In a new book about the Gaelic heritage of the Highland Capital, journalist and broadcaster Roddy Maclean challenges the myth that Inverness was always an English-speaking town, hermetically sealed from the Celtic civilisation of the Gàidhealtachd which surrounded it on all
sides.

"For hundreds of years," Roddy says, "Inverness has been home to two languages which exist and existed side-by-side. Some of the townsfolk were and are monoglot speakers of either English or Gaelic, and many were and are bilingual. In my book I highlight some of the
culture and heritage associated with Gaelic in the town." 

"The Gaelic Place Names and Heritage of Inverness", published by Culcabock Publishing and printed by Highland Printers, has been produced entirely in Inverness. It explains the origin of the Gaelic place names lying within today's city boundary - names like Scorguie, Culcabock, Aultnaskiach, Slackbuie, Castle Heather and Raigmore - and explores a number of the Gaelic names for features which have disappeared, such as the mussel scalps at the mouth of the River
Ness. 

The book also gives evidence for the strength of the language historically within the town, introducing the reader to characters like Gillespyk McConquhie Roy, Agnes Neyn Fynla Moir, Seun nam Pòcaidean and Ministear na Feusaig, who appear in the records only in a Gaelic guise. "We are delighted to see this book being published," says Chairperson of Fòram Gàidhlig Inbhir Nis, Brian Ó hEadhra, "as it helps to show the people of Inverness in 2004 that their city has a precious and fascinating Gaelic heritage of which they can be proud."

The book will be formally launched on Monday 29 November at 12.15 pm in Hootananny Cèilidh Bar, Church Street, Inverness. All are welcome.

Assistance was provided by the following: HI-Arts, Iomairt Inbhir Nis agus Inbhir Narainn, Comumm na Gaidlig, Comann Gaidhlig Inbhir Nis.