Blogs

Members and supporters of the Archibald Knox Forum gathered at the grave of the famous Manx born designer, situated in Braddan New Cemetery, to commemorate the anniversary of his death.

Director of the Archibald Knox Forum, Chris Hobdell, recited a short prayer at the grave-side before placing a floral tribute at the distinctive stone - initially designed by the artist for another family.

The island of Eigg (Scottish Gaelic: Eige) is one of the Small Isles (Scottish Gaelic: Na h-Eileanan Tarsainn), a small archipelago of islands in the Inner Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan a-staigh) off the west coast of mainland Scotland. A possible origin of the name Eigg is the Scottish Gaelic for 'notched island' (eag). The island is 5 1⁄2 miles (9 kilometres) long from north to south, and 3 miles (5 km) east to west. This year  from 17-20 April, it will hold its first film festival with birds as the theme for the inaugural event.

Media release from Culture Vannin:

Building Bridges and strengthening communities

Establishing a strong and long-term relationship between the Gaelic speaking communities of the Isle of Man and the Lower Mourne Area of County Down in Northern Ireland was at the heart of a recent visit to the area by Adrian Cain, The Manx Language Development Officer for Culture Vannin, and Aalin Clague of the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh.

With spring (hopefully) just around the corner, the anticipation of a stroll amongst the snowdrops followed by afternoon tea, was a welcome diversion from the winter storms.

Organised by the hard-working team at St James Church in Dalby, a leisurely walk amongst the snowdrops attracts an annual, dedicated number of followers.

Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant c. 500 – c. 589) is the patron saint of Wales. Celebrations have recently taken place on March 1st, St David's Day, recognised as a National Day throughout Wales. The date is tradionally seen as that on which Saint David died in 589.  He was a Welsh bishop of Mynyw, now St Davids (Welsh: Tyddewi) during the 6th century. He is traditionally believed to be the son of Saint Non and the grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda, King of Ceredigion. 

St David is the Patron Saint of Wales and March 1st is St David's Day. The first of March is recognised as a National Day throughout Wales. It is also a day of celebration for Welsh communities throughout the world and the Welsh flag with Y Ddraig Goch (the Red Dragon) is proudly raised. The flag of Saint David (Baner Dewi Sant) normally a yellow cross on a black field, also plays a central role in the celebrations. The date is tradionally seen as the date that Saint David died in 589.

Gorsedh Kernow have compiled a useful table of events in the towns and villages of Cornwall which may be viewed here:

Link: http://gorsedhkernow.org.uk/stpirans.html

St Kilda (Scottish Gaelic: Hiort) is an isolated volcanic archipelago and the westernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides (Scottish Gaelic: Na h-Eileanan Siar).  Noted for its spectacular landscapes the archipelago comprises the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray.  A community has existed in the extreme conditions that exist on St Kilda for at least 4,000 years.  The evidence of which is found in the remains of built structures and field systems, the cleits (unique stone storage buildings) and the traditional Highland stone houses.  Items pointing to Neolithic settlement have been found

The remains of Pictish art, language and society can be found throughout north and eastern Scotland. The Picts were a Celtic society of farmers and hunters and were a major force in the establishment of the Scottish nation. There is a growing interest in Scotland's Pictish history, which has given increased impetus to archaeological study. A fascinating legacy of the Picts are the beautiful and sometimes mysterious carved headstones that continue to be found.

King’s Seat Hillfort in Scotland is located to the north of Dunkeld (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Chailleann) on a major bend in the River Tay (Scottish Gaelic: Tatha). The name Dùn Chailleann means Fort of the Caledonians. The 'fort' part of the name is thought to be the hill fort on King's Seat. Dunkeld is said to have been founded or by Caustantín, King of the Picts from about 789 until 820. The Picts were a Celtic society of farmers who played a crucial part in going on to help forge the kingdom of Scotland.