Gaelic

Bothan Dhùn Èideann

Òran Ùr - October Session

(Fri 3 Oct: 7pm)

A monthly session of Gaelic culture and community in Edinburgh, full of stories, songs, music, dance and good cràic! Each month a variety of performers will entertain, alongside the usual space for conversation and friendship.

October's session will feature Josie Duncan, Dòl Eòghainn MacKinnon, and Gillebride Mac IlleMhaoil with Mike Bryan, hosted by Evie Waddell.

Bothan Dhùn Èideann are a not-for-profit group, active for over 21 years, promoting and developing Scottish Gaelic language and culture in Edinburgh and creating space where everyone, no matter their background, feels comfortable celebrating Gaelic in Edinburgh. These events are presented in Gaelic throughout and all are welcome whether fluent speakers, learners or somewhere in between.

Mike Bryan is a multi-genre freelance accompanist and music tutor from the Ross-shire crofting settlement of Strathkanaird. Starting out in classical fiddle he left the orchestra-world behind to explore genres as diverse as bhangra and grunge, finding inspiration for his self-taught guitar from world-reknowned Gaelic artists involved in the Fèis movement. Career highlights (there have been many) have included accompanying Cathy Ann MacPhee, headlining Cambridge Folk Festival and directing intercultural youth music work. At Bothan he will be accompanying the Gaelic singing of Gillebride MacMillan (Outlander).

’S e Mike Bryan, a rugadh ann an Srath Chainneart, faisg air Ulapul agus a tha a’ fuireach ann an Glaschu an-diugh, neach-ciùil is tidsear a tha measail air a bhith a’ dol thairis air crìochan ciùil. Thòisich e air an fhìdhle chlasaigeach tro dhòigh Suzuki, ach cha b’ fhada gus an do thionndaidh e gu giotàr, grunge, bhangra, agus an sradag a lorg e aig na Fèisean (Dùn Èideann, Rois). B’ ann an sin, le taic bho thidsearan brosnachail mar Ishbel NicAsgaill fhèin, a chaidh e a-steach gu dualchas ciùil na Gàidhlig – rud a tha fhathast a’ stiùireadh a thuras. Bidh e còmhla rinn Dihaoine gus taic a thoirt do Gillebride Mac’IllMhaoil – bidh e na oidhche shònraichte!

Josie Duncan is a folk singer and songwriter from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, now residing in Glasgow. She tours extensively across Europe and beyond, showcasing her versatility in every performance. Josie effortlessly transitions between traditional songs and her own original works, engaging audiences in both English and Gàidhlig. Whether performing solo, with a full band, or composing for theatre and film, her music reflects a harmonious blend of modern influences and traditional roots. A previous radio 2 Young Folk Award winner, story-telling is always at the heart of each performance.

’S e seinneadair agus sgrìobhadair òrain à Leòdhas a th’ ann an Josie Duncan, agus tha i a’ fuireach ann an Glaschu. Tha i tric air chuairt tarsainn na Roinn-Eòrpa agus nas fhaide air falbh, a’ sealltainn fìor sùbailteachd a thaobh stoidhle is susbaint. Gluaisidh Josie gu furasta eadar òrain thraidiseanta agus na h-òrain ùra a chruthaicheas i fhèin, a’ tarraing luchd-èisteachd an dà chuid ann am Beurla agus sa Ghàidhlig. Le eòlas farsaing ann an diofar roinnean cruthachail (film, fèisean, còmhlain-ciùil), tha a ceòl an-còmhnaidh beòthail, seirmeach, agus làn blàths. Bhuannaich i Radio 2 Young Folk Award ann an 2017.

Dòl Eoin MacKinnon is an award-winning filmmaker and songwriter from the Isle of Harris. While best known for his directing, producing, and internationally acclaimed documentary work, his true passion lies in the craft of songwriting. At Bothan Dhùn Èideann, he shares a collection of his own new Gaelic songs, weaving together stories and melodies rooted in the landscape and language of the Outer Hebrides.

‘S e filmeadair agus sgrìobhadair-òran às na Hearadh a th’ ann an Dòmhnall Eòghainn MacFhionghainn. Ged a tha e ainmeil airson a bhith a’ stiùireadh ’s a riochdachadh fhilmichean agus airson an obair aige air prògraman aithriseach eadar-nàiseanta, ’s e sgrìobhadh òran le cridhe ciùil a tha na mhòr thlachd dha. Aig a' Bhothan, cluichidh e cruinneachadh de na h-òrain Ghàidhlig ùra aige fhèin, a’ fighe ri chèile sgeulachdan agus puirt a tha freumhaichte ann an cruth-tìre agus cànan nan Innse Gall.

Gillebrìde MacMillan is a singer, songwriter, and Gaelic scholar from a Gaelic-speaking family in South Uist, where songs and traditions have always been an important part of life. Known for his rich, expressive voice, he effortlessly brings traditional Gaelic song to life and is equally passionate about new songwriting in Gaelic. Gillebrìde has released several albums of traditional and original material and performs widely at festivals and concerts across the world. He has consulted on Gaelic culture for the series Outlander, in which he also appears as Gwyllyn the Bard. Alongside his performing career, he is part of the Celtic and Gaelic Department at the University of Glasgow, inspiring new generations with his music and teaching. For this performance, he will be accompanied by the outstanding guitarist Mike Bryan.

’S e seinneadair, sgrìobhadair òrain agus sgoilear Gàidhlig à teaghlach Ghàidhlig Uibhist a Deas a th’ ann an Gillebrìde Mac’IllMhaoil, agus òrain is traidiseanan an-còmhnaidh na phàirt chudromach de a bheatha. Tha e aithnichte airson a ghuth làidir, làn faireachdainn, a’ toirt beò seinn Ghàidhlig thraidiseanta gu furasta. Tha grunn chlàran aige a’ measgachadh òrain thraidiseanta agus ùra, agus bidh e tric a’ cluich aig fèisean is cuirm-chiùil air feadh an t-saoghail. A bharrachd air a chùrsa-ciùil, tha e na phàirt den Roinn Cheilteach is Ghàidhlig aig Oilthigh Ghlaschu, a’ brosnachadh ghinealaichean ùra le ceòl is teagaisg, agus esan air a bhith a’ toirt taic chun t-sreath telebhisean ‘Outlander’. An turas seo aig Bothan, bidh Gillebrìde cuide ri Mike Bryan (giotàr).

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Bothan Dhùn Èideann is funded and in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

• Events
• £12.00
• 3 October 2025
• 180 minutes
• 19:00
• Scottish Storytelling Centre
• Storytelling Court
• 14+