On the 22nd and 23rd of March 2006, Glasgow celebrated the Gaelic tradition by playing host to Scotland’s first Gaelic Music Conference. Organised by the Gaelic Arts Agency, Proiseact nan Ealan, the two day event took place in the newly refurbished City Halls and saw a wealth of Gaelic musicians descend upon the Merchant City. It is hoped that the outcomes of Iùl Ciùil, meaning Guiding Music, will lead the way to a Gaelic Music strategy for Scotland.

The conference was made up of keynote speeches, panels and specialist surgery sessions and everyone was encouraged to join the debate on the future of Gaelic music. Dr Anne Lorne Gillies – singer, writer, broadcaster and educator – began the conference with a challenge to all those who love Gaelic music, to protect, promote, strengthen and celebrate it. Her inspiring keynote speech was interspersed with Gaelic song as delegates joined in with “The Language of the Gaels”.

The conference highlighted the real need for new Gaelic music and the necessity for a support network for young songwriters and musicians. Events such as The Mod were targeted as potential vehicles for new Gaelic song. Promotions Manager of the Royal National Mod was optimistic about the future of Gaelic music. He said, “It’s always useful to get together with others involved in the Gaelic arts to look at new initiatives and new ways of working. It was encouraging to hear the Royal National Mod often referred to throughout the conference as having a key role in the future development and promotion of new Gaelic music”.

It was positive to see a host of up and coming talents alongside established artists such as world famous Flora MacNeil. Young Gaelic musicians included 18 year old Norrie MacIver, of the band Bodega – the current winners of BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2005/2006. Bodega are an example of new Gaelic music that manages to balance a comtemporary feel with a strong Gaelic element.

Day 1 of the conference was followed by a Civic Reception delivered by Glasgow’s Deputy Lord Provost Baillie Christine Devine. She said “Glasgow’s commitment to the Gaelic language and our shared culture is strong. It is only through the continued use and development of Gaelic that we can ensure more of our young people have the opportunity to learn, love and use their mother tongue”.

The night carried on with a traditional ceilidh where guests were invited to join in with the music and artists such as acclaimed piper and singer Anna Murray delighted audiences.

The conference ended with a sense of great optimism for the future of Gaelic music. Director of the Gaelic Arts Agency, Malcolm Maclean highlighted that the timing is perfect – with changes afoot at the Scottish Arts Council, and more significantly the implementation of the Gaelic Act. He said: “We’re leaving with some exciting prospects and some great ideas. The exciting thing is that they’re all achievable”.