An Comunn Gàidhealach
An Comunn Gàidhealach is a registered Scottish charitable organization and a Company Limited by Guarantee, which was created to preserve and develop the Gaelic Language. Founded in 1891 in Oban, the organization has persevered in its goals. It encourages people to learn the Gaelic language and to become more aware of and involved with various aspects of Gaelic culture. The organization was involved with the founding of a Gaelic Festival which was called The Mòd (not to be confused with the Ministry of Defense) Earlier in its career, An Commun published a series of small pamphlets about a variety of Scottish topics, and they have been kind enough to give us permission to reprint one a month in the Scotia News. The first one on Pictish Art appears in this issue. The organization is a membership organization and membership is open to anyone who shares the goals of the organization. Membership rates are as follows: While these benefits are rather personal, one does well to remember that the "cultural and linguistic traditions are a valuable part of our heritage to be preserved and developed". Members of An Comunn Gàidhealach can be proud to have a hand in doing just this. Prior to its current location at Balnain House, An Comunn was located in Abertarff House, the oldest secular building in Inverness, having been built in 1593. It was originally built by the Frasers of Lovat.  Abertarff House For a few years is it was just down the street from there  Currently, An Comunn is found just over the river Ness, In Balnain House. Balnain House is home to the National Trust for Scotland. Balnain House is also one of the oldest buildings in Inverness and was used as a military hospital for injured Government troops after the Battle of Culloden in 1746.  For further information about the organization, please see their website which can be found at acgmod.org.  |