Blogs

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

There's a further treat in store for those dedicated readers who have been following Maria Darnoult's series about the Waverley family, with the third volume, entitled Discord, now in print.

The Irish Independent recently reported that the number of pupils being taught in Irish at the Primary level has reached record levels in the recent academic year. Cited were new figures published by the Irish Department of Education that show almost one in 12 schoolchildren at the primary level are receiving their education through Irish. The latest data represents a 27% increase over the past 18 years (A total of 45,278 students across 247 primary schools were taught through the medium of Irish in the recent school year - an annual increase of 1.5%).

Below are excerpts of the recently published review of “The Gaelic Athletic Association and the War of Independence”, by Tim Pat Coogan. The review appeared on the website “The Irish Catholic":

Media release from Culture Vannin:

Brian Stowell’s Autobiography

Gaelg as Fishig: Skeeal my vea

Culture Vannin is privileged to announce the publication of Brian Stowell’s autobiography - Gaelg as Fishig: Skeeal my vea – which is the final work produced by this prolific author of Manx and which is published in the year he sadly passed away.

Fèis Blas - Blas Festival 2019 begins on Friday. The nine day event will be staged in a variety of venues across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.  Since its inception in 2005 Blas (Taste) Festival has become an important event in the calendar for communities across the area. When the music, songs, language and culture of the Highlands are celebrated. Information on the Festival programme and artists performing can be obtained from the Blas Festival 2019 website.

Image: from Blas Festival facebook page.