Scotland and the Scottish Diaspora
"It's part of me, Scotland. I'm still immersed in it even though I am not there." -- Irvine Welsh (1958 - ), Scots novelist, short story writer, playwright, author of Trainspotting among many other works).
All my life I have been interested in the history of Scotland and the profound consequences of the Scottish diaspora throughout the world. Scotland and the Scots are appealing in so many ways -- the beauty of the land- and seascapes, the food and drink, the extraordinarily resourceful and creative people, the dramatic history from antiquity to the present, the great literature and history and philosophy and religion. The subjects are themselves enough to inspire writing, but there is great satisfaction in the fact that the Scots have lived up to the subjects on their own writ.
Over many years I have researched the history of Cumberland Valley, and I have often talked about the Scots, the Scots-Irish, and the settlement of this part of the New World by these willing and not-so-willing exiles. In recognition of the history and significance of the Scots to our area, I fly the Saltire and carry these books and cds. I am always on the lookout for more.
P.S. Due to listing limitations, I have moved Ian Rankin and Denise Mina, two fine writers of the Scots Noir movement, over to our International Mystery page.
Everyday Gaelic
Everyday Gaelic
‘It is a positive pleasure to welcome a new edition of Morag MacNeil’s excellent work, a book and a concept I have long admired.’ – Scots Magazine.
Everyday Gaelic has been compiled by an author with many years’ experience in teaching Scottish Gaelic to adults and children. In addition to basic words and phrases, it also includes more complex and idiomatic material, all arranged thematically and covering topics such as meeting and greeting, travelling, the weather and eating and drinking. There are also clearly explained sections on grammar and imitated pronunciation for all Scottish Gaelic words and phrases. The result is an accessible and useful book which will be of benefit to all levels and ages of learners.
Morag MacNeill learned Scottish Gaelic as a teenager. She was a full-time primary school teacher and now works as a supply teacher, mainly in the Scottish Gaelic medium. She has done extensive teaching of adults within night class, adult education groups and organisations.