Fèis a' Mhòid | The Mòd Fringe

We've a great programme of Fringe activities for the 2017 Mòd, working with partners from organisations from across Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland to show the work they're doing with Gaelic arts, culture and tradition, and give you a chance to hear about some of their newest and most exciting projects.  There will be information stands and opportunities to buy books and music, short talks, and a range of fun events and activities for children and adults. Partners include Edinburgh University's Department of Celtic and Scottish Studies, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Scottish Poetry Library, the National Library of Scotland (including a visit from their new Gaelic Wikipedian), Historic Environment Scotland, Tobar an Dualchais, Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba, Cairdeas nam Pìobairean, Còisir Dhùn Èideann, Lothian Gaelic Choir and Greyfriars Kirk, and we'll even have the Harris Gin team paying us a visit!

The week of the Mòd will begin with the first of what we hope will be an annual series of Mòd Lectures, sponsored by Edinburgh University's department of Celtic and Scottish Studies:

Monday 8 May, 7.30 pm -  Project Room, 50 George Square
Dr Priscilla Scott, University of Edinburgh
‘Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig!’: The influence of innovative and forward-looking women in the development of the Mòd in the early years of the 20th century.

On Saturday 13 May, we'll wind up the afternoon of the Mòd with the Fèis a' Mhòid Cardboard Pageant and Boxwars - come
and join in the fun!

On the evening of the 13th, put on your dancing shoes and join us at the Thomas Morton Hall for our very special Mòd Cèilidh for all the family! Free for all kids, special prices for families of Mòd competitors and the Taobh na Pàirce community, as well as the usual concessions.

Finally, on Sunday 14 May, the Scottish Poetry Library will close the week of the Mòd with a celebration of Gaelic, including a screening of 'Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle' and a wonderful, intimate 'house cèilidh' with Kathleen Macinnes, Irish harpist Laoise Kelly, and Uillean piper Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn.

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Clàr-ama Fèis a' Mhòid
Mòd Fringe Timetable

Òraidean Goirid | Short Talks

10.30–11am: (Seòmar Fèis a’ Mhòid 1/Mòd Fringe Room 1)
Jake King, Ainmean Àite na h-Alba (Gaelic Place-names of Scotland)
Gaelic Place-names in and around Edinburgh
'Gaelic was never spoken in Edinburgh' is a commonly believed axiom, but names such as Craigentinnie, Balerno and Inveresk would suggest otherwise. This talk will take a look at some of these names and what they can tell us about the languages spoken in Edinburgh in the past.

12–12.30pm: (Seòmar Fèis a’ Mhòid 1/Mòd Fringe Room 1)
Ruairidh Graham, Historic Environment Scotland
Gaelic within Heritage and Tourism.
This talk will discuss how we can better understand and promote Gaelic as an asset to our many visitors. With practical tips on the Gaelic resources available when you visit Historic Environment Scotland sites, and how to get the most out of your visit for your Gaelic-speaking children.

12.45–1.15pm: (Seòmar Fèis a’ Mhòid 1/Mòd Fringe Room 1)
Elsie NicIlleathain, Tobar an Dualchas/Kist O’ Riches
Blasad de Thobar an Dualchais/Tobar an Dualchais Taster
Come along and find out more about Tobar an Dualchais in this 30 minute taster. We'll be playing a great selection of Gaelic songs, music and stories from our website.

2.15–3pm: (Seòmar Fèis a’ Mhòid 2/Mòd Fringe Room 2)
Susan Ross, Gaelic Wikimedian, National Library of Scotland
Gaelic Wikipedia Workshop
Bùth-obrach Uicipeid: Thoir leat an laptop agad agus faigh a-mach dè th’ ann an Uicipeid, dè ghabhas dhèanamh leis agus mar a thòisicheas tu fhèin air deasachadh.
Do dhaoine aig a bheil comas sa Ghàidhlig mar-thà. Barrachd fios/ceistean gu susan.ross@nls.uk
[Uicipeid Workshop: bring a laptop and find out about the basics of Uicipeid, what it can be used for and how to getting started with editing. Open to all adults who already have some Gaelic. More information/any questions to susan.ross@nls.uk]

Bùithtean-obrach bàrdachd chloinne le Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail
Children’s poetry workshops with Aonghas Dubh MacNeacail
Seòmar Fèis a’ Mhòid 1/Mòd Fringe Room 1

Get ready for the Great Gaelic Box-Wars! Come and learn about the Gaelic poetic tradition of 'brosnachadh' or incitement to battle, and compose your own – your chance to terrify your opponents with poetry!

11–11.45am: Workshop 1
1.30–2.15pm: Workshop 2
2.45–3.30pm: Workshop 3

(Maximum 10 per workshop; sign up at the Cogadh nam Bocsaichean stand in the upper hall)

Càirdeas nam Pìobairean Cèilidh
Seòmar Fèis a’ Mhòid 2/Mòd Fringe Room 2 (11.30)

A non-competitive, open class for pipers and chanter-players at all levels, run with the support of Càirdeas nam Pìobairean. Come and enjoy piping in this traditional cèilidh style format.

1.     Nyasha Woolhouse
2.     Alasdair Stiùbhart
3.     Gilbert Sime-Scott

Taisbeanadh Cairt-bhùird agus Cogadh nam Bocsaichean
Cardboard Pageant and Boxwars
An Tàlla Uachdrach agus Pàirc Philrig | Upper Hall and Pilrig Park
(a-rèir na h-aimsire/weather permitting)
5pm

Put on your cardboard costumes and armour, strap on your cardboard weapons, and join us for a grand procession, finishing in Pilrig Park where those who dare can test their cardboard mettle in the craze that's sweeping the globe - Boxwars! Adults as well as children welcome - we'll award prizes for creativity and flair, for the longest-lasting weapons and props, the most amusing costumes, the bravest and most cunning battlers, and anything else that takes our fancy on the day!