Blogs

August 1 - 10 2014 sees performers and artists from around the Celtic world coming together in Brittany. 2014 is the year of Ireland. There is a full programme of events in what is set to be yet another successful inter-Celtic festival. Further information: www.festival-interceltique.com

In a remarkable piece of candour (or is it arrogance), the Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael has had the anti-independence campaigners running for cover. As reported in the Herald newspaper he has stated that if the Scottish people vote No to independence in the referendum the independence question will never be put again and “Scotland’s future would be settled once and for all”. He also made it clear that should this be the outcome Westminster (United Kingdom) would tighten its grip on Scotland!

This celebratory miniature sheet presents six paintings of rare British animals from the award-winning Island based artist Jeremy Paul, capturing a number of traditional British breeds which were heading for extinction.

His paintings recognise the work of the Manx Ark Project and celebrate the centenary of the Southern District Agricultural Society, whose show it is this weekend.

As reported in the Scottish newspaper the Herald and on the Scottish National Party website the United Kingdom government (Westminster) has been accused of deliberately downplaying the potential for oil and gas returns ahead of the Scottish independence referendum. They are referring to an article that appeared in the weekly Investors Chronicle that is published by the Financial Times group.

You have to laugh at the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) sometimes! We know that all of their propaganda at the moment is focused on undermining the campaign for an independent Scotland. This has now spilt over into their Commonwealth Games broadcasts. For those that live outside of the Commonwealth and might not know, the Commonwealth is an intergovernmental organisation of territories that were mostly associated with the British Empire. The Commonwealth Games is a sporting event that involves athletes of nations of the Commonwealth.

As the summer calendar gets into full swing, there's plenty to do in the west of the Island with Peel Traditional Boat Weekend at the end of July followed by the perennial favourite Peel Carnival at the beginning of August.

The Compass Pipelines Peel Traditional Boat Weekend (25th - 27th July) aims to foster interest in the more traditional sailing craft, which used to be a regular sight in the Irish Sea, many of which have been lovingly restored by their dedicated owners.

As reported in the Welsh newspaper the Daily Post, money donated in memory of the acclaimed Caernarfon poet Gerallt Lloyd Owen will go towards the campaign for Scottish independence.  Gerallt Lloyd Owen, from Llandwrog, Caernarfon, died on July 15 at the age of 69.

The launch of The Mollag Band's new CD, Afloat, took place on the final day of Yn Chruinnaght as part of events being held on the forecourt of the House of Manannan in Peel, where a large crowd gathered to hear the popular local band, followed by a selection of other Celtic musicians and dancers.

Bathed in warm, summer sunshine the seven-strong Mollag Band presented a selection of songs and tunes based on their extensive repertoire, including material from their new CD.

As reported on the Scottish National Party (SNP) website the Yes campaign has received a boost due to the support for a No vote from deeply unpopular ex UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Voicing his support for the anti-independence Better Together campaign is seen as a major embarrassment to them. Blair’s support for the Iraq war on false pretences marred his period of premiership in the UK.

This news just published by the Celtic League:

News from Celtic League - Rebranding of coastal path represents “a wrong move in Cornwall”

The Kernow branch has written a letter to ‘Natural England’ expressing concern about the news that this organisation is currently thinking of rebranding Cornwall’s coastal footpath as ‘England Coast Path’

If the decision was taken by Natural England to continue with the rebranding for Cornwall, then Ordnance Survey, the ‘Mapping Authority for Great Britain’, will be forced to change all their new maps of Cornwall.