Minister for Culture visits University of Glasgow

Published: 11 September 2009

Mike Russell MSP, the Minister for Culture with responsibility for Gaelic, has visited the University’s Department of Celtic and Gaelic and the Hunterian.

Mike Russell MSP, the Minister for Culture with responsibility for Gaelic, has visited the University’s Department of Celtic and Gaelic and the Hunterian. Professor Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh presented Mike Russell MSP with 'Studies on the Book of Deer.'

Professor Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh, Head of the Department of Celtic and Gaelic at Glasgow welcomed Mike Russell and presented him with a selection of recent Departmental publications including Glasgow: Baile Mòr nan Gàidheal, ed. by Sheila Kidd, which celebrates Gaelic speakers’ contributions to Glasgow’s cultural heritage; Studies in the Book of Deer, ed. by Katherine Forsyth, a major reassessment of one of the principal antiquities of Celtic Scotland; and copies of the Department’s new literary journal Aiste: Studies in Gaelic Literature, the latest issue of which contains a posthumously published essay by the Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean.

Professor Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh said: ‘With increased confidence in the Gaelic language in Scotland and unprecedented Governmental support, it is an exciting time for Celtic and Gaelic Studies in Scotland. The Department of Celtic and Gaelic, through its teaching and research, and its various outreach activities and connections with the wider community, plays a full role in contributing to the Government’s National Plan for Gaelic and other strategies and initiatives.’

The Department of Celtic and Gaelic – which recently moved to its own dedicated refurbished premises at Number 3 University Gardens - offers a wide range of courses on the Celtic languages, literature and history covering the medieval to the modern period, but with a particular focus on Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Ewen Smith with Mike Russell MSP at Hunterian Museum

Its three programmes of Gaelic, Celtic Studies and Celtic Civilisation offer opportunities for language learners, fluent speakers and those more interested in following non-language based courses. The existence of Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, Scotland’s first dedicated Gaelic school, means that it is possible to receive in Glasgow education through the medium of Gaelic from nursery to post-doctoral level. The Department has particular strengths in the study of Scottish place-names; Celtic art and inscriptions; Celtic law; Gaelic literature and linguistics; Highland history; and Scottish and Celtic literary and cultural heritage.

Later, Ewen Smith, Director of Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery led Mike Russell on a tour of the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery including the Mackintosh collection and exhibits relating to the Antonine Wall.

Further information:
Martin Shannon, Media Relations Officer
University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 8593

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
http://www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk/

Department of Celtic and Gaelic
http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/celtic/

First published: 11 September 2009

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