The Gaelic DumGal team is made up of dedicated volunteers, board members and tutors who are passionate about Gaelic language and culture. Together, they help shape the organisation, support learners and create opportunities for people across Dumfries and Galloway to learn, use and enjoy Gaelic.
Eilidh NicGilleRuaidh: Oide Is Cathraiche na Gàidhlig DumgalEilidh Milroy: Tutor and Chair of Gaelic Dumgal
’S ann à Inbhir Nis a tha mi agus ’s e Gàidhlig bhon ghlùin a th’ agam. Bha mi sa chiad chlas aig foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ann an 1985 aig Sgoil a’ Mheadhain is Acadamaidh Allt a’ Mhuilinn. Ghlèidh mi ceum ann an Gàidhlig agus Ceòl Traidiseanta aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig san t-Eilean Sgitheanach ann an 2013. Ann an 2012 thòisich mi mar manaidsear pròiseict airson Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba (AÀA), an com-pàirteachas comhairleachaidh nàiseanta airson ainmean-àite Gàidhlig ann an Alba. Ann an 2020 ghluais mi gu tuathanas ann an Ranna Gall-Ghàidhealaibh far an do cùm mi orm ag obair airson AÀA bhon taigh. Thòisich mi teagasg claisaichean oidhche airon Gàidhlig DumGal anns an t-Sròn Reamhair san Faoilleach 2023.
I’m a native speaker originally from Inverness. I was a pupil in the first year of Gaelic medium education in 1985 at Central Primary School and Millburn Academy. I gained a degree in Gaelic and Traditional Music at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Isle of Skye in 2013. In 2012 I started work as project manager for Ainmean-Aite na h-Alba (AÀA), the national advisory partnership for Gaelic place-names in Scotland, based in Skye. In 2020 I moved to a farm on the Rhins of Galloway where I continue to work for AÀA from home. I started teaching night classes for Gaelic DumGal in Stranraer in January 2023.
Emily Smith: Gaelic Development Officer
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Màiri Kiely: OideMary Kiely: Tutor
‘S ann a Barraigh a tha mi, agus bha Gàidhlig agam bho thus. ‘S e cainnt brèagha a th’ann agus bu toil leam a theagaisg dhuibh an seo ann an Dùn Phris far an robh mi a’ fuireach agus ag obair airson faisg air 50 bliadhna. Tha an clas agam freagarrach airson feadhainn aig a bheil began no deagh chuid Gàidhlig. Bidh mi a’ cleachdadh Gàidhlig cho tric ’s as urrainn dhomh anns a’ chlas agam agus a’ brosnachadh mo sgoilearan an aon rud a dhèanamh.
I am from Barra and am a native speaker of Gaelic. It is such a beautiful language and I would love to teach it to you here in Dumfries where I have lived and worked for almost 50 years. My class is suitable for those who have some Gaelic already. I use Gaelic as much as possible in y class and encourage my students to do the same.
Barabal Lèodhas: OideBarbara Lewis: Tutor
‘S ann an ceann an ear thuath Shasain a tha mi, ach bha teaghlach mo mhàthair as a’ Ghàidhealteachd agus bha Gàidhlig aca. Bha a riamh ùidh agam ‘s a’ chànain, agus tòiseach mi ga ionnsachadh a chionn còig bliadhna deug. Tha mi ga cleachdadh cho tric is urrain dhomh. Tha an clas agam freagarrach airson feadhainn air tòiseachadh agus fheadhainn a tha a’ feuchainn ri an cuid Gàidhlig a leasachadh
I am originally from the North East of England, but my mother’s family were Gaelic speakers from the Highlands. I have always been interested in the language and began learning it around 15 years ago. I try to speak Gaelic whenever I can. My class in Dumfries has three separate sessions, beginners, improvers and those wanting to work towards becoming fluent in Gaelic.
Iain Howiseson: OideJohn Howieson: Tutor
’S ann à Dùn Phris a tha Iain bho thùs. Bha dreuchd aige ann an àrd-sgoiltean is e a’ teagasg na Beurla ach, às dèidh sin, chaidh e mar oileanach a Shabhal Mòr Ostaig, far an do rinn e ceum BA ann an Cànan is Cultar na Gàidhlig, agus an uair sin PhD air bàrdachd Ghàidhlig. A-nis, nuair nach eil e a’ cluiche le oghaichean air neo a’ leantainn Bànrigh na h-Àird a Deas, bidh e ag obair ann an corra dhòigh ann an saoghal na Gàidhlig, nam measg a’ teagasg.
John is originally from Dumfries. After a career in secondary education, as an English teacher, he returned to studying, completing a BA in Gaelic Language and Culture, and then a PhD in Gaelic poetry, at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Now, when not playing with his grandchildren or supporting Queen of the South, his teaching is one of the ways he continues his involvement in Gaelic.
