ISLAND VOICES SPREAD OUT

The award-winning “Guthan nan Eilean/Island Voices” language teaching project led by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is now in a new phase of development, thanks to funding from the European Social Fund. The bilingual project, aimed at learners and tutors of both English and Gaelic, was originally based in Uist. In this second phase, however, its activities will be spreading out to other Hebridean islands.

The project includes a training element for tutors who wish to develop video skills, either for themselves or with their learners. In collaboration with Cothrom and other interested partners the college is now planning a series of one-day workshops in the Western Isles and on Skye, to run through the basics of simple video filming and editing. Gordon Wells, project co-ordinator, said “You only have to look at YouTube to see how modern technology has enabled anyone with an interest to try their hand at film-making. Our workshops will aim to demystify what is now quite a simple process and also perhaps encourage tutors to think of involving their learners in content production.” Anyone interested should contact Gordon on 07879 644984 or info@gordonwells.co.uk.

There is a broadly environmental theme to Phase Two of the project. Topics already covered range from traditional practices like peat-cutting and lazy bed construction to contemporary outdoor leisure pursuits such as surfing. New ideas are always welcome, and can be sent to Gordon via e-mail or telephone.