

Tha an taisbeanadh seo mar thoradh air an obair uile a tha an Leabharlann Nàiseanta a’ dèanamh gus a’ Ghàidhlig adhartachadh. A bharrachd air taisbeanadh fhèin, bidh cothroman ann do dhaoine a dhol an sàs sa Ghàidhlig agus a cultar an cois phrògram an Leabharlainn – bho chothroman neo-fhoirmeil do dhaoine a bhith a’ còmhradh no a bhith ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig bhunaiteach, gu tachartasan inntinneach le ceòl traidiseanta, a bharrachd air òraidean, taisbeanaidhean, agus barrachd.