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Letter: 10 Feb 12: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 656 Updated: 2012-02-10 11:55:00 Description: Roddy continues with his tales of Dugald Buchanan, whose faith was not strong as a teenager. Roddy recounts a tale where Dugaldâs life appears to have been saved by divine intervention. Find out more in this weekâs letter. Accompanying Gaelic ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 03 Feb 12: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 655 Updated: 2012-02-03 11:55:00 Description: Roddy is reading from In the autorbiography of The Life and conversion of Dugald Buchanan a famous Gaelic spiritual poet. Dugald had crises of faith when he was young. He had been brought up in a very pious household. He was sent away to work when he...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 27 Jan 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 654 Updated: 2012-01-27 11:55:00 Description: Roddy takes inspiration for this weekâs letter from a Gaelic autobiography. The author and subject is Dugald Buchanan, who was famous as a spiritual poet and helped translate the New Testament into Gaelic. Roddy investigates some of the spiritual t...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 20 Jan 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 653 Updated: 2012-01-19 11:55:00 Description: This week Roddy brings you a story from a book that was published last year. He read it online. He is enjoying the book very much and ends with a puzzle. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 13 JAn 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 652 Updated: 2012-01-13 11:55:00 Description: This week, Roddy has a different story from last week, but with the same name, Luran. This story is from Barra, and the Luran at the centre of the story is a crofter. The choice of breakfast also becomes pertinent. Luran notices a cow or steer goes m...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 06 Jan 12: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 651 Updated: 2012-01-06 11:55:00 Description: Roddy has a story from Barra and a different story from South Uist. They have one thing in commonâ the same title - Luran. This week Roddy begins the story based in North Uist. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all availab...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 30 Dec 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 650 Updated: 2011-12-30 11:55:00 Description: Roddy reads another important part of the Declaration of Arbroath. It leads him to wonder what is the significance to Scotland of the Declaration and the importance to Gaels. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available a...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 23 Dec 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 649 Updated: 2011-12-23 11:55:00 Description: Roddy looks back into history for this week's letter. He looks into the history of the The Declaration of Arbroath. Roddy reads one of the most famous passages in Gaelic. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bb...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 16 Dec 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 648 Updated: 2011-12-16 11:55:00 Description: Roddy was in Wales recently. He noticed that the area was beautiful and that the language was strong. There is lots of language in that area that is easy for a Gael to understand. Snowdonia is the highest mountain, or Yr Wyddfa, in Welsh. It has a ve...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 09 Dec 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 647 Updated: 2011-12-09 11:55:00 Description: Caithness was a miserable place under Campbellâs Earldom. Rent was unpaid, the Earlâs buildings were destroyed and his livestock was stolen. Campbell retaliated by sending military force. The Sinclairs of Caithness and the Campbells began a fierc...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 02 Dec 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 646 Updated: 2011-12-02 11:55:00 Description: Roddy has been on a walk in Caithness on a famous site. The name is in Gaelic and commemorates an event in 1680. The name is Altimarlach or Allt nam Mèirleach and translates as The Burn of the Robbers. There is a memorial stone there commemorating a...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 25 November 11 : Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2011-11-25 11:55:00 Description: Do you know the word geodha or geo? Geodha in Gaelic, geo in Scots. Itâs plentiful in place-names in the north of Scotland. Itâs especially plentiful in Caithness. There are a few examples of Gaelic names in Caithness, such as Geodha nam Fitheach...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 18 Nov 11: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 644 Updated: 2011-11-18 11:55:00 Description: Will the soldier ever make his way to the Kingdom of Coldness to find his lost love? Who will help him on his way and who will impede him? He will meet another man with a beard, a giant and an eagle on his way! Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar poi...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 11 Nov 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 643 Updated: 2011-11-11 11:55:00 Description: As the story gathers pace, the beautiful woman escapes the clutches of the Awisks, she makes a promise with the soldier. However, he meets some very interesting people when he leaves the castle. A fairy woman, and some bearded men with very strange p...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 04 Nov 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 642 Updated: 2011-11-04 11:55:00 Description: Sometimes there is more to a beautiful woman than meets the eye! Part of the mystery of the beautiful woman who gives food to the soldiers, but takes away the light. Why does she punish kindness? Why is she in this castle? The final soldier enters th...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 28 Oct 11: Litir do Luchd ionnsachaidh 641 Updated: 2011-10-28 10:55:00 Description: AMHAISG â do you know what this word means? It means a very small person of bad intention. Roddy has a story for you this week which is called âNa h-Amhaisgeanâ, or the Three Soldiers. The three soldiers in question are hungry after a ques...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 21 Oct 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 640 Updated: 2011-10-22 09:55:00 Description: Hidden gold! Bonnie Prince Charlie! The Jacobites! Magic, mystery and mayhem. What more could you want from this weekâs letter? Who found the hidden gold of the Jacobites and is it still there? Did it have an impact on the land, its legend and pla...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 14 Oct 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 639 Updated: 2011-10-14 10:55:00 Description: Another fascinating tale from Loch Ewe â this week itâs about a fair-haired chap. He has gold and the news soon spreads round the region, but what are the consequences of this? Learn more about this tale involving mysterious people, French gold, ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 07 Oct 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 638 Updated: 2011-10-07 10:55:00 Description: There is a loch in Wester Ross called Loch an Draing on the map. Itâs near Loch Ewe. The meaning of the name, Loch an Draing isnât clear. Local people donât say âLoch an Draingâ. They say âLocha Druingâ no âLocha Dringâ. Roddy has a...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 30 Sep 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 637 Updated: 2011-09-30 10:55:00 Description: Papar â Gaelic-speaking hermits â were living in Iceland in the year 870. ĂslendingabĂłk tells us that. Thatâs the year the Norse appeared. The papar left. They did not return. They left bells and books on the island. Were they the only Gaels ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 23 Sep 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 636 Updated: 2011-09-23 10:55:00 Description: The Norse influenced the Gaelic language. But did the Gaels influence the Norse language? Well, yes, to a small degree. Roddy was in Iceland recently. There is a debate going on there â what effect did the Gaels have on the island? Accompanying Gae...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 16 Sep 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 635 Updated: 2011-09-16 10:55:00 Description: Roddy was in Iceland recently and saw interesting place-names. They reminded him of place-names in Scotland. For example, the capital city, Reykjavik. Youâll know the word in Scots and English â reek. Edinburgh had the nickname Auld Reekie. Reykj...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 09 Sep 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachadh 634 Updated: 2011-09-09 10:55:00 Description: The Westmann Islands in Iceland are small but rugged. From the mainland, the view of the islands reminded Roddy of St Kilda. Itâs submarine volcanoes that made them. That was eleven thousand years ago. Ruairidh has plenty of stories about them. Lea...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 02 Sep 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2011-09-02 10:55:00 Description: Roddy often goes to Scandinavia. A short while ago, he went to a Scandinavian country that was new to him â Iceland. He really enjoyed it. He found something that surprised him. It was how often he saw and heard things with connections to Scotland....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 26 Aug 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 632 Updated: 2011-08-26 10:55:00 Description: Roddy was telling you about cairidhean/yairs. There were lots of them in the Beauly Firth, west of Inverness. In olden times it was called Poll an Ròid in Gaelic. That means âthe inlet of the rood or crossâ. Thatâs the same Rood as in Holyrood...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 19 Aug 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 631 Updated: 2011-08-19 10:55:00 Description: There are cairidhean/yairs in many places in the Highlands. They are all old. People havenât used them for a long time. Cairidh means a small stone wall that people were building on a beach. Fish were swimming over the wall with the flood tide. Whe...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 12 Aug 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 630 Updated: 2011-08-12 10:55:00 Description: Here is a traditional story â "The Ox and the Donkey". An ox and a donkey were lived on the same farm. The ox had a poor life. He worked every day from dawn to dusk. But the donkey had a good life. He didn't do any work. He just rested. One day, th...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 05 Aug 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 629 Updated: 2011-08-05 10:55:00 Description: This is in Dwellyâs dictionary â Ăšruisg: âbeing supposed to haunt lonely and sequestered places, water-godâ. People were believing in urisks in many places. They were strong in Perthshire. A verse names the best-known ones in Breadalbane. Le...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 29 July 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 628 Updated: 2011-07-29 10:55:00 Description: Roddy was telling you about Taigh nam Bodach, or Taigh na Cailliche, near Loch Lyon. People put the stones out of the âhouseâ every Beltane. They bring them in again for the winter at Halloween. Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 22 July 11 : Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 627 Updated: 2011-07-22 10:55:00 Description: Bha mi ag innse dhuibh mu Thaigh nam Bodach â no Taigh na Cailliche â ann an Gleann Cailliche ann an Siorrachd Pheairt. Tha iomadh ciall air an fhacal cailleach. Seo na tha aig Dwelly: old woman, nun agus supernatural or malign influence dwelling...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 15 July 11 : Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 626 Updated: 2011-07-15 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh tell us more about MacGregor's Leap. Gregor MacGregor jumped over it in the sixteenth century. There was another man who tried to do the same thing. He was an acrobat. But he didnât succeed. He lost his life....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 08 July 11 : Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 625 Updated: 2011-07-08 10:55:00 Description: We're still in Glenlyon in Perthshire. West of Fortingall, the road is close to the river. There is a thick wood there. The river is in a gorge. It is fast-running and narrow. On the map it's called MacGregorâs Leap. Leum Mhic-Griogair. But who was...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 01 Jun 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 624 Updated: 2011-07-01 10:55:00 Description: Roddy was telling you about Fortingall in Perthshire. The name means âthe church of the fortâ. Was the place sacred to the pagans, before there was a church there? Some people think it was because there is a famous yew tree growing next to the ch...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 23 Jun 11L Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 623 Updated: 2011-06-24 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh was recently in Glenlyon in Perthshire. That area is famous for history and oral tradition. And, according to oral tradition, the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, was born in the area. His father was in Scotland as part of the Roman army. Acc...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 17 Jun 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 622 Updated: 2011-06-17 10:55:00 Description: This week Roddy tells us about a programme that he's been enjoying. It's from Denmark. It is called Forbrydelsen. That means âThe Killingâ. It takes place in Copenhagen. Itâs about murder and the investigation the police make. It inspires Roddy...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 10 Jun 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 621 Updated: 2011-06-10 10:55:00 Description: Last week Roddy told us the story The Descendants of the Speckled Horse who was Never Wise. Itâs from the Loch Lomond area. The story tells how the name Mac an Oighre or MacNair/Macnair came into being. Mac an Oighre means âthe son of the heirâ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 03 Jun 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 620 Updated: 2011-06-03 10:55:00 Description: Whatâs the Gaelic for MacNair/Macnair? Well, in Rossshire itâs Mac Ěan Uidhir. It means Mac Iain Uidhir. Thatâs the old form of Mac Iain Odhair or âthe son of John of the sallow complexionâ. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and voc...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 27 May 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 619 Updated: 2011-05-27 10:55:00 Description: Roddy was telling you about the BrĂ isteach Mòr, George Gunn. He was the clan chief of the Gunns. Roddy told how he and seven of his sons were killed. That was in combat with the Keiths of Ackergill. The Keiths stole the famous brooch and a sword fr...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 20 May 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 618 Updated: 2011-05-20 10:55:00 Description: Roddy continues his tale about George Gunn, the clan chief of the Gunns. He had a nickname â the BrĂ isteach Mòr [âthe great brooched oneâ]. He was alive in the 15th Century. He had a castle at Kinbrace in Sutherland. Accompanying Gaelic text,...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 13 May 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 617 Updated: 2011-05-13 10:55:00 Description: The village of Kinbrace is in the county of Sutherland. The Gaelic for it is Ceann aâ BhrĂ ist. Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 07 May 11: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 616 Updated: 2011-05-07 09:55:00 Description: St Andrews is the English name for the town in Fife, Cill RĂŹmhinn. To begin with, "St Andrews" was connected only to the church. It wasnât connected to the town.Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 30 April 11 : Letter to Gaelic Learners 615 Updated: 2011-04-30 09:55:00 Description: There is a town in Fife called Cill RĂŹmhinn. Itâs not a big town. But itâs famous. It was important in the history of Scotland. And itâs still important to golf and golfers. It has a link to the patron saint of Scotland â St Andrew....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 22 Apr 11: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 614 Updated: 2011-04-22 10:55:00 Description: This week Ruairidh shares an old song with you. The song is old. Itâs from the parish of Loch-carron in Wester Ross.Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 15 Apr 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 613 Updated: 2011-04-15 11:05:00 Description: I was telling you last week about the song The Thistle of Scotland. It was the Loch Fyne bard, Evan MacColl, that wrote it. I was in the parish in which he was born recently. There is a memorial to him at Kenmore, on the shore of Loch Fyne. MacColl w...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 08 Apr 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 612 Updated: 2011-04-08 11:05:00 Description: The Thistle of Scotland is a famous plant of virtues, Neat plant of the prickly tufts which are provenly hard; A magnificent emblem of my beautiful beloved land, Often its fame kindled a bonfire in my cheek. Do you recognise the verse? Find out more ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 01 Apr 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 611 Updated: 2011-04-01 11:05:00 Description: A new book came out recently. It's called "GnĂ thasan-Cainnt". That means "idioms". They are collected from people that belonged to Lewis, Harris, North Uist and Berneray. I'm going to give you an example or two from the book....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 25 Mar 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 610 Updated: 2011-03-25 12:05:00 Description: I'm going to finish the history of the painting The Death of the Stag by the American painter, Benjamin West. Francis Humberston MacKenzie was going to hang the painting in his castle, Brahan Castle in Rossshire. Through the 1790s, however, the castl...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 18 Mar 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 609 Updated: 2011-03-18 12:05:00 Description: The painting The Death of the Stag is in the National Gallery of Scotland. It shows Colin Fitzgerald. He is saving the life of King Alexander III. Colin was the progenitor, according to oral tradition, of the MacKenzie clan. The MacKenzies were loyal...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 11 Mar 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 608 Updated: 2011-03-11 12:05:00 Description: The painting The Death of the Stag is in the National Gallery of Scotland. It's a large painting. It shows Colin Fitzgerald saving the life of a Scottish King. That was Alexander III. The King was in danger from an angry stag. But who was Colin Fitzg...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 04 Mar 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 607 Updated: 2011-03-04 12:05:00 Description: Do you know the National Gallery of Scotland? It's in Edinburgh. In the big chamber, on your right, there is the largest painting in the gallery. In the picture, a Scottish King has fallen from a horse. He and some others were hunting in the Highl...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 25 Feb 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 606 Updated: 2011-02-25 12:05:00 Description: I'm going to finish the story Great Gulp. The Widow's Son wanted to marry the King's daughter. But the King wasn't willing to give him his daughter. Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 18 Feb 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 605 Updated: 2011-02-18 12:05:00 Description: I'm telling the story Great Gulp. The Widow's Son wanted to marry the King's daughter. The King wasn't willing to give him his daughter. Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available a...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 11 Feb 11 Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 604 Updated: 2011-02-11 12:05:00 Description: I was telling you the old story Great Gulp. The Widow's Son built a vessel. He was hoping to marry the King's daughter. The vessel was good at sailing on sea or land. The Widow's Son was the skipper. Find out more in this weekâs podcast. Accompanyi...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 603 04 Feb 11 Updated: 2011-02-04 12:00:00 Description: Here's an old Gaelic story called Great Gulp. A king had a daughter. She was exceptionally beautiful. Many men wanted to marry her. But she was only going to marry a man who would build a ship that would sail on sea and on land. Find out more in this...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 28 Jan 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2011-01-28 12:05:00 Description: The Rev James Stuart [also "Stewart"] made the first translation of the New Testament into Scottish Gaelic. He was the minister in Killin in Perthshire. The New Testament appeared in 1767. James Stuart was born in 1700 in Glen Finglas in the Trossach...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 21 Jan 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 601 Updated: 2011-01-21 12:05:00 Description: Three people were heavily involved in bringing the Bible to the Gaels of Scotland in Gaelic. The first man was Robert Boyle, the son of the Earl of Cork. The second man was James Kirkwood, a minister who was once living in Perthshire. And the third p...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 14 Jan 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 600 Updated: 2011-01-14 12:00:00 Description: In the seventeenth century, many people in the Church in Scotland were opposed to the Gaelic language. Thus, no translation was made of the Bible into Gaelic. But the situation was better in Ireland. In the seventeenth century, the New Testament and ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 07 Jan 11: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 599 Updated: 2011-01-07 12:00:00 Description: I'm going to read a verse from the Bible. It's from the New Testament. Here it is: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. That is a new translation of the Gospel according to John, Chapter 1, Verse 1. Find out...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 31 Dec 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 598 Updated: 2010-12-31 12:00:00 Description: People ask me, "Is Hogmanay a Gaelic word?" Well, no. Hogmanay came into English and Scots from French. Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 24 Dec 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 597 Updated: 2010-12-24 12:00:00 Description: The Gaelic for Christmas is Nollaig. We say, "Nollaig chridheil dhuibh" for "Merry Christmas to you". In the old days, there were two Nollaigs â the Nollaig Mhòr and the Nollaig Bheag. Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 17 Dec 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 596 Updated: 2010-12-17 12:00:00 Description: Have you ever heard of faire chlaidh? Graveyard watch. Faire chlaidh. People believed that the spirit of a person who had been buried kept watch over the dead. He did that until another man was buried. People didn't want that spirit to keep vigil too...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 10 Dec 10: Litir do Luchd-Ionnsachaidh 595 Updated: 2010-12-10 12:00:00 Description: The Lochaber Bard, John MacDonald, was recorded by the School of Scottish Studies. He has stories and anecdotes on the Tobar an Dualchais website. Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are a...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 03 Dec 10: Litir do Luchd-Ionnsachaidh 594 Updated: 2010-12-03 12:00:00 Description: Calum Maclean met John MacDonald, the "Lochaber Bard", in January 1951. Calum was famous for collecting Gaelic oral tradition. John was famous, at least locally, as a poet and storyteller. Find out more in this weekâs podcast. Accompanying Gaelic t...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 26 Nov 2010: Litir do Luchd-Ionnsachaidh 593 Updated: 2010-11-26 12:00:00 Description: I'm going to finish the traditional story, Billy. This young guy, Billy, was keen on thieving. The gentleman wanted to set him one more test. Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all availa...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 19 Nov 2010 Litir do Luchd-Ionnsachaidh 592 Updated: 2010-11-19 12:00:00 Description: I'm contining with the story, Bilidh. Find out more in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 12 Nov 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 591 Updated: 2010-11-12 11:55:00 Description: This week Ruairidh has a traditional tale from Barra for you. The name of the story is âBilidhâ. The tale was collected with others in the 19th century. Billy was a farmerâs son who wished to become a master of thievery. Learn more about th...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 05 Nov 10: Litir do Luchd-Ionnsachaidh 590 Updated: 2010-11-05 12:37:00 Description: We have a nice song in Gaelic. It's a lullaby. It's name is Uiseag Bheag Dhearg. In the song a child is speaking to a lark. The lark tells where it was sleeping. It slept badly in the bramble bush. It slept badly at sea. But it slept well between two...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 29 Oct 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 589 Updated: 2010-10-29 11:00:00 Description: I was telling you about the Bratach ShĂŹth â or Fairy Flag. Itâs in Dunvegan Castle on Skye. People were saying â when itâs raised at a time of conflict, that a fairy host will come. The fairies will give help to the people who have the flag....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 22 Oct 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 588 Updated: 2010-10-22 10:55:00 Description: The Fairy Flag is famous. Itâs on the Isle of Skye. It belongs to the Clan MacLeod of Dunvegan. Itâs in Dunvegan Castle. In English itâs called the Fairy Flag. The flag is made of silk. Itâs very old. And valuable. Learn more about this famou...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 16 Oct 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 587 Updated: 2010-10-16 10:00:00 Description: The Gaelic for The Milky Way is Slighe Chlann Uisnich [âthe path of the children of Uisneach]. Milky Way came into English from the Latin Via Lactea. Many languages took their name for the Milky Way from Latin. The Romance languages themselves are ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 08 Oct 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 586 Updated: 2010-10-08 10:55:00 Description: The Scot Gregor MacGregor was in France. He had been involved in fraud. Many people went to Poyais in Central America. MacGregor was praising Poyais. But the country didnât exist. The people lost a lot of money. Find out more about this scallywag i...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 01 Oct 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 585 Updated: 2010-10-01 10:55:00 Description: The Scot Gregor MacGregor was involved in deceit. He created an imaginary country. That was Poyais. It was in the Gulf of Honduras in Central America. MacGregor was saying that he was His Serene Highness Gregor I, Prince of Poyais. Was he out of his ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 24 Sep 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 584 Updated: 2010-09-24 10:55:00 Description: More about Neil MacLeod of Lewis. He was a murderer. But he stood against the Fifers who were trying to take Lewis over. To some he was a hero. In the governmentâs opinion he was a criminal. Learn more in this weekâs podcast. Accompanying Gaelic...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 17 Sep 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 583 Updated: 2010-09-17 10:55:00 Description: At the beginning of the seventeenth century, a group of Lowlanders from Fife went to Stornoway. They were the Fife Adventurers. They were going to set up a colony in Lewis. They had support from the King, James VI. Neil MacLeod, and other MacLeods, s...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 10 Sep 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 582 Updated: 2010-09-10 10:55:00 Description: In the nineteenth century, there was a Procurator Fiscal in Stornoway called Thomas Drummond. He tried to change the name of the town. He wasn't pleased with Stornoway. Find out more with Ruairidh in this week's little letter. Accompanying Gaelic tex...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 03 Aug 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 581 Updated: 2010-09-03 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh likes the place name Steòrnabhagh. What is your opinion of it? Ruairidh reckons that itâs attractive in English as well. Stornoway. Itâs a Norse name. It was StjĂłrnarvĂĄgr. That means the bay of the rudder or the bay of the steering â...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 27 Aug 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2010-08-27 10:55:00 Description: Here is the story An Nios agus an Sionnach. The Weasel and the Fox. An Nios agus an Sionnach. Itâs from Loch Lomondside. Foxes are very crafty. But this weasel was craftier. Listen to this story in this weekâs podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 20 Aug 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 579 Updated: 2010-08-20 10:55:00 Description: Last week Ruairidh was talking about the word samh. Thatâs the Gaelic for the common sorrel or sourock, Rumex acetosa. He was saying that perhaps the name came from Polish to Yiddish to English to Gaelic. This week, Ruairidh has a story about sorre...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 13 Aug 10: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 578 Updated: 2010-08-13 10:55:00 Description: The plant Rumex acetosa is called samh in Gaelic. People call it common sorrel in English. The English name came from the taste of the leaf. Itâs sour. In Scots its name is sourock. Itâs not too clear where the Gaelic name came from. Does the pla...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 06 Aug 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 577 Updated: 2010-08-06 10:55:00 Description: At the end of the last podcast, Ruairidh posed a question. I asked what Oidhche nan Seachd Suipearan (The Night of the Seven Suppers) is. Find out what it is in this weekâs podcast! Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all av...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 30 Jul 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 576 Updated: 2010-07-30 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh was speaking last week about Seachd Cadalaichean an t-Saoghail. They are The Seven Sleepers of the Earth â creatures that were spending the winter at home, hibernating. They werenât leaving for a foreign land in the winter. Accompanying...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 23 Jul 10: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 575 Updated: 2010-07-23 10:55:00 Description: Have you ever heard about Seachd Cadalaichean an t-Saoghail? The Seven Sleepers of the Earth. Ruairidh tells us more about them in this week's letter. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 16 Jul 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 574 Updated: 2010-07-16 10:55:00 Description: The Rev Alexander Pope was a minister in Reay in Caithness. That was in the eighteenth century. He collected Gaelic oral tradition in Caithness. That was around 1739. Learn one of these tales in this weekâs podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, gramma...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 09 Jul 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 573 Updated: 2010-07-09 10:55:00 Description: The Rev Alexander Pope was aminister in Reay in Caithness. That was in the eighteenth century. He was a strong man. He had a stick.He was using the stick to âencourageâ people to go to church. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabula...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 02 Jul 10 Litir do luchd ionnsachaidh Updated: 2010-07-02 10:55:00 Description: Rev Alexander Pope was a minister in Reay (parish) in the eighteenth century. Reay is in Caithness. Mr Pope spoke Gaelic. It was a Gaelic congregation he had. He was a strong man. He had a stick. He was using the stick on the people of the congregati...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 25 Jun: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 571 Updated: 2010-06-25 10:55:00 Description: Sandy MacDonald was a gamekeeper in the Cairngorms early in the twentieth century. Sandy found something on the hill after the First World War. He thought it was a bomb, but it was a flare. How did it get there?...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 18 Jun 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh: 570 Updated: 2010-06-18 10:55:00 Description: In Perthshire, near Amulree, is Glen Quaich. In that Glen is a loch called âLoch Freuchie. How did the loch get its name? Is it derived from the plant â heather? Well, maybe not according to legend. Find out more in this weekâs podcast. ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 11 Jun 09: Litir do Luchd ionnsachaidh 569 Updated: 2010-06-11 10:55:00 Description: Black, white and red. Three colours that are well known to our ancestors and well used in stories. You will probably have heard of Deirdre and the Sons of Uisne and Ruairidh has a story that involves them and the three colours. Accompanying Gaelic...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 04 Jun 10: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 568 Updated: 2010-06-04 10:55:00 Description: As Ruairidh was saying last week, he was in the Sami region in the north end of Sweden. He was skiing through the region where people still keep reindeer. He only saw two of them himself, but he saw many people out looking for reindeer. Find out m...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 28 May: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 567 Updated: 2010-05-28 11:00:00 Description: Kebnekaise is the highest mountain in Sweden. Ruairidh visited there at Easter time and tells you more about the mountain this week. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 21 May 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 566 Updated: 2010-05-21 10:55:00 Description: Last week, Ruairidh was telling us about Conlaoch, the Scottish hero who was son of the Ulster hero Cuchullin. Conall, who was related to Cuchullin, according to legend. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 14 May 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 565 Updated: 2010-05-14 10:55:00 Description: This week Ruairidh is going to tell you of a special legend. It is about a strong hero called Conlaoch. He was a Scot. He was a stong hero with links to the Isle of Skye. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available a...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 07 May 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 564 Updated: 2010-05-07 10:55:00 Description: Last week Ruairidh was telling us about the different words for elephants and the image that celts had of these great African beasts when Hannibalâs army crossed the Alps to rome on 3BC. Ruairidh continues his theme of elephants in battle in this ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 30 Apr 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 563 Updated: 2010-04-30 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh has a challenge for you this week at the start of the letter. Here are some words from old dictionaries and they all mean the same thing ailp, ailpe, boir, borr and fil. You donât know them? Never fear, neither did Ruairidh! Find out wh...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 23 Apr 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 562 Updated: 2010-04-23 10:55:00 Description: This week, Ruairidh finishes the story âThe King and the Foalâ. The king said to the man, âCome here tomorrow. If you donât tell me what is swiftest in the world, youâll lose your head.â Find out what happened in this week's podcast...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 16 Apr 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 561 Updated: 2010-04-16 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh continues last weekâs story, The King and The Foal. Why not contiue the tale with him in this weekâs podcast? Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 09 Apr 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 560 Updated: 2010-04-09 10:55:00 Description: This week, Ruairidh has a story for you. It is called "The King and the Foal". Why not listen to this week's story in this week's podcast? Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 02 Apr 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 559 Updated: 2010-04-02 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh was looking at an old page in Mac-Talla. Thatâs an old newspaper. Mac-Talla was published in Nova Scotia. That was at the end of the 19th Century and beginning of the 20th Century. Find out what he discovered in this week's podcast. Accom...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 26 Mar: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 558 Updated: 2010-03-26 11:55:00 Description: Last week, Ruairidh was talking about the lynx and how evidence was uncovered proving it was alive in Scotland in the First Century. This week, he looks at why the lynx left and how other countries which still have lynxes are affected by their prese...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 19 Mar 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 557 Updated: 2010-03-19 11:55:00 Description: When was the lynx last seen in Scotland? Ruairidh is certain that you are familiar with the lynx â a big wildcat that lives in the forests in Asia and Europe. It once lived in Scotland. But when and why did it leave? Learn more about the lynx a...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 12 Mar 10: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 556 Updated: 2010-03-12 11:55:00 Description: Ruairidh was looking at an electronic map, it was made between 1747 and 1755 by William Roy. Roy was brought up in Lanarkshire, he was in the Hanovarian Army at the time of the Jacobite Rising. Learn more about William Roy in this weekâs podcast....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 5 Mar 10: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 555 Updated: 2010-03-05 11:55:00 Description: This week Ruairidh talks of Creag nam Ban, which is near Balmoral, in Aberdeenshire. It's beside the River Dee. And it's above Abergeldie Castle. Creag nam Ban means âthe rocky hill of the womenâ. People say that witches were burned to death ther...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 26 Feb 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 554 Updated: 2010-02-26 11:55:00 Description: Last week Ruairidh was talking about John Fraser who was famous for categorising exotic plants. He was born in 1750. Four years later another Gael who was famous for the same reason was born. He was Archibald Menzies. The area was Aberfeldy in Pert...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 19 Feb 10: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 553 Updated: 2010-02-19 12:00:00 Description: Ruairidh is certain that you have heard Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia. She was in charge of Russia at the end of the 18th Century. She was powerful. It seems like she was quite fond of plants â find out more about Catherine the Great in ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 12 Feb 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 552 Updated: 2010-02-12 11:55:00 Description: There are a species of plant called Frasera â for example Frasera speciosa. They are named for a guy John Fraser. He was good at collecting plants. He was very famous. And he was a Gael. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are a...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 05 Feb 10: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 551 Updated: 2010-02-05 11:55:00 Description: Ruairidh has a new word for you, Barbag, well, he expects itâs a new word for many of you. If you are wondering what it is, it is a type of plant. Ruairidh will tell you all about this plant and others that are not native to this country and pond...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 29 Jan 10: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 550 Updated: 2010-01-29 11:55:00 Description: This week, Ruairidh finishes the story The Black Bodach of Morven. It's from Braemore in Caithness. The men were in pursuit of the Bodach....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 22 Jan 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 549 Updated: 2010-01-22 11:55:00 Description: Braemore is the town nearest the highest mountain in Caithness â Morven. It is 706 metres above sea leve, it is not that tall, but is a lovely sight. Itâs a crofting settlement, but it used to have a much larger population, and people used to te...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 15 Jan 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2010-01-15 11:55:00 Description: There are two villages in Caithness called Ballachly â the township of the cemetery. There is a Ballachly near Dunbeath. Itâs quite well known as archaeologists found interestesting ancient artefacts there. Itâs from that wee settlement that t...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 08 Jan 10: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 547 Updated: 2010-01-08 11:55:00 Description: We are still in Caithness looking at the areaâs heritage through stories. A short tinme ago Ruairidh received some Caithnessian advice on the influence strong drink has on a person. The advice was what one glass hads on a person, two glasses and ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 18 Dec 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 546 Updated: 2009-12-18 11:55:00 Description: Ruairidh continues with his journey through Sutherland and Caithness, accompanied by stories from this area. Heâs travelling over the border of Caithness â to the area of Dunbeath; an area renowned for its rich Gaelic storytelling history. He ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 11 Dec 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 545 Updated: 2009-12-11 11:55:00 Description: Ruairidh has a story from Cataibh today, itâs about a crofter from Sutherland. Most Crofters were diligent at cutting peats for the cold winter nights and building their stacks. Not all were like this, this particular crofter, he was a thief. Fin...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 04 Dec 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2009-12-04 11:55:00 Description: Ruairidh has come across two trees that have Gaelic names, but no English names. He describes these in this weekâs podcast. He also describes a tree called âThe LĂ mh Treeâ. Find out the origins of this name in this weekâs podcast. Accomp...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 27 Nov 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 543 Updated: 2009-11-27 11:55:00 Description: Another letter from Canna this week. Ruaraidh was telling us about Coroghan Castle where the wife of Black Donald of the Cuckoo was held captive. This week, Ruairidh tells us more about this character, a clan-chief who would lock up his wife. Find...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 20 Nov 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 542 Updated: 2009-11-20 11:55:00 Description: Ruairidh leaves the Isle of Eigg this week, but he remains in the Small Isles as he heads off to the Isle of Canna. There is a place in Canna called Coroghon Castle. Itâs not a normal castle. In Gaelic itâs called the Corra-dhĂšn. The steep fo...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 13 Nov 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 541 Updated: 2009-11-13 11:55:00 Description: The Isle of Eiggâs nickname is the Isle of the Big Women. According to oral tradition, it goes back to the Seventh Century. The island was still under the control of the Picts. Indeed, it was under the control of a Pictish queen. Find out more abo...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 06 Nov 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 540 Updated: 2009-11-06 12:21:00 Description: How familiar are you with Scotlandâs islands? This week Ruairidh examines nicknames associated with three islands. Do you where The cross-wise island, The kingdom of the wild forest and The island of the big women are located? Find out in this we...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 30 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 539 Updated: 2009-10-30 11:55:00 Description: Last week, Ruairidh was telling us about what the opinion Gaels had of goats in times gone by. That was that they were capable of killing and eating snakes. Well, itâs interesting how often the goat appears in Gaelic proverbs âThe thing that kep...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 23 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 538 Updated: 2009-10-23 10:55:00 Description: How often have you seen a goat in Scotland? Ruairidh does not mean a big white goat behind a white fence, but wild goats who live in the moors. He has seen some many times, in places like the Black Isle, an Colonsay in Strath Spey and, more recently...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 16 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 537 Updated: 2009-10-16 10:55:00 Description: Over the past fortnight Ruairidh has been looking at the poetry and life of Rob Donn. This week, he will take one final look at a piece Rob Donn wrote. This piece is about the difference in attitudes between the Gaels and lowland Scots, in particul...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 09 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2009-10-09 10:55:00 Description: Your ears do not deceive you, the introduction to this weekâs letter is the same as last weekâs, but Ruairidh just wants to say a little more about this poem. Specifically he wants to talk about the Glen that features in this poem, where there w...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 02 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 535 Updated: 2009-10-02 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh begins this weekâs letter with a refrain from a famous Gaelic poem originating from one of the most northerly points of the Highlands, the MacKay Country (of North Sutherland). It was written by the famous Gaelic poet, Rob Donn. Accompan...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 25 Sep 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 534 Updated: 2009-09-25 10:55:00 Description: Eric MacLeod and his family moved to Kerracher on the shore of Loch aâ ChĂ irn BhĂ in in Assynt in 1976. The old house wasnât in a good condition. They had to get a caravan to Kerracher, but unfortunately for them there was no road. Learn more ab...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 18 Sep 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 533 Updated: 2009-09-18 10:55:00 Description: This summer Ruairidh got the chance to go to a garden that he always wanted to see. Itâs a public garden with lovely flowers and it has plenty visitors. In tha way, itâs like Inverewe Gardens or gardens of that type which are all along the Hig...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 11 Sep 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 532 Updated: 2009-09-11 10:55:00 Description: More often than not, Ruairidh talks about subjects pertaining to the Highlands. However, this week he will talk to you about an event that occurred, outside the Highlands, although every mothersâ son will understand why this weekâs subject affec...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 04 Sep 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 531 Updated: 2009-09-04 10:55:00 Description: Last week Ruairidh started telling us about The lady of Lawers, who had second sight. It is thought that she lived in the seventeenth century. She planted a tree beside the church in Lawers and she made a prophecy regarding it. At around 1880, two...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 28 Aug: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 530 Updated: 2009-08-28 10:55:00 Description: Ben Lawers is above Loch Tay. It is in Perthshire. The mountain is very high. Itâs covered with snow in the winter. And itâs famous for plants. Lawers is also the name of a small settlement and an area adjacent to Loch Tay. Gaelic was s...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 21 Aug 2009 : Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 529 Updated: 2009-08-21 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh talks about the meaning of the word "farach" and The Doctrine of Signatures....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 14 Aug 2009 : Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 528 Updated: 2009-08-14 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh talks of the the Island of Boreray in this weeks letter. Boreray means "fort-island" in Old Norse. It's close to North Uist and Berneray....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 07 Aug 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2009-08-07 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh discusses the name 'Eddrachillis Bay'. How did it come to be? It cames from Gaelic and in this letter, Ruairidh explains the meaning....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 31 Jul 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 526 Updated: 2009-07-31 10:55:00 Description: More magnificent placenames this week, Ruairidh ponders over Eddrachillis Bay. There is only one way to learn about this place and its Gaelic origins, listen to the podcast!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 24 Jul 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 525 Updated: 2009-07-24 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh recently took a cruise. One of the places he visited was Tobermory, in Mull. Beginning with a very wise proverb, Ruairidh explains some of the things that he saw on the cruise....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 17 Jul 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 524 Updated: 2009-07-17 10:55:00 Description: Iain Dubh, An Seòladair, has had some adventures. From rescuing and marrying the Princess of Spain from the band of robbers, to giving peace to three dead men. How will this tale end for the most remarkable of characters? Find out in this weekâ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 10 Jun 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 523 Updated: 2009-07-10 10:55:00 Description: Continuing the adventures of Iain Dubh an Seòladair. Iain is head of the bandits. Learn of what happens when Iain Dubh enters the forbidden room. What does he find? Donât miss out as this story heats up!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 03 Jul 09 Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2009-07-03 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh continues with his tale of Iain Dubh Leòdhasach, an Seòladair. Learn new phrases and words whilst being entertained by this tale of the sailor from Lewis....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 26 Jun 2009: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 521 Updated: 2009-06-26 10:55:00 Description: This week, Ruairidh invites you to listen to the tale of a sailor called Black-haired John! Sit back and relax and learn of this character from the Isle of Lewis....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 19 Jun 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 520 Updated: 2009-06-19 10:55:00 Description: Although the Cromarty Fisherfolk was a form of Scots, there were loads of words that came from Gaelic. Ruairidh runs through some of them. Have a listen to learn more....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 12 Jun 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 519 Updated: 2009-06-12 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh got a new book recently; it's about a dialect in the Highlands that is becoming extinct. Interestingly, he's not talking about a dialect of Gaelic, but English. Itâs the âCromarty Fisherfolk Dialectâ. Learn more in this weekâs po...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 05 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd ionnschaidh 518 Updated: 2009-06-05 10:55:00 Description: Ruairidh moves away from Raasay and talks about a lochan in Islay called Lochan na Nigheadaireachd. He wonders if washing was carried out in this lochan. Flora Macdonald wrote memoirs of her youth in Benbecula, in this she describes the joy of c...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 29 May 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 517 Updated: 2009-05-29 10:55:00 Description: This wee Ruairidh takes us to Loch nam MnĂ in Raasay. Find out how the loch got its name and who was the mysterious lady of this particular lake!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 22 May 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 516 Updated: 2009-05-22 10:55:00 Description: This week, Ruairidh tells us a bit more about Gilleasbaig, or Archibald, Cook. He was a church minister who gave sermons in both English and Gaelic. Sometimes his sermons were so popular, they had to be held outside the church. He also had an oppo...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 15 May 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 515 Updated: 2009-05-15 10:55:00 Description: This week Ruairidh introduces us to two more Gaelic characters; Archibald and Finlay Cook. Both were born on the island of Arran, but both spoke different dialects of Gaelic. Both brothers were ministers. Archibald travelled and preached in differen...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 08 May 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 514 Updated: 2009-05-08 10:55:00 Description: Among those who are buried in Inchmahome, near The Lake of Menteith, is Robert Cunninghame Graham, or Don Roberto as he was known in his second country, Argentina. Learn all about this man who came from the gentry and what happened on the very first...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 01 May 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 513 Updated: 2009-05-01 10:55:00 Description: We have a treat at the start of this week's podcast! It's another Gaelic riddle, why not pause the podcast and try and solve it? After the riddle, we travel back in time to learn of an important left-wing figure in Scottish politics....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 24 Apr 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 512 Updated: 2009-04-24 10:55:00 Description: In the Norwegian town of Otta, there is a statue of a young woman named Pillarguri. She is well known in Norwegian history. In the statue she is blowing a horn. She is commemorating an attack on Scots in Sweden in 1612. In this weekâs podcast, ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 17 Apr 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 511 Updated: 2009-04-17 10:55:00 Description: Have you ever heard of the Battle of Kringen? It is a famous Norwegian battle. Find out all about it and Scotlan's relevance to it, in this week's letter....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 10 Apr 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 510 Updated: 2009-04-10 10:55:00 Description: Roddy has been ski-ing in mountains in the Rodane in Norway. The Rodane became a national park in 1962. There are small huts and bothys in the Rodane and the Norwegian names for these are very similar to the English names. Find out about these lodge...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 03 Apr 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 509 Updated: 2009-04-03 10:55:00 Description: "Mark my word, Pat, she'll be an unlucky ship." This week, hear how Peter Morrison from Grimsay overheard two Irishmen talking as the Titanic launched in Belfast. Did one of the old men see an omen or supernatural warning?...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 27 Mar 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 508 Updated: 2009-03-27 11:55:00 Description: Roddy has a new book, Thugam agus Bhuam, by Patrick Morrison. It is a collection of stories. A wee bit of Patrick's own tale is given and Roddy begins a new tale about when Patrick saw the Titanic. NEW! AN LITIR BHEAG, or The Little Letter is now a...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 20 Mar 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 507 Updated: 2009-03-20 11:55:00 Description: This week, Roddy tells of a place close to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh which is called Croft-an-Righ. Not Croit an RĂŹgh, but Croft-an-Righ. Without question, itâs a Gaelic name. How did it get its title? Find out in this week's podcast....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 13 Mar 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 506 Updated: 2009-03-13 11:55:00 Description: There is a route in Edinburgh called Piperâs Walk. Itâs on Arthurâs Seat. Roddy will tell you how Piperâs Walk got its name â at least, according to oral tradition....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 06 Mar 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 505 Updated: 2009-03-06 11:55:00 Description: This week, Roddy researches how Arthur's Seat, situated in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park, got its name and whether or not it's connected to King Arthur....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 27 Feb 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 504 Updated: 2009-02-27 11:55:00 Description: Roddy got a letter himself this week. The correspondent advised him to type in 'Caithness' into the online version of Dwelly. One hundred and twenty four words cropped up and Roddy takes us through the most unusual words...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 20 Feb 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 503 Updated: 2009-02-20 11:55:00 Description: A valuable resource for Gaelic learners over several generations has been Edward Dwelly's dictionary. There are many interesting words to be found within its pages, Roddy looks at some of these words and their origins. Two plucky people recently put...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 13 Feb 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 502 Updated: 2009-02-13 11:55:00 Description: Do you know the word muir? It means âseaâ. Aâ mhuir â the sea. Do you know the word tĂŹr? It means âlandâ. An tĂŹr â the land. Muir is tĂŹr â the sea and the land. Both are important in the Gaidhealtachd. Well, this week Roddy ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 06 Feb 2009: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 501 Updated: 2009-02-06 11:55:00 Description: Do you know what the word CĂštach means? Many apply it to today's dialect of Gaelic. Do you agree? The word also leads Roddy to think about the dialect of Gaelic that orginated from Aberdeen....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 30 Jan 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 500 Updated: 2009-01-30 11:55:00 Description: Roddy is delighted to present the 500th Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh and would like to thank those who have contacted him regarding Litir. This week's letter concludes the tale of CĂš Fhearchair BhĂ in. What exactly happened to Fraoch on tha...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 23 Jan 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 499 Updated: 2009-01-23 11:55:00 Description: Listen to the story of an amazing dog in CĂš Fhearchair BhĂ in. It is about a wonderdog called Fraoch who was an excellent sheepdog and was quite a character! In this tale, we'll hear of what happened to a couple who came to the master's house one ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 16 Jan 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 498 Updated: 2009-01-16 11:55:00 Description: We come to the end of our fascinating journey along the Antonine Wall. Roddy looks at the other names of Forts that may have originated from Gaelic. He finishes by ruminating that although the Romans only used the wall for a generation, the legacy ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 09 Jan 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 497 Updated: 2009-01-09 11:55:00 Description: More fascinating stories emerge from the forts that run along the Antonine Wall. Are you familiar with how the name Bearsden came to be the name of the town. It was not the original name of the town and only came to be after a technological advancem...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 02 Jan 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 496 Updated: 2009-01-02 11:55:00 Description: Bliadhna Mhath Ăr! The first letter of the year and Roddy is looking at the biggest structure that the Romans ever built in Scotland, the Antonine Wall. A brief history of Antoninus is given, connections and comparisons to Hadrian are made, before ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 26 Dec 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2008-12-26 11:55:00 Description: Roddy examines more Galatian history and culture and wonders what sort of language they spoke...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 19 Dec 08: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 494 Updated: 2008-12-19 11:55:00 Description: Roddy looks at one of the most famous letters ever written, one that's been translated into many different languages....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 12 Dec 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 493 Updated: 2008-12-12 11:55:00 Description: As the sorry chapter of Robbie Northway ends, another opens about another bothy-dwelling character. The old fox, or James McRory Smith, lived in a bothy in Strathcailleach for thirty years. Listen to this week's podcast to learn all about his wiley...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 05 Dec 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 492 Updated: 2008-12-05 11:55:00 Description: The final instalment of the strange tale of the Northways unfolds. The twists and turns unfold and unfurl, but does the tale of Robbie echo similar circumstances to events that happened years ago in the area?...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 28 Nov 08: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 491 Updated: 2008-11-28 11:55:00 Description: The strange case of the Northways and their animals moving into a bothy caused uproar with local crofters. It caused the authorities quite a headache. Learn more by listening to the podcast!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 21 Nov 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 490 Updated: 2008-11-21 11:55:00 Description: This week, Roddy examines several Sutherland place names. Also, hear an unusual story about a couple who moved into Srathan Bothy in 2000 along with their animals....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 14 Nov 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 489 Updated: 2008-11-14 11:55:00 Description: This week Roddy re-acquaints us with an offical bird of state in America. The name of the bird looks like a Greek word, however the name originated from Gaelic. Find out about the name, the state and the mighty bird itself!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 07 Nov 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 488 Updated: 2008-11-07 11:55:00 Description: The final instalment of the fascinating school, Keil School, is given. Rugby and Gaelic are added to the school's curriculum - two big, bold moves!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 31 Oct 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 487 Updated: 2008-10-31 11:55:00 Description: The foundations of the school in Keil were laid by Sir William MacKinnon. Find out more about the Kintyre Technical School....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 24 Oct 08: Litir do luchd ionnsachaidh Updated: 2008-10-24 10:55:00 Description: Campbeltown in Kintyre is the setting of this week's letter. Roddy points out a striking memorial in the town. The figure is of William MacKinnon, a wealthy mercant who originated there....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 17 Oct 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 485 Updated: 2008-10-17 10:55:00 Description: In this final instalment, we find out what effect McKenzie's policies had on the Maori. We learn which areas he was radical in and what area he was extremely conservative in. We also learn of how Sir John died....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 10 Oct 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 484 Updated: 2008-10-10 10:55:00 Description: Last week we found out what incident shaped Sir John McKenzie's policies. Find out this week about one of those policies and the "999 year lease"....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 03 Oct 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 483 Updated: 2008-10-03 10:55:00 Description: Sir John McKenzie, a famous Gaelic-speaking 19th century politician, is the subject of this week's letter. Find out how some etched names on a church window influenced him...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 26 Sep 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2008-09-26 10:55:00 Description: The terrible consequesnces of the statutes of Iona are further explored in this week's letter. Find out the effects that this had on the Gaels and Gaelic....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 19 Sep 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 481 Updated: 2008-09-19 10:55:00 Description: A terrible event in the Gaels' history occurred 400 years ago. Roddy looks back on the Statutes of Iona and the terrible effect that they had on the Gaelic language....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 12 Sep 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 480 Updated: 2008-09-12 10:55:00 Description: Roddy travels to Wales this week. He is enchanted by the red kite. The hawk was obliterated in Scotland twenty years ago. The hawk has a rich history which is illustrated in this week's podcast....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 05 Sep 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh Updated: 2008-09-05 10:55:00 Description: Roddy explores the history of Stanley in Perthshire this week. The region's Gaelic roots are explored as he looks to the area's cotton mills. The thistle's importance also stemmed from that area, saving Scots from a vicious end from some barefooted...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 29 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 478 Updated: 2008-08-29 10:55:00 Description: An ancient feud between the MacSorlie family and Clan Chattan in the Glen Nevis area comes to a violent conclusion when an irate piper plays a war tune. Youâll find out what happened and how the cave, Uamh Shomhairle, played its part and got its n...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 22 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 477 Updated: 2008-08-22 10:55:00 Description: Continuing the theme of the Orkney islands, Roddy sails down the Ăigh-sgeir in the hope of seeing some sharks, but what happens when he and his fellow voyagers get a bit more than they bargained for?...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 15 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 476 Updated: 2008-08-15 10:55:00 Description: Roddy is at sea for this week's letter. On a recent trip to Orkney he discovered seasickness for the first time....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 08 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 475 Updated: 2008-08-08 10:55:00 Description: Could the origin of the ancient Kirkwall Ba' game lie with the battle between two earls? This was a vicious and bloody battle in which even the victor ultimately met his violent end!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 01 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 474 Updated: 2008-08-01 10:55:00 Description: The place-names of Orkney are examined this week, including the Glens of Kinnaird on Hoy. Roddy questions whether this name is of Highland origin, just as scholar Hugh Marwick had done years beforehand....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 25 Jul 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 473 Updated: 2008-07-25 10:55:00 Description: The similarities between Highland and Scandanavian place names are examined this week. During a recent trip to Orkney, Roddy discovered the majority of the island's place names derived from the old Norse language....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 18 Jul 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 472 Updated: 2008-07-18 10:55:00 Description: Find out what became of the prince in the final instalment of 'The Three Green Dogs' tale. Also, Roddy offers an explanation as to how the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond got its name....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 11 Jul 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 471 Updated: 2008-07-11 10:55:00 Description: The fascinating tale of 'The Three Green Dogs' continues this week. In this part, the prince comes under the influence of somebody out to do him harm. Listen to this letter and find out what the wrongdoer does and how the mighty hounds react to this...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 04 Jul 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 470 Updated: 2008-07-04 10:55:00 Description: A magic tale of three green dogs, Knowledge, Swiftness and Heaviness are the topic of this week's letter. They are bought by a prince and they help him catch deer, but can they help their royal owner overcome battle with some mischievous giants?...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 27 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 469 Updated: 2008-06-27 10:55:00 Description: Gaelic speakers in Scotland are confident that they have a Gaelic minister looking after the language's interests. Roddy looks to the nineteenth century, when there was a movement to protect Scottish and Irish Gaelic, in Canada!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 20 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 468 Updated: 2008-06-20 10:55:00 Description: Cho beò ri eun, cho marbh ri cloich. Ruairidh brings you a wealth of Gaelic similies in this week's letter....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 13 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 467 Updated: 2008-06-13 10:55:00 Description: Gaelic has many names for the fingers! Roddy starts off this week's letter with a rhyme his kids learnt at nursery and muses on how the fingers got their splendid names....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 06 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 466 Updated: 2008-06-06 10:55:00 Description: This week's letter looks at the Isle of Skye's famous mountains, The Cuillins. There are many theories as to where their name came from, ranging from two Gaelic heroes, a plant, to ancient Norse words from Viking invaders!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 30 May 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 465 Updated: 2008-05-30 10:55:00 Description: We all know of St Columba, who connects Scotland with Gleann Cholm Cille in Ireland, however, this week Roddy tells of another connection. Listen to this tale of a very famous Jacobite fleeing Culloden to Gleann Cholm Cille. Can you guess who it is...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 23 May 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 464 Updated: 2008-05-23 10:55:00 Description: This week, a magic mist in a Donegal glen is explained in a St Columba folk tale....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 16 May 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 463 Updated: 2008-05-16 10:55:00 Description: The traditional tale of "The Lass that Was Sold" reaches its incredible conclusion. Prepare to be amazed as to what happens at the end of her epic journey!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 09 May 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 462 Updated: 2008-05-09 10:55:00 Description: The traditional tale of "The Lass that was Sold" continues in this week's letter...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 02 May 08 Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 461 Updated: 2008-05-02 10:55:00 Description: The traditional tale, The Lass that was Sold, is the subject of Letter 461....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 25 Apr 08 Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 460 Updated: 2008-04-25 10:55:00 Description: This week, Roddy tells about the ghost of the redcoat soldier, Arthur Davies....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 18 Apr 08 Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 459 Updated: 2008-04-18 10:55:00 Description: Arthur Davies, a wealthy, well-liked redcoat soldier is the subject of this week's letter....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 11 Apr 08 Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 458 Updated: 2008-04-11 13:00:00 Description: Roddy continues the tale of the last Jacobite to die on Drumossie Moor at the Battle of Culloden, join him as he recounts the life and times of Patrick Grant!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 04 Apr 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 457 Updated: 2008-04-04 10:55:00 Description: The Battle of Culloden is visited in this week's letter. Roddy remembers Patrick Grant, the last man to die on the battlefield and recounts his story....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 28 Mar 08 - Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 456 Updated: 2008-03-28 11:55:00 Description: This week's letter discusses Springtime....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 21 Mar 08 - Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 455 Updated: 2008-03-21 11:55:00 Description: The original Gaelic names given to the months of the year are the subject of this week's letter....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 14 Mar 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 454 Updated: 2008-03-14 11:55:00 Description: Saint Paul's mystical powers over animals are the subject of this week's letter...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 07 Mar 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 453 Updated: 2008-03-07 11:55:00 Description: A Celtic tale is disclosed, this week. Travel with Roddy to a Breton Monastery and learn about Saint Paul!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 29 Feb 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 452 Updated: 2008-02-29 11:55:00 Description: Letter 452 tells the story of The Beggar's Death....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 22 Feb 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 451 Updated: 2008-02-22 11:55:00 Description: A Perthshire ghost is the topic of this week's letter....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 15 Feb 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 450 Updated: 2008-02-15 11:55:00 Description: A gaelic song about curling is the subject of this week's letter....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 08 Feb 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 449 Updated: 2008-02-08 11:55:00 Description: This week, Roddy tells us of a 19th century song written about curling....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 01 Feb 08: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 448 Updated: 2008-02-01 11:55:00 Description: This week, Roddy looks at the shamrock and the unique position it holds in Irish storytelling....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 25 Jan 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 447 Updated: 2008-01-25 11:55:00 Description: Roddy visits a new exhibition about whales which leads him on to tales about a very famous whale!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 18 Jan 08: Litir do luchd-Ionnsachaidh 446 Updated: 2008-01-18 11:55:00 Description: Various expressions, similar in both Gaelic and Scots, are examined....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 11 Jan 08: Litir do luchd-Ionnsachaidh 445 Updated: 2008-01-11 11:55:00 Description: The sailing boat, The Linnet, is the subject of this week's letter....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 04 Jan 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 444 Updated: 2008-01-04 11:55:00 Description: A tongue twister from Broomton is the topic of this week's letter....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 28 Dec 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 443 Updated: 2007-12-28 11:55:00 Description: A verse about Dornoch is the topic of this week's letter....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 21 Dec 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 442 Updated: 2007-12-21 11:55:00 Description: 19th century poverty is central to this week's letter. Roddy outlines the situation and describes a modern group that ensure the impact is never forgotten....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 14 Dec 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 441 Updated: 2007-12-14 11:55:00 Description: Find out what happens when Roddy accepts an invitation from an Irish Haad of State to visit the most beautiful place on the Emerald Isle`!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 07 Dec 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 440 Updated: 2007-12-07 11:55:00 Description: This week, hear all about Finan MacDonald from Knoydart who fought a bison with his bare hands and survived!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 30 Nov 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 439 Updated: 2007-11-30 11:55:00 Description: Another story abouth Boban Saor from Mingulay. This time Roddy explores the extraordinary way that his son got his wife....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 23 Nov 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 438 Updated: 2007-11-23 11:55:00 Description: From Mingulay to Cape Breton, Roddy gives us a different account of what happened to Boban Saor in this extraordinary tale!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 16 Nov 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 437 Updated: 2007-11-16 11:55:00 Description: A new book about the people of Mingulay is the topic of this week's letter. Although he's reluctant to give too much away, he shares a tale about one of the island's characters....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 09 Nov 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 436 Updated: 2007-11-09 11:55:00 Description: Johann Von Lamont's short biography comes to its interesting conclusion....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 02 Nov 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 435 Updated: 2007-11-02 11:55:00 Description: The transformation from to Iain MacIlleDhuibh Johnann Von Lamont, the famous Highland Anstronomer is outlined in this week's letter. A brief history is given on his amazing life....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 26 Oct 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 434 Updated: 2007-10-26 10:55:00 Description: You'll have stars in your eyes when you listen to this week's letter. Roddy indroduces the most famous astronomer to hail from the Highlands, however from the chap's name, you'd be correct to have your doubts!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 19 Oct 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 433 Updated: 2007-10-19 10:55:00 Description: Continuing the recent theme of saints associated with the lovely landscape of Loch Lomond, Roddy turns his attention to a buddy of Paisley....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 12 Oct 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 432 Updated: 2007-10-12 10:55:00 Description: Roddy divulges last week's mystery and reveals the popular folklore and the the Scottish hero who's to blame!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 05 Oct 2007: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 431 Updated: 2007-10-05 10:55:00 Description: This week, Roddy takes us on a journey to an island near Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch. He outlines the island's intriguing history and leaves us wondering what exactly is out there?...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 28 Sep 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 430 Updated: 2007-09-28 10:55:00 Description: Children's rhymes and sayings from the different areas of Scotland are on the tip of Roddy's tongue this week. Listen and love his comparisons and distinctions from all over Scotland!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 21 Sep 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 429 Updated: 2007-09-21 10:55:00 Description: Discover what happened in this month's letter when King James I invited the clann chiefs of the Highlands to meet him in 1427....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 14 Sep 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 428 Updated: 2007-09-14 10:55:00 Description: Roddy revisits last week's 15th century poem and examines its inspiration - The Battle of Inverlochy....more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 7 Sep 2007: Litir Do Luchd-Ionnsachaidh 427 Updated: 2007-09-07 10:55:00 Description: A comparison between a 15th Century Gaelic poem and a traditional: proverb. Roddy wonders what came first?...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 31 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 426 Updated: 2007-08-31 10:55:00 Description: An tale of a spear with supernatural powers! ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 24 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 425 Updated: 2007-08-24 10:55:00 Description: A tale of Cuchulainn's strength and might, as he battles warriors single-handledly in Ireland!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 17 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 424 Updated: 2007-08-17 10:55:00 Description: Cuchulainn and Fionn MacCumhail make heroic appearances in this week's letter!...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD Letter: 10 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 423 Updated: 2007-08-10 10:55:00 Description: The 18th Century Gaelic poet Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair is the topic of this week's Letter. ...more... LISTEN NOW | VIEW CACHE | DOWNLOAD |
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