Culture, and specifically language, takes ownership in those select few who are what I refer to as that culture’s hidden wealths.  There is a time in life for everyone, where, when you are ready, you begin to (coincidentally...?) unearth these fantastic discoveries in life.

Although it is early to say for sure what the finest musical highlights will be on Cape Breton Island this summer, there is one concert that is guaranteed to be especially enjoyable because not only the music, but the view, is second to none in the world!

I’m not saying I am old, but, I might be getting older. The music scene on Cape Breton Island now operates with what I look upon as a very fresh, up and coming, group of young (very talented) musicians. They are good people too. The encouraging fact is that a number of this younger generation of contributors, are for the most part, very respectful of a beautiful Gaelic culture. As a matter of fact, some of these “kids” are even fluent Gaelic speakers. It is a healthy scene.

Winter has come to an end. This is the first post "from away."  I will struggle to capture for you what it is like to encounter Cape Breton Island, some 41 years ago for the first time, and what it is like to be completely enthralled for the last decade.

It was a night out for me, and by far one of the best kinds of evenings out a person could ask for.  The concert was held at the Highland Village in Iona, Cape Breton.  The evening paid tribute to Michael Anthony MacLean and was too notable a time to simply exist as an event of the past.  It was an event to be remembered for years to come.

What a refreshing place to be……..  It had been too long since my last visit.  The drive over was relaxing in itself, but the moments that followed as I drove up the driveway, parked and entered the grounds, were really moments of “awe” and total appreciation for the beauty that surrounded me.

'S e cleachdadh làidir a bh' aig na Gàidheil bho chian nan cian a bhith ag aithris sgeulachdan, seachadas a bha air dol á cleachdadh ann an Ceap Breatainn bho chionn greis. Nan rachadh duine do cheilidh, is cinnteach gun cluinneadh e ceòl na fìdhle, ceòl na clàrsaiche móire, agus a bu dòcha òrain agus innealan ciùil eile 'gan cluich, ach sgeulachdan...? 

The world of summer school…….a really unique kind of summer school…….not the summer school that a child might be forced to take part in if they didn’t quite acquire all of those credits they had hoped for.  I’m talking about the type of summer school where you are able to move in for a full week, fiddle, step-dancing shoes, AND your Gaelic scribbler in tow.  Summer school at the Gaelic College!