2016

 Baile air Bhoil

Glasgow University Gaelic Language Day

Thursday 10th March 2016 was the University of Glasgow’s fourth Gaelic Language Day, celebrating Gaelic language and culture across the campus. An Lòchran were delighted to be partnering with Fiona Dunn at the University’s Gaelic Language Initiative for a special event, Baile air Bhoil, presenting the modern sounds of Gaelic Scotland.

An Lòchran were thrilled to support brand new Gaelic band INYAL for their first ever gig as the third act at Baile air Bhoil. The band is made up of Robbie Greig, Conal McDonagh and Hamish MacLeod. Hamish is a regular player at the An Lòchran sessions and other events – including Gaels Le Chèile and Cò Ghoid an Nollaig. We asked him to tell us more about the band, his own music and what makes Glasgow a special place for both Gaelic and music.

“Glasgow caters for just about every style of music you can think of, and as so many of the country’s Gàidhlig speakers live here, it’s inevitable that that diversity is going to be represented in Gàidhlig music as well.

There are great bands doing really innovative stuff with the tradition, and living in the city gives you the chance to witness that development. Inyal is basically a result of us having spent the last few years watching bands take traditional elements and using them to create something new, and wanting to be a part of that.

By helping promote gigs such as Baile air Bhoil, while also running traditional ceilidhs and sessions - which I’m delighted to be involved in - An Lochran does a great job developing Gàidhlig music across the board, traditional or otherwise, and gives all aspects of the music a vital platform.”

Along with INYAL, Niteworks brought their signature blend of Gaelic & electronica to the QMU for their first Glasgow gig since the launch of acclaimed debut album NW. Also on the bill was award winning neo-trad quintet The Elephant Sessions.

This event was recorded for BBC Alba: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07600vx

Songs of Gaelic Scotland  

An Lòchran were delighted to present two special events at Celtic Connections 2016, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the publication of Anne Lorne Gillies' "Songs of Gaelic Scotland".

On the 10th anniversary of the publication of her pioneering book, Songs of Gaelic Scotland, An Lòchran and Celtic Connections celebrated the glittering musical career of Anne Lorne Gillies, one of Scotland's foremost entertainers.

Following celebrations of her 70th birthday at Blas 2015, Anne was joined by a fantastic cast including Kathleen MacInnes, Arthur Cormack, Alan Kitchen, John Sampson, Rhona Mackay and her daughter Rachel, for an extensive selection from her magnificent repertoire of Gaelic songs and from the book, as well as an array of anecdoted of special occasions and people with whom she has performed over the years.

A special talk event where Anne discussed the book as well as her illustrious and varied career with host, Radio nan Gàidheal's John Carmichael. There were great stories of special occasions and people with whom she has performed over the years.