This weekend (20 & 21 January 2007) , experience the history and heritage of Inverness by taking part in a guided walk led by broadcaster and writer Roddy Maclean.

Have you heard the story of Big Angus and the Fairies of Tomnahurich? What about The Milk Famine when the children of Inverness had no milk to drink? Do you know how Saint Columba saw off Broichan the Druid while in Inverness? What does Tomnahurich mean? And what exactly was Clachnahagaig – still a marker of the city’s fishings? These are only five aspects of the rich Gaelic heritage of the Highland capital which broadcaster and writer Roddy Maclean will be presenting on a gentle walk in January. If you are interested in the history and heritage of Inverness, and of the Highlands in general, this walk is for you!

Roddy will lead participants from the rugby pitches’ car park near the canal, past the sports centre to the river, along part of the canal towpath to the site of Clachnahagaig and back to Tomnahurich, walking around the hill to the summit. Then from Tomhnahurich back to the car park. Only one main road is crossed. All along the route he will talk about Inverness’s Gaelic heritage through place names, stories from tradition and accounts of historical figures. The walk could be completed in an hour but Roddy expects it to last 2 hours, taking in the stories.

It is suitable for all ages but note that dogs are not permitted within the grounds of Tomhnahurich Cemetery. Participants should wrap up well if it is a cold day and should wear stout footwear as they will be walking a short distance across grass at the edge of the rugby fields. Anyone wishing to take a child in a push chair could leave out this section and walk along the canal towpath to meet the rest of the party. The walk up Tomhnahurich is pushchair accessible as the party will be walking on the vehicular road which is gradual and not steep. This part of the walk could possibly be accessed by wheelchair.

Along the circular route Roddy will talk about Inverness’s Gaelic heritage through place names, stories from tradition and accounts of historical figures.

The walk will be presented in Gaelic on Saturday morning and then in English on Sunday afternoon.

When: Saturday 20th January at 10.30am (Gaelic)
Sunday 21st January at 1.30pm (English)

Where to meet: Rugby Pitches’ car park, Kilvean
(between the Bught Sports Centre and the Canal)

Each walk will last approximately 2 hours

Suitable for all ages

No Charge

'Gael Trail Inverness' is supported and produced by the area Gaelic Language & Culture Plan
For more information contact the Plan Development Co-ordinator:
Angus Macleod
aonghas@cnag.org.uk  
01463 234 138