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Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) have today (29th December 2016) unveiled their Gaelic Language Plans for the coming five years. It is a statutory requirement for all Scottish public bodies to have a Gaelic language plan. Under the plans Police Scotland officers will be encouraged to learn Gaelic and the service’s vehicles rebranded as part of an initiative to help promote the language within Scotland's national force. Vehicles in Police Scotland’s N Division (Highlands and Islands), including the force helicopter, already carry the “Poileas Alba” branding. 

Between 1845 and 1852 the Great Famine (Irish: an Gorta Mór) or the Great Hunger was a period of mass starvation, disease, and emigration in Ireland. Following the failure of the potato crop one million people perished, and one million were forced to emigrate. It devastated communities throughout Ireland and left an indelible mark on the country. 

Although other cultural pursuits may have lapsed, the annual procession of dancers, singers and musicians gathered for the traditional Hunt the Wren, travelling through the streets and lanes of some of the main towns and villages of the Island.

News from the Celtic League:

No Xmas break for the many Irish peacekeeping forces serving in a variety of roles as part of the wider UN global peacekeeping effort.

There are currently 605 Military Personnel serving in fourteen different countries around the world. The biggest troop missions are the 377 personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the 136 personnel with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights in Syria.

They took a brief moment out to compile this montage of Xmas photos (link):

News from Mannin Branch of the Celtic League:

There’s no better to celebrate Xmas Eve and the run in to the two day holiday that this absolutely excellent series of Xmas songs from the Culture Vannin web site (link):

http://www.culturevannin.im/news_story_460609.html

BERNARD MOFFATT

Public Relations Officer Mannin Branch

Issued by: The Mannin branch of the Celtic League.

24/12/16

Santa Claus has been granted clearance to enter Irish airspace on Christmas Eve, Ireland's Transport Minister Shane Ross has said. He went on to say, "I have been informed that a large, jolly man on a low-flying sleigh, assisted by reindeer and perhaps some elves, will be entering Irish air space tomorrow evening. I would therefore encourage all children to be safety tucked up in their beds as early as possible to ensure Santa and his reindeer can go about their work successfully."

December 26th is Saint Stephen's Day. This is a day in the Christian calender that remembers Stephen who was said to have been the first Christian martyr who was stoned to death by Jewish authorities in c.34 having been accused of blasphemy. It is a day that is also celebrated by the tradition of 'Hunt the Wren', particularly in the Celtic nations of Ireland (Éire) and Isle of Man (Mannin). 

As pre-Christmas storms sweep across Scotland this year the work of rescue services on land and at sea are vital. Also an important factor on the hills and mountains of Scotland is the prediction of the conditions leading to avalanches. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) provides vital information every winter, giving reports on avalanche, snow, and mountain conditions for Lochaber, Glen Coe, Northern Cairngorms, Southern Cairngorms, Torridon and Creag Meagaidh.

The historic 2500 acre forest of Lock Arkaig has been bought by the local community. Woodland Trust Scotland joined with Arkaig Community Forest to purchase the forest. The Woodland Trust intends to restore the forest with a programme of native tree planting. An appeal was launched to raise money towards buying the forest. Gary Servant, of Arkaig Community Forest, said: "This is a great moment. The land has been bought and we have a fantastic opportunity to work together to restore these native woodlands and to reconnect local people with their forests.

The heart of the homeland of Scots Gaelic is receiving a welcome boost. Uist, an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, has been awarded funding for a Gaelic Cultural Centre.  The announcement was made by John Swinney, Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills. Billed as an Arts Centre fostering Gaelic music, dance and Celtic cultural traditions, when completed the facility is expected to generate 40 jobs.