Armed Forces Gaelic Network (360G-BNG-TFC-2023-00612)

In summer 2022, Army at the Fringe (run by the British Army in Scotland) presented an event devised by Gillebride MacIllemhaoil that explored Gaelic Culture through the lens of our shared military history. This event was produced by Harry Ross, who is a member of the Army Reserve and a Gaelic learner artist. The Director of the Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement, Edinburgh University, Dr Gerri Matthews Smith spent an extended period on the Western Isles and the Highlands researching the experience of veterans who had settled there in 2022.As a result of these two activities we want to formalise an Armed Forces Gaelic Speakers and Learners Network. This will give serving members of the armed forces and veterans a chance to connect through informal zoom and in-person conversation and cultural heritage sessions. We also hope to:raise the profile of the Gaelic Language in the Armed Forces, and signpost opportunities to learn Gaelic outwith this initial project, utilising the Army's Standard and Enhanced Learning Credits. connect our Gaelic speakers and learners of different ages with experience of the armed forces to help their wellbeing,produce a public event in Gaelic at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe that builds on last years successThis application is for costs towards:Language lessons for serving and retired service people.Monthly Gaelic Culture sessions (delivered in Gaelic and supported in English) for serving and retired service people. A contribution toward one Gaelic Language event at the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.