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The beautiful land of Wales is steeped in legend and mystery. Ancient monuments stand throughout the country, in the case of many, their purpose and method of construction is lost in the mists of time. The air of mystery that surrounds these places is enhanced at this time of year during the damp dark days of Autumn and in particular Halloween. It is a celebration that has become global now, particularly in those countries that experienced an influx of migrants from the Celtic nations, who brought with them their own traditions.

At Scotland's Gaelic cultural festival, the National Mod, being held in Inverness this week, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has announced new plans to promote Gaelic at its 13 centres. UHI has set out a strategy to develop the use of Gaelic through its curriculum and communications until 2018. Proposals include producing more bilingual resources, encouraging staff to learn Gaelic as part of their development plans and holding more Gaelic events.

Symoil naight -Radio Vannin (Interesting  news - Manx Radio)

Cur twoaie da sterrymyn greiney!

Ga dy vel earish sterrymagh er ve jannoo er yn Ellan er y gherrid, ec y traa cheddin lhisagh shin cur twoaie da ny reddyn oddys ve jeant ec sterrymyn greiney.

Shen coardail rish oayllee-rollageydys ynnydagh Howard Parkin.

Ayns recortys-gaue ashoonagh yn Reeriaght Unnaneyssit, ta sterrymyn greiney coontit dy ve yn chiarroo vaggyrt smoo gaueagh.

As reported in the Welsh newspaper the Daily Post the tallest mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Welsh: Yr Wyddfa) is getting bigger. The mountain which is located in Snowdonia National Park (Welsh: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) in North Wales has now been measured as standing at  3,563 feet (1,086 m) whilst previously it has been measured at 3,560 feet (1,085 m). 

Bretagne Réunie invites its members, supporters, and all the Bretons to meet Thursday, October 16 at 14:00 at the shrine of Sainte-Anne d'Auray to remember the sacrifice of the Breton departments during the War of 1914 -1918, this ceremony to be held in the presence of Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (The Royal National Mòd) had a successful opening weekend in the Scottish city of  Inverness as reported in the Aberdeen Press and Journal. This is a festival of Scottish Gaelic literature, song, arts and culture. A Mòd is a Scottish Gaelic word meaning assembly.

A hoard of Viking Christian treasures has been uncovered in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. Said to be the biggest and most significant finds in Scotland in modern times, items recovered from a haul of more than one hundred artefacts include silver Viking arm rings, ingots, gold, silver, glass, enamel and textiles. Many are thought to be unique. They were discovered in September 2014 on Church of Scotland land by metal detectorist  Derek McLennan.

The first annual Cornish language research conference is being held this month - 27th and 28th October - in Redruth with contributors from across the globe presenting research papers on an eclectic and interesting mix of linguistic and sociolinguistic themes.

Video from Culture Vannin promoting Shennaghys Jiu Celtic Youth Festival, which Culture Vannin helped make.

Shennaghys Jiu (tradition today) was founded in 1998 as a way of bringing young musicians together in a non-competitive environment, giving them the opportunity to “take the stage” without any added pressure. The festival has grown to become an important event in the Manx calendar, taking place mainly in Ramsey around Easter..

This news item just published by the Celtic League:

News from Celtic League - Support for Catalans Carries Word of Warning

On September 27th 2014 the Catalan President, Artur Mas, signed the decree that had been approved by the Catalan parliament calling for a referendum on independence on 9th November 2014.