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Retired teacher is Gaelic learner of the year     15/10/14

 

John Howieson, a retired head teacher who lives in Harrapool on Skye, has been named the Gaelic Learner of the Year at The Royal National Mòd 2014.  

 

The award, sponsored by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, recognises a Gaelic learner who has made significant steps to fluency.

 

While Dumfries born John has always has an interest in Gaelic, it wasn’t until he retired in 2007 after 33 years teaching that he raised his commitment to learning the language and has achieved a Gold Card level of fluency.

 

Having previously attended a number of short courses, John began a full-time course of study at the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig college, for a BA degree in Gaelic Language and Culture.  He is now in his second year and has impressed his tutors with his progress in fluency, having achieved an A grade in each of the six modules covered so far.

 

John has been very active in learning and using Gaelic and in encouraging other students to do so. On 3rd October 2014 he was awarded The Highland Society of London prize at the College for achievement in Gaelic learning over the past year.  

 

The previous head of Portree High School won the Silver Pendant competition for learners in 2006 at the Mòd in Dunoon.   

 

John Macleod, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach said:  “Much of today’s focus is on the younger generation learning and using Gaelic through Gaelic-medium education, and while we welcome the significant advances made at that level, we shouldn’t forget that, with the right effort and commitment, adult learners of Gaelic can also achieve a high standard of fluency and make a great contribution to our communities and their culture.  

 

John Howieson said: “I am absolutely honoured to have been presented this award and I am hugely appreciative of An Comunn Gàidhealach for selecting me.  I’ve had an interest in Gaelic and The Mòd for many years, probably more than I care to remember, but it wasn’t until I retired that I really committed to learning.  

 

“I started by joining the choir and love singing Gaelic songs. As a head-teacher in Portree I saw first-hand the benefits of a bi-lingual education and I would encourage everyone, young and old, to give Gaelic a go.”