An Drochaid Eadarainn Tha i seo 'na làraich-lìn a sholaraicheas dorust fosgailte do dhualchas beò na Gàidhlig mar a chìthear, a chluinnear 's a chleachdar a' là an-diugh ann an Gàidhealtachd na h-Albann Nuaidh.
An Drochaid Eadarainn
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
Thro na linntean tha ainm is cliù air a bhith aig na Gàidheil a thaobh beairteas is loinn an cuid naidheachdan is sgeulachdan. 'S iad bu mhotha – iad fhéin 's na h-òrain – a chum cànan, cuimhne is cumadh-inntinn beò, fallain 'nam measg leis na caochlaidhean móra a thànaig air a' saoghal.
Gheobhar an aithris bheòil seo gu nàdarra anns a h-uile h-àite 's an cluinnear a’ chànan ann an Albainn Nuaidh. Chaidh na ceudan dhiubh a thrusadh 's na coimhearsnachdan 's a' linn-sa chaidh 's tha iad sin ri fhaighinn air teip neo ann an clò.
Amach air an dùthaich, bhithte gan innse gu tric 's na taighean céilidh, gu h-àraid air oidhcheannan geamhraidh. Bha sgeulaichean Cheap Bhreatainn cho math ri gin a bha beò ri’n linn.
Tha iomadh seòrsa sgeulachd ann, a ghabhail astaigh naidheachdan beaga, éibhinn; naidheachdan ionadail is eachdraidheil; chunntasan mu chreideamh; naidheachdan mu shìthichean is aislingean; sgeulachdan móra, fada a ruitheas air n-ais cho fada ris na meadhon aoisean, agus sgeulachdan eadarnàiseanta.
Neach-aithris: Seumas Watson
Over centuries Gaels have been noted for the richness and artistry of their stories and tales. It has been these, together with songs, that are most responsible for ensuring the survival of Gaelic language, communal memory and worldview through the great upheavals that they as a people have experienced.
This form of verbal art occurs naturally in every place in Nova Scotia where the language is spoken. Hundreds of stories have been recorded in rural communities during the last century, and are now available in sound archives or in print.
In the rural areas tales were often recited in the céilidh houses, especially during winter nights, and the Cape Breton storytellers were is good as any living in their time.
A great variety of Gaelic stories are told: short, funny anecdotes; legends and historical narrative: religious stories; fairy legends; dreams; long, elaborate tales that derive from the Middle Ages, and international tales.
Crìochan Prìomh Bhaile Haileafags
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
Dòmhnall Gorm aig Seisd Louisbourg
Facal-toisich
Bha Dòmhnall Gorm `na shaighdear Gàidhealach `s an airm Bhreatannach. `S a’ chogadh ann an 1758, thug e an car às na Fraingich aig seisd Louisbourg. Fhuair na saighdearan Breatannach astaigh do Dhùn Louisbourg is chaidh a' là leis na Sasanaich.
Neach-aithris: Seumas Watson
Dòmhnall Gorm was a Highland soldier in the British army. During the siege of Louisbourg in 1758 he tricked the French, penetrated the defenses and the fortress was captured.
Dòmhnall Gorm aig Seisd Louisbourg
Gilleasbuig Eairdsidh Sheumais
`S ann an Eilean na Nollaig a thogadh Gilleasbuig MacCoinnich (Gilleasbuig Eairdsidh Sheumais). Tha Eilean na Nollaig `na nàbachd a tha air a bhith air leth taiceil do chanain `s do shaoghal na Gàidhlig. Bha athair, Eairdsidh Sheumais, `na mhaighstear-sgoile, `na sgrìobhadair `s `na bhàrd ainmeil. Thug Gilleasbuig móran bhliadhnachan ag obair `na fhear ghnìomhachais eadar Baile Shudnaidh agus Baile Haileafags. A bharrachd air a’ stòr òran a thug e seachad le fialaidheachd do luchd-rannsachaidh, bha mion-èolas prìseil aige air an sgìre fhéin `s an d’ rugadh e.
Neach-aithris: Seumas Watson
Archie MacKenzie was raised in the Parish of Christmas Island, an area with strong Gaelic traditions. His father, also named Archie, was a schoolteacher, a writer and a well-known Gaelic bard. Archie MacKenzie spent many years as a businessman between Sydney and Halifax. In addition to his extensive repertoire of songs that he shared so generously with other Gaels and with researchers, he had a profound and detailed knowledge of the parish were he was raised.
Crìochan Prìomh Bhaile Haileafags
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
Eachann Dhòimhgein
Facal-toisich
Bha Eachann Dhòimhgein `na dhuine geur-theangach, làn spòrs. Loisg e a làmh gu dona turus. Dh’ fhaighneachd sagart dheth gu dé dh’éirigh dha. `S e a fhuair freagairt a bha biorach, éibhinn.
Neach-aithris: Seumas Watson
Hector Doink was known for his humour and sharp tongue. On one occasion he burned his hand badly. A priest approached him, asked what had happened, and got a witty answer.
Eachann Dhòimhgein
Dòmhnall ‘Illeasbuig Aonghuis ‘ic Alasdair
Rugadh `s thogadh Dan Ailean MacIlliosa (Dòmhnall ‘Illeasbuig Aonghuis ‘ic Alasdair) ri taobh na maradh ann am Parraiste a’ Chamuis Leathain. Bha e sònraichte mar sheinneadair, tàlant is dìleab a thug e bho na ginealaichean roimhe a thànaig à Mùideart. Bha Dan Ailean sgileil air iomadh ciùird ionadail, agus air leth eòlach air òrain na coimhearsnachd `s na dòigheannan `s an cleachdadh iad. Thug e iomadh bliadhna ag obair `s an Àrd-bhaile.
Neach-aithris: Seumas Watson
Dan Allan Gillis was born and raised by the seaside in Broad Cove parish. He was an outstanding singer, a talent and a legacy taken from his ancestors, who were famous singers from Moidart. Dan Allan was accomplished at many kinds of work where he grew up and was exceptionally knowledgeable concerning local songs and the practices associated with them. He spent many years living and working in Halifax.
Crìochan Prìomh Bhaile Haileafags
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
Eachann Dhòimhgein, air a h-aithris le Lodaidh MacFhionghain
Facal-toisich
Bha Eachann Dhòimhgein làn spòrs agus `na dhuine ait, sònraichte. Cha mhór nach cluinnear naidheachd mu dheidhinn a's gach ceàrn dhe `n t-siorramachd. An trup seo, tha e `g innse mar a thachair nuair a dh' ith muc pìos do dhynamite.
Neach-aithris: Seumas Watson
Hector Doink was a real character, full of fun. Stories concerning his escapades can be heard in many areas. Here he tells a story of a pig that ate a piece of dynamite.
Lodaidh mac Eòis 'ic Dhòmhnaill Fhiadhaich
Rugadh Lodaidh mac Eòis Dhòmhnaill Fhiadhaich ann am Baile Inbhir Nis. Chaidh a thogail ann am Bun na h-Aibhne Deas. `S ann à Mùideart is às Eilean nam Muc a thàinig na daoine aige. Tha e `na cheannard aig Iomairtean na Gàidhlig. Chaidh urram Bàrd Mòd Rìoghail Nàiseanta na h-Albann a thoirt air ann an 2012.
Neach-aithris: Frangag NicEachainn
Lewis MacKinnon was born in Inverness and raised in Lower South River. His people came from Moideart and the Isle of Muck. After hearing Gaelic at home as a boy, Lewis decided to learn his language. He is a musician, Executive Director with Gaelic Affairs, Department of Community, Culture and Heritage and teaches Gaelic in the community. In addition, he was named Poet Laureate of the Royal National Mod in Scotland, the first time for a non-Scot to earn the title.
Crìochan Prìomh Bhaile Haileafags
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
Dòmhnall Mhamaidh (air a h-innse le Laura Stirling)
Facal-toisich
Bha Dòmhnall Mhamaidh `na dhuine deas-bhriathrach. Turas a bha seo, chaidh e ann cas-ruisgte gu taigh faire. `S ann a' sin a thachair e ri fear mór a thug air faclan éibhinn, biorach a ghràdhainn.
Neach-aithris: Seumas Watson
There was a witty character known as Dòmhnall Mhamaidh. One time in the summer he attended a wake barefoot, and encountered a big man there who became the object of his sharp wit.
Lorag ni’n Laird `ic Ralph
`S ann à Siorramachd Inbhirnis agus Siorramachd Rois `s an t-seann dùthaich a tha muinntir Lorag ni’n Laird `ic Ralph. Chaidh a breith fhéin ann a Haileafags, Alba Nuadh, ged a bha a teaghlach a’ fuireach ann an Còbh nam Muileach `s an àm, far a robh a h-athair `na mhinistear. Tha Lorag trang `na bean an taighe `s bidh i a’ teagasg a cuid chloinneadh a's an dachaidh aice fhéin. Bidh Lorag a’ teagasg na Gàidhlig ann an Haileafags agus tha i `sàs ann an leasachadh Gàidhlig na h-Alba Nuaidh.
Neach-aithris: Seumas Watson
Laura Stirling is descended from emigrants from Invernesshire and Rosshire. She was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia although her family was living in Orangedale, Inverness County at the time; as her father was the local minister. Laura is an active stay at home mother who home-schools her childre. Currently, Laura teaches weekly Gaelic classes in the Halifax area and is actively involved in the Nova Scotia Gaelic community.
Crìochan Chamuis Anna
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
Dà-Shealladh
Facal-toisich
Bha feadhainn `s a' choimhearsnachd aig an robh an dà-shealladh. A' rud a chìtheadh iad, cha ghabhadh e seachnadh. Choinnicheadh iad ri tòrradh air a’ rathad `s as deaghaidh sin chluinneadh iad mu bhàs faisg air làimh.
Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan
An account of people in the neighborhood with the capacity of second sight. Often they would encounter a phantom funeral procession on the road, only to hear later of a death that occurred shortly thereafter close by.
Dà-Shealladh
Tomaidh Peigi Thòmais
Rugadh `s thogadh Tomaidh Peigi Thòmais ann am Breton Cove. Air a bha Tomaidh seachd bliadhn' a dh’aois, chaochail athair. Chaidh “Tomaidh Peigi” a thoirt air bhon `s e Peigi a bu mhàthair dha. Bha e `na shalmair aig Knox Prebyterian ann an Abhainn a’ Chùbair. Thàinig a chuideachd às na Hearadh. Bha e `na iasgaire fad a bheatha. Bha Tomaidh `na sheinneadair `s a' chòmhlan ris an canadh iad, The North Shore Gaelic Singers.
Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan
Tommy Peggy MacDonald was born in Breton Cove, Victoria County. He attended French River Presbyterian Church as a boy. In his adult years, he attended Knox Presbyerian Church in Indian Brook, where he acted as a precentor. At age seven, Tommy’s father passed away, and he became known by his mother’s name, Tommy “Peggy.” Tommy was a fisherman all his life, but also did some farming and carpentry work. His ancestors came from Harris.
Crìochan Chamuis Anna
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
Leigheas airson an Teine Dé
Facal-toisich
Leigheas airson an Teine Dé
Anna ni'n Shandaidh Choinnich Iain
Chaidh Anna ni'n Shandaidh Choinnich Iain a bhreith ann am Mèinnean Shudnaidh. Chaidh a togail ann an Còbh na Reag. Bhuineadh na daoin' aice dha na Hearadh. Phòs i Calum Thormaid Chaluim a bha `na sheinneadair ainmeil. Nan deanadh tu céilidh orra, bu chinnteach biadh is òrain gu leòr.
Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan
Annie Mae MacLeod (née MacDermid) was born in Sydney Mines and raised in Wreck Cove. Like many of the area, her people came from Harris. She married Malcolm Angus MacLeod and they worked at farming in Birch Plains. If you'd go to their house, there were always be plenty of food and many Gaelic songs sung. They didn't have any children, but loved to have company and much fun was had by all.
Crìochan Chamuis Anna
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
A' Réiteach
Facal-toisich
Cleachdadh a bh’ ann, air a bhiodh fear deònach air té a phòsadh. Dheigheadh e fhéin agus caraid a bhruidhinn r' a h-athair. Mar bu trice, thigeadh iad gu còrdadh. Bhiodh suipeir mhór aca le pòsadh `s banais ann goirid as a dheaghaidh sin.
Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan
The practice whereby the young man, hoping to marry, in the company of a friend to speak for him would visit the father of the prospective bride. Usually they would come to an agreement. This was followed by a supper, and the wedding would take place shortly thereafter.
A' Réiteach
(Bha) balach a' dol a choimhead airson bean bho chionn fhada, bliadhnaichean air ais, nuair a bhiodh iad dol a choimhead airson bean, dh'fheumadh 'athair a dhol còmhla ris. 'S e réiteach a bh' ac' air, air a' sin. Agus, dheigheadh an t-athair is a mhac, dheigheadh iad chun an taigh'. 'S bhruidhneadh iad mu dheidhinn a' nighean 's bhiodh a h-uile dad a chur air dòigh ann a' shin. 'S dheanadh iad an uair sin suipear mhór 's dh'itheadh iad a' suipear 's dheigheadh iad dhachaigh. Phòsadh iad an ceann tìde. Cha bhiodh iad glé fhada gun phòsadh as deoghaidh sin. Bha iad a' toirt seachad bó leis a' nighean. A h-uile nighean a phòsadh an uair 'ud, dh'fheumadh iad, dh'fheumadh a h-athair bó a thoirt dhi.
Tar-sgrìobhadh: Sgioba a' Phroiseigt 2012
© Cruinneachadh Beul-Aithris Gàidhlig Cheap Breatainn, Sruth nan Gàidheal
The practice of courting a bride is described.
Seònaid Mairead ni'n Dhòmhnaill Iain `ic Iain
Rugadh Seònag Mairead ni'n Dòmhnall Iain `ic Iain ann an Breton Cove. `S ann à Leòdhas a thàinig a sinnsearan. Mun do phòs i Ruairidh MacLeòid, bha i ri obair nan giomach. Nam biodh cuideigin `s a' cheàrnaidh bochd, dh' éibheadh cuideigin oirre feuch an deanadh i leigheas. Gun teagamh sam bith, thigeadh i agus dh' fhanadh i ann gus am biodh an duine bochd na b' fheàrr. Bha i gàbhaidh measail air cuideachd is ceòl agus bha i ainmeil gu fuine.
Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan
Jessie Mary MacLeod (née MacInnis) was born in Breton Cove. Her people were from Lewis. Before she married Roddie MacLeod, she worked in a lobster factory at Breton Cove shore. If anyone was sick in her neighbourhood, they would call her to come. Without doubt or hesitation, she would go and stay till the person was well again, no matter the duration. She was an exceptional hostess, loved company and music and was a terrific baker.
Crìochan Chamuis Anna
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
A' Fear a Theich le Brògan an Innsinnich
Facal-toisich
Fear a bha `na skater ainmeil. Thachair e ri grunn Innsinneach a bha skateadh. Lig e air nach do dh’fheuch e ris a' chleas seo riamh roimhe. Thug e 'n car asda `s theich e air na skates.
Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan
A famous skater came across Indians skating in the ice. He pretended he had never skated and asked to try it. He tricked the Indians by fleeing on their skates.
A' Fear a Theich le Brògan an Innsinnich
Seo stòiridh mu dheidhinn fear a theich le brògan an Innseannaich. O chionn fad’ an tìd’ a bha `ad ag obair air a’ railroad anuas tro Orangedale `s Iona ann a’ shin. Bha daoine bhos an taobh siod a’ dol suas a dh’ obair air a railroad ann a’ shiod.
Uill, bha aon duine àraid, Eachann Mac`Illeain `s bh’e `na skater uamhasach math, skater a b’ fheàrr a bha riamh ann a St. Anns. Agus bh’e tighinn anuas dh’ a chois co-dhiùbh. Agus, air ràinig e anuas aig Nyanza ann a’ shiod, bha `n deigh sleamhainn `s bha crowd a’ skateadh ... na h-Innseannaich amuigh a’ skate air an deigh.
Uill, smaoinich e gu dheigheadh e mach a bhruidhinn riutha. Chaidh e mach a bhruidhinn riutha `s ... Uill, leig e orra (air) nach fhac’ e, nach fhac’ e skater riamh ron a’ sin. Agus, o, bh’ e coimhead air na skates. Bh’ e `g iarraidh orr’ a bhith skateadh. `S o uill, smaoinich `ad gum biodh fun gu leòr aca `s `s ann thòisich `ad ag éirigh air na skates a chur air.
O, thuirt e nach d'rinn esan skateadh riamh. O uill, bha poidhle fun gu bhith aca, is dibheirsean, 's sin a thug iad amach, chuireadh iad na skates air. Uill, an turas, a’ chiad, nuair a dh’ èirich Eachann `na sheasamh air na skates, uill a’ chiad turas a dh’fhalbh e, leig e e-fhéin `na shineadh `s bha `adsan an dùil gun do .......O, bha fun mór aca air.
Bha `ad an dùil gu robh poidhle fun gu bhith ac’. Ach dh’ èirich Eachann mu dheireadh `s bh’ e alright an uair sin `s gheàrr e aisd’ air na skates. Thug na h-Innseannaich air a dheaghaidh... ach cha tigeadh iad faisg air idir, idir, idir. Mu dheireadh, chaidh Eachann às sealladh air... sealleadh timichioll am points. Chan fhac' iad Eachann tuilleadh. Thàinig Eachann dhachaigh air na skates a Chobh Anndra.
© Cruinneachadh Beul-Aithris Gàidhlig Cheap Breatainn, Sruth nan Gàidheal
Tar-sgrìobhadh: Sgioba a' Phroiseigt 2012
A story about a clever fellow who got a new pair of skates.
Eachann mac Eachainn Ghilleasbaig
`S ann à Rubha 'ic an Rothaich a bha Eachann mac Eachainn Ghilleasbaig. `S ann dha `n Eilean Sgitheanach a bhuineadh a chuideachd. Bha Eachann `na bhàrd ainmeil is bhiodh e ri òrain ait. `S e An t-Each Ruadh a `s fhasanta dhiubh. Bhiodh e `na thoileachadh mór dha an car a thoirt à duine sam bith a thigeadh `na chòir. Tha cuid dhe na naidheachdan aige ri `m faighinn air Sruth nan Gàidheal agus ann an Cape Breton's Magazine.
Neach-aithris: Òmar Bhochanan
Hector Carmichael came from Munro's Point. His people belonged to the Isle of Skye. Hector was a terrific poet and song maker. He enjoyed making humourous songs, often teasing friends and neighbours. An t-Each Ruadh is perhaps the most famous of his compositions. He loved to play tricks on anyone he knew and got a grand kick out of the antics to follow. He was a wonderful storyteller, sharing several of them on Gaelstream and in Cape Breton's Magazine.
Ceap Breatainn an Ear-Dheas
Stòraidhean is Naidheachdan
Manadh air Iagan Caimbeulach
Facal-toisich
Tha fhios gu bheil an dà shealladh aig cuid a dhaoine `s iomadh naidheachd ann air rud a chaidh fhaicinn ro àm a thachartais. Bha Calum Caimbeul à Solas riamh ri taibhsearachd. Tha an stòraidh seo ag innse mu thuras a chunnaic e fhéin is bràthair athar, bodach nàbaidh a' tighinn chun an taighe gus a chéilidh dheanadh orra. Nuair a chaidh Calum astaigh dha `n taigh gus fàilt’ a chur air, cha robh sgeul air duine na duin’ a bhi ann.
Neach-aithris: Stéiseag Nic'Illeathain
It is well known that some folks have the second-sight. Many stories about something peculiar seen prior to an event are yet to heard. Malcolm Campbell was a bearer of this gift. One day as a young lad, he and his uncle saw an old fellow coming to visit. When Malcolm entered the house to greet him, he was nowhere to be seen.
Calum mac Ghilleasbaig Chaluim an Tàilleir
Chaidh Calum mac Ghilleasbaig Chaluim an Tàilleir a bhreith ann an àite ris an abradh iad `s an àm Solas. `S e Woodbine an t-ainm a th’air an àite an là an-diugh. Bha Calum `na sgeulaiche air leth aig a robh taosg naidheachdan air bòcain, ro-shealladh `s eachdraidh na coimhearsnachd. Bha e tric `na aoidh air chuireadh aig cruinnechaidhean far a robh naidheachdan `s a’ Ghàidhlig `gan innse. Bha Calum air leth fiosrachail mu cheòl Gàidhealach Cheap Breatainn agus `na fhear-teagaisg fìdhleireachd.
Neach-aithris: Stéiseag Nic'Illeathain
Malcolm Campbell of Woodbine, near Sydney River, was an exceptional informant on the traditions of his area. The Campbells originated in Kilmuir, Skye. Gifted with second sight, he could relate many stories of his experiences with portents of death. Malcolm was also knowledgeable of Scotch music and taught fiddling.