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-
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-
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-