Gaelic

Bothan Dhùn Èideann

November Session

(Fri 7 Nov: 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. November's session will feature Ruairidh Grey, Julie MacFadyen and Andrew McIntyre.

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.

Ruairidh Gray is a multi-award-winning Gaelic singer from Daliburgh, South Uist. In 2022 he made history by becoming only the second person to win both the Gold Medal and the Traditional Gold Medal at the Royal National Mòd in Perth. Later that same year, he was named MG ALBA Gaelic Singer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. In 2024, Ruairidh graduated with a Master’s degree in Traditional Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he studied under Iseabail T. MacDonald. That same year, he organised and performed in Cuirm nam Bonn Òir le Ruairidh Gray, a historic concert at St Aloysius Church in Glasgow. This unprecedented event brought together over 70 Gold Medal winners from the Royal National Mòd, spanning eight decades, alongside students from the Conservatoire’s five music departments. The concert was a poignant celebration of Gaelic song and heritage, recorded by BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and nominated for Event of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. He has toured extensively across Europe and is a regular contributor to Gaelic broadcasting.

’S e seinneadair Gàidhlig cliùiteach agus ceumnaiche RSC a th’ ann an Ruairidh Gray agus esan à Dalabrog, Uibhist a Deas. Ann an 2022 rinn e eachdraidh nuair a choisinn e an dà chuid am Bonn Òir agus am Bonn Òir Seann Nòs aig a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail ann am Peairt – dìreach an dàrna duine a rinn sin a-riamh. Nach ann fàd’ on uairsin gun deach a h-ainmeachadh mar “Seinneadair na Bliadhna” aig Duaisean Ceòl Traidiseanta na h-Alba. Ann an 2024 chuir e air dòigh Cuirm nam Bonn Òir le Ruairidh Gray ann an Eaglais Naomh Aloysius ann an Glaschu, tachartas gun choimeas far an tàinig còrr is 70 neach-bhuannaichidh a’ Bhonn Òir ri chèile. Chaidh an consairt a chlàradh leis a’ BhBC agus chomharraich MG ALBA a’ chuirm sin mar “Tachartas na Bliadhna”. Tha Ruairidh air siubhal agus seinn farsaing air feadh na Roinn-Eòrpa, agus tha e tric ri chluinntinn ann am prògraman craolaidh Gàidhlig.

Julie MacFadyen is a prominent member of the Lothian Gaelic Choir, known for her powerful solo performances. Originally from Oban, Julie has been a dedicated participant in Gaelic music from a young age. At the 2025 Mòd in Mull, she achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the Glenaros Rosebowl and the Solo Open competitions, showcasing her exceptional vocal talent. Julie continues to inspire audiences with her emotive renditions of traditional Gaelic songs, contributing significantly to the choir’s success and the preservation of Gaelic musical heritage.

’S e ball cliùiteach de Chòisir Ghàidhlig Lodainn a th’ ann an Julie NicPhàidein, ainmeil cuideachd mar seinneadair ‘solo’, le guth làidir is làn faireachdainn. À Oban bho thùs, tha Julie air a bhith dìleas do cheòl Gàidhlig bhon a bha i òg. Aig a’ Mhòd ann am Muile ann an 2025, choisinn i dà phrìomh dhuaisean – am “Glenaros Rosebowl” agus farpais nan Solo Open – a’ sealltainn sàr-ghuth agus comas ciùil gun samhail. Tha i a’ leantainn oirre a’ brosnachadh luchd-èisteachd leis na h-òrain thradaiseanta aice, a’ cur gu mòr ri soirbheas na còisir agus glèidhteachas dualchas ciùil na Gàidhlig.

Andrew McIntyre is a leading bagpipe player based in Edinburgh. A familiar figure on the city’s highland scene, Andrew plays Scottish small pipes and various whistles, as well as playing with his band ‘Curmudgeon’. In addition to his performance career, he is a dedicated teacher of small pipes and Highland pipes, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians. Curmudgeon has performed at notable events such as the Piping Live festival in Glasgow and the Edinburgh Fringe, earning recognition for their engaging performances and contribution to the highland folk music scene.

’S e Anndra Mac an t-Saoir aon de na prìomh pìobairean ann an Dùn Èideann. Tha e gu math aithnichte air àrd-ùrlar ciùil na Gàidhealtachd sa bhaile, agus tha e a’ cluich na pìoba bheaga Albannach, diofar fhìdeagan, agus cuideachd còmhla ris a’ chòmhlan aige Curmudgeon. A bharrachd air a dhreuchd mar chleasaiche, tha Anndra gu mòr an sàs ann an teagasg – a’ roinn eòlais air na pìoban beaga agus na pìoban mòra ri ginealach ùr de luchd-ciùil. Tha Curmudgeon air nochdadh aig tachartasan cliùiteach mar fhèis Piping Live ann an Glaschu agus am Fringe ann an Dùn Èideann, far an d’ fhuair iad moladh airson an tabhartas tarraingeach de cheòl dùthchasach na Gàidhealtachd.

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

• Events
• £12.00
• 7 November 2025
• 180 minutes
• 19:15
• Scottish Storytelling Centre
• Storytelling Court
• 14+