Blogs

Although the Island is often viewed as a place of wealth and prosperity, there's a growing number of people acutely affected by the high cost of living, whilst others find themselves homeless.

These issues are unrecognised by some living on the Isle of Man, but volunteers at the forefront of the charity Graih witness at first hand the growing number of homeless individuals, of both sexes, who arrive at their door looking for help and compassion.

With the festive season just around the corner, there's a couple of annual events coming up with a special Manx flavour to entertain you during the cold, winter evenings.

The long-standing Mollag Ghennal, starting at 7.30pm on Sunday 29th December, has now settled into its new location at the Manx Legion Club on Market Hill in Douglas, offering a host of entertainers to lift your spirits midst the holiday activities.

Archaeologists are investigating what could result in some of Scotland's best preserved Pictish dwellings. As part of the University of Aberdeen's Northern Picts work is being undertaken along with Caithness Archaeological Trust and the Dunbeath Heritage Museum to investigate the Wag of Forse site. It is known that people lived in the settlement situated between Lybster (Scottish Gaelic: Liabost) and Latheron (Scottish Gaelic Latharn) in Caithness (Gallaibh). Included in the area of the site is an Iron Age stone tower known as a broch.

A dedicated group of supporters gathered at the memorial to the S.S. Ellan Vannin, placed by the Manx Heritage Foundation (now known as Culture Vannin) on the quayside at Ramsey to take part in the annual Service of Remembrance, to mark the anniversary of what is probably one of the greatest maritime disasters in Manx history.

Media Release from Culture Vannin:

A Thousand Years in Man – a new book about the Island from a Norwegian perspective

A Thousand Years in Man offers unique insights into the history of the Isle of Man from a Norwegian perspective. Written by Jon Leirfall and published in 1979 to coincide with the Millennium of Tynwald celebrations, it has only been available in his native Norwegian as Tusen år på Man until now.

The Isle of Man has an extensive and proud historical link with the North West of England through the busy port of Liverpool, serving a need for migration, employment, transport of goods and latterly an important connection for onward travel.

But the port represents much more than this to people on the Island as we continue to foster a long held affinity.

Looking for something different for that special someone? This stocking filler is a thrill ride through Cornwall's eighteenth century, spinning yarns about the title character, but based on well researched history.

With an estimated forty percent of languages around the world said to be in danger of extinction, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, in order to raise awareness of the potential threats to their future but also mobilise people into action for their preservation.

St. Andrew's Day (Scottish Gaelic: Là Naomh Aindrea) is Scotland's official national day celebrated on 30th November. St Andrew has been the patron saint of Scotland from at least the mid tenth century and legend says long before. He was born in the village of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee in the early 1st century and is the brother of St Peter. According to the Gospel of St John, Andrew was a follower of the preacher John the Baptist and then became a disciple of Jesus who he recognised as the Messiah. The name Andrew is Greek in origin.

Media Release from Culture Vannin:

                                                         Mann’s Green Footsteps Launch