Tha sgeul ri innse: there’s a story for the telling (360G-BNG-2425_3023)

The Scottish collections of National Museums Scotland strongly reflect the material heritage of the Gàidhealtachd, and many of what came to be perceived as the ‘national treasures’ originated there. The collecting and interpretation of these objects within a national story has had a disproportionate impact in shaping what is popularly understood to be the distinctive material history of Scotland. And yet, this national view was developed in material research that was detached from Gaelic scholarship, which was historically more focused on literature and folklore, and sometimes also disconnected from the Gaelic language and worldview.We will reappraise these collections, within the context of Gaelic language, communities, and culture.  We will engage a freelance researcher who will undertake a review of key objects from the Gàidhealtachd – with an emphasis on material dating from the eighteenth century onward, as well as late medieval collections. Gaelic knowledge and language will be reintegrated into our records, via detailed research and community workshops. In so doing, the project will help ensure our collections are representative of Gaelic culture and communities.The project will increase the profile of Gaelic in the context of Scotland’s history and culture and provide opportunities for using and developing Gaelic through knowledge exchange workshops in the community. We will reinforce Gaelic as an integral part of Scotland’s heritage and encourage wider understanding and appreciation among our visitors via displays and digital media channels. Our audiences, the Gaelic communities of Skye and Lewis, together with project partners will all directly benefit.