Acair News

 

 Latest News May 2013

 
Watercolour Music Limited, Ardgour, Scotland PH33 7AH www.watercolourmusic.co.uk
 
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE USE
1st May 2013 
 
Caimbeulaich, Ceòl is Cèic: The Campbells of Greepe head for Lochcarron Fundraiser
 
Multi award-winning singers, The Campbells of Greepe, have announced a special cèilidh in Lochcarron on the 11th May, 
which will be raising money for good causes at home and abroad. 
For the one-off afternoon cèilidh in Lochcarron’s Village Hall, the Gaelic singing dynasty will be joined by their 
great friend and regular dance guest, Nic Gareiss from Michigan, who will dance to the family’s trademark puirt-à-beul, 
or mouth music. 
The cèilidh is a chance to meet several members of the musical family, and to buy specially signed copies of The Campbells’ 
highly acclaimed album and full-colour biography and music collection, both called ‘Fonn’. Book publishers, Acair, will 
be making a journey from Stornoway especially for the occasion, and the family’s record label, Watercolour Music, will 
also be coming up from Lochaber. 
Unlimited tea and home baking is also there to tempt – admission to the cèilidh is absolutely free, but there will be 
a raffle and collection to raise money for the Highland Malawi Trust, which supports projects working with people whose 
lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS, and for the local Howard Doris Centre. 
The family will be singing some brand-new material destined for a new album being recorded this summer, and songs and 
puirt from their debut album, Fonn, produced by Jerry Boys, who recorded the legendary Buena Vista Social Club. The album 
has been garnering great reviews since its launch last year: it was hailed by the Sunday Times as ‘one intimate gem after 
another’, and selected by Songlines Magazine as a ‘Top of the World’ track.  
Singer, Mary Ann Kennedy said, “It’s going to be a great opportunity for us to meet friends and family, and hopefully to 
introduce some new folk to our music. It’s a bonus to have the virtuoso American step-dancer, Nic Gareiss with us, and there 
will be a couple of wee surprises in store as well!” 
Fellow band-member Maggie Macdonald, who’s been busy organising the event, said, “We’re so grateful to our cousin Maggie 
MacKenzie in the village for helping with all the preparations and to Chrisanne MacLeod who’s lending us some beautiful 
vintage tea china for the afternoon – she’s is a great supporter of the Highland Malawi Trust, so we’re delighted to be 
raising money for this wonderful afternoon. It really promises to be a lovely afternoon”.
The Campbells of Greepe will be playing at Lochcarron Village Hall, Lochcarron, on Saturday 11th May at 2pm. 
Entry is absolutely free – just turn up on the day – and people who have already bought a book are encouraged to 
bring it along to have it signed by the band and by the elder Campbells – Ann Michie and Mary Kate MacTavish – who 
will also be at the cèilidh.
ENDS 
For more information, please contact Mary Ann Kennedy on mak@watercolourmusic.co.uk            or phone 07918-618374. 
 
 
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An Obair
Neach-cuideachaidh
Fastaiche
Acair Earr   www.acairbooks.com
 
Fiosrachadh
Tha Acair Earr ann an Steòrnabhagh an Eilean Leòdhais a’ lorg neach-cuideachaidh airson na companaidh. Bheir an obair cothrom math do neach às ùr
a thighinn a-steach an lùib sgioba Acair airson eòlas a thogail air gnothaichean foillseachaidh. Gheibh an neach seo taic agus trèanadh.
 
An Obair
Tha Acair aithnichte mar shàr fhoillsichear leabhraichean Gàidhlig do chloinn. A bharrachd air sin bidh iad a’ foillseachadh mòran leabhraichean
de dh’iomadh seòrsa eile, an dà chuid an Gàidhlig ’s am Beurla.
Tha iad a’ sireadh neach aig a bheil ceum airson a thighinn dhan obair seo
airson bliadhna. Bidh an neach seo mar phàirt de sgioba Acair aig àm far a bheil a’ chompanaidh a’ leudachadh sna meadhanan sòisealta, air-loidhne,
le e-leabhraichean agus gu h-eadar-nàiseanta.
Chan fheumar eòlas mionaideach ann am foillseachadh no trèanadh ann am margaidheachd ro-làimh.
 
Sgilean agus Teisteanas
 
Deatamach
Fileantachd sa Ghàidhlig ann an còmhradh ’s ann an sgrìobhadh
Sgilean com-pàirteachaidh math ann an còmhradh ’s ann an sgrìobhadh
Ùidh sna meadhanan sòisealta agus gnothaichean air-loidhne
 
Fiosrachadh mun Chompanaidh
Chaidh Acair Earr a thòiseachadh ann an 1977 ann an Steòrnabhagh, Eilean Leòdhais, far a bheil a’ chompanaidh ag obair fhathast le
sgioba beag.  Tha Acair aithnichte mar shàr-fhoillsichear leabhraichean chloinne sa Ghàidhlig, agus tha an luchd-obrach ag obair ann
an dlùth dhàimh ri sgrìobhadairean, dealbhaichean, agus buidhnean Gàidhlig eile. A bharrachd air leabhraichean Gàidhlig, tha Acair
a’ foillseachadh gu leòr eile a chòrdas ris a’ mhòr-shluagh ann am Beurla, agus tha iad aig a’ cheart àm ag obair an cois Chomhairle
nan Leabhraichean gus sreath ùr ficsean Gàidhlig adhartachadh.  Tha an obair seo a’ toirt cothrom air leth math obrachadh còmhla ri
sgioba cruthachail ioma-sgileil, agus ionnsachadh mu ghnìomhachas beò dualchasach.
 
Cuiribh fios ann an sgrìobhadh le lethbhreac cunntas-beatha gu
Agnes Rennie
7 Sràid Sheumais, Steòrnabhagh, Eilean Leòdhais HS1 2QN
post-d info@acairbooks.com
 
Ceann-latha airson tòiseachaidh
An t-Ògmhios 2013
 
Ceann-latha an t-sanais seo
24mh Cèitean 2013
 
Tuarastal
£18,000 sa bhliadhna
 
Ùine
12 mìosan  
Gabhaidh a bhith sùbhailte mun cheann-latha airson tòiseachadh.
Job Title
Publishing Assistant
Employer (including web address)
Keywords (these should be individual words or phrases, separated by a comma that you think people may search on. The words or phrases should be repeated in the main Role Description text) THESE KEYWORDS WILL NOT APPEAR IN THE ACTUAL JOB ADVERT BUT ARE FOR SEARCH ENGINE PURPOSES ONLY
Graduate, Marketing, Books, Publishing, Social Media, Gaelic, Stornoway
Abstract/Description (50 word (approx) of the vacancy opportunity)
Acair Ltd. based in Stornoway on the island of Lewis is recruiting for a publishing assistant. This post will provide a great opportunity for a self starter to join the team. Training and support will be provided for the successful applicant.
Role Description
Acair Ltd. is the leading Scottish publisher of children’s books in Gaelic as well as publishing a wide range of general interest titles in both Gaelic and English. We are recruiting for a graduate for a 12 month publishing assistant role who will be part of our team as we move towards a bigger social media, online and e-book presence and develop our international opportunities.
No previous experience or marketing training is required.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential
  • Fluency in spoken and written Gaelic
  • Good communication skills, both written and spoken
  • Interest in social media and on-line developments
 
Company Information
Acair Ltd was established in 1977 and operates with a small team from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. As the leading Gaelic publisher of children’s books in Gaelic we work closely with writers, illustrators, and other Gaelic organisations. As well as children’s books we also publish a range of general interest books in Gaelic and English and are currently working with Comhairle nan Leabhraichean to develop a new series of Gaelic fiction titles.
This post offers an excellent opportunity for a young person to work with a multi skilled creative team and play a key role in a vibrant cultural industry.
Please apply in writing with an up to date copy of your CV to
Agnes Rennie
Location 
7 James St, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS1 2QN
info@acairbooks.com
Placement Start Date
June 2013
Closing date 
24th May 2013
Salary 
£18,000 per annum
Duration
12 months. There may be some flexibility on timing.
 
 
Latest News February 2013
 
New book of Iain Crichton’s Smith’s Gaelic poetry is published.The largest collection of Iain Crichton Smith’s 
Gaelic poetry has now been published by Acair. Brought together by Moray Watson – who won the Donald Meek award 
for the best writer of 2012 – not only are all of his Gaelic poems in the book, Watson also discusses Smith’s 
writing style and ways of thinking. A must have for fans of the bard! 
 
Latest News January 2013
Fonn The Campbells of Greepe book launch
After 5 years of research, searching through archives, listening to old recordings, choosing photos,telling old stories and reminiscing 
about the lives of one amazing family, the launch of ‘Fonn – The Campbells of Greepe’ will take place on Saturday January the 15th. 
A book full of stories, memories, songs, proverbs and music - an essential buy for anyone with a connection to, or interest in Gaelic 
heritage and music. The book is available to pre-order on our website now!
 
 
Latest News: December 2012
December 19th 2012
Laxdale Primary School on Lewis recently provided the venue for the launch of ‘Dealbh – chluichean do chloinn’ 
a new collection of children’s playlets. Gaelic medium classes joined forces to share readings from the book and 
all clearly enjoyed the opportunity to work through the scripts. Originally written by Peigi Floraidh MacDonald, 
whilst she herself worked as a primary school teacher, the idea for the book was jointly developed by the author 
and Erica Morrison. Erica is currently Creative Director with Project nan Ealan but the idea for the book of plays 
was developed while she worked as cultural coordinator with Comhairle nan Eilean.
Acair manager Agnes Rennie explained “ the book was originally intended for use in schools in the Comhairle nan 
Eilean area, but with funding assistance from Comhairle nan Leabhraichean Acair was able to produce a print run 
that makes the book available to schools and other groups such as Feisean which are based outwith the Comhairle area”
The full colour publication, with illustrations by well know book illustrator Veronica Petrie, is available directly 
from Acair and from Comhairle nan Leabhraichean in Glasgow.
 
LATEST NEWS: NOVEMBER 2012 
27th November 2012
Acair Ltd is Gaelic Business of the Year 2012!
Acair have been awarded Business of the Year 2012 for their work within the publishing sector through the medium of Gàidhlig. The competition
 is run by CnaG with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). 
The judging panel, which was made up of representatives from CnaG, HIE and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, came to the unanimous agreement that Acair 
should be declared be this year’s winner of the title. They were encouraged by the way in which Acair put Gaelic at the heart of all they do and 
they were particularly impressed with their use of new technology to promote the image of Gaelic with young people and learners of the language. 
Acair was presented with the award for Gaelic Business of the Year 2012 by Alasdair Allan MSP who said “I am very pleased to have had the 
opportunity to present Acair with recognition of their achievements. This award highlights the work that companies do to support Gaelic in 
everyday life and in the work place and we need to ensure these opportunities for Gaels to use the language are maintained.” 
 
 
LATEST NEWS: OCTOBER 2012
The Gaelic Teddy is now available for pre-order. Click on Bábóg 
to order yours now, for delivery in November 2012.
 If you are ordering from overseas, outwith the UK, please 
contact the Acair office to order your bear by emailing 
info@acairbooks.com or by phoning +44 (0) 1851 703020
LATEST NEWS: AUGUST 2012
24th AUGUST 2012
Celebrating Sùlaisgeir
Acair Author Wins 2012 Donald Meek Prize
Acair author Dr Moray Watson has been awarded the coveted Donald Meek Prize at this years Edinburgh International Book Festival for his upcoming publication Bàrdachd Iain Mhic A’ Ghobhainn. 
The anthology of Iain Crichton Smith’s poetry is the first full collection of Crichton Smith’s poetry and will be published by Acair in the autumn.
Following the awards ceremony on Tuesday 21st August, Acair manager Agnes Rennie said, “Acair is proud to be publishers of this year’s winner of the Donald Meek Award. Moray Watson’s book was shortlisted alongside a very strong field and we congratulate all of those in the final list.” 
She went on to comment, “Gaelic writing is extremely buoyant at the moment and Acair is pleased to work with Comhairle nan Leabhraichean and Bòrd na Gàidhlig to find new ways of encouraging and supporting Gaelic writers.”
Previous winners and short-listed authors include; well-known Gaelic writer Dr Finlay MacLeod (winner of the 2010 prize), Margaret Callan (winner of the 2011 prize) and author Anndra Dunn who was shortlisted for his first novel Còisir nan Gunna. Anndra’s novel will also be published by Acair in 2013, as part of Acair’s new adult fiction series Aiteal. 
The Donald Meek Prize was established in 2010 with financial assistance from Creative Scotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig and aims to encourage and support new and established Gaelic writers.
AUGUST 2012
 
Acair have started a blog which you can follow at: www.ant-seolaid.blogspot.co.uk We'll be working on developing the blog over the next few weeks so let us know what you think of it.
LATEST NEWS: JULY 2012
Love writing in Gaelic? Got a great story idea but not sure how to develop it? Ever wondered how you could get your work published? If you answered yes to these questions then Acair might have the perfect opportunity for you - just head over to the Gaelic version of this News page for more information about Acair’s new adult fiction series, AITEAL, and learn more about how you could get involved with it.
LATEST NEWS: MAY 2012
On 8th May in 1945, Victory in Europe Day was announced. Here’s a recording of Donald John MacDonald considering his own time in the army and as a prisoner of war in Poland. With English subtitles. From FO SGÀIL A' SWASTIKA - UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE SWASTIKA.
LATEST NEWS: APRIL 2012
NORMAN MACLEOD
Norman MacLeod came to visit us in the Acair office last week and we recorded him reading some poems from his book TARMOD, which was published by Acair in 2010. You can watch one of the videos above this message, and on the page where you can buy his book. Here’s “Na h-Eileanan Flannach” (The Flannan Isles), where he starts off by giving us some background to the poem. 
LATEST NEWS: MARCH 2012
28TH MARCH
A Taste of What’s to Come...
... in the new book FONN – THE CAMPBELL’S OF GREEPE. The Campbell family are going on tour, and the dates are as follows:
APRIL 19               Douglas' Studio, Edinburgh
APRIL 20               Tolbooth, Stirling
APRIL 21               Eastgate Theatre, Peebles
APRIL 26               Empire Theatre, Eden Court, Inverness
APRIL 27               Glasgow Gaelic School, Glasgow
APRIL 28               Paisley Arts Centre, Paisley
APRIL 29               Woodend Barn, Banchory
MAY 4                    Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Sleat, Isle of Skye
MAY 5                    An Lanntair, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
We have started making short videos of some of the authors and poets who have written for us. The first of these three videos can be found if you go to Norman MacLeod’s page (follow this link to TARMOD). What do you think about these films? Let us know by emailing us on: info@acairbooks.com
We are currently preparing for the launch of Flòraidh MacPhàil’s book next month, which you can order now, for your chance to get it as soon as it’s released. Follow this link to place your order - MARAICHE NAN CUANTAN.
It won’t be long before DÌLEAB CHOLBHASACH will be ready for publication, and we’re looking forward to seeing the book in a month or two.
 
LATEST NEWS: FEBURARY 2012
THE CAMPBELLS OF GREEPE DOCUMENTARY
As we’ve mentioned before, we are currently working on a book about the Campbell family of Greepe in Skye. On Christmas Day, a programme by Beesnees was broadcast on BBC Alba about the family, that gave viewers a taste of what was to come in the book FONN - THE CAMPBELLS OF GREEPE.
JANUARY 2012 
13TH JANUARY
NEW YEAR UPDATE
We’ve had a busy month so far in Acair, working on many different upcoming titles. Amongst them are FONN – THE CAMPBELLS OF GREEPE, MARAICHE NAN CUANTAN and DÌLEAB CHOLBHASACH, which will be published this year.
 Also, we have the first new book of the year already – yesterday taking delivery of LATHA BHA SIUD. This lovely children’s book can now be purchased, for £4.99, on our website.
We are also looking at ways in which we can improve out website, at the moment. If you have any thoughts on how we could do this please get in touch here on Facebook, on Twitter or send us an email on info@acairbooks.com.
NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 2011
23RD DECEMBER
END OF 2011
Well, here we are at the end of another year – and what a year it’s been! From NORA to WEAVING SONGS from COCO AGUS AN T-IASG CÀIRDEIL to CEITIDH CEARC, we have been very busy throughout 2011.
We have another full year ahead of us in 2012 – starting in January with the publication of BRONTORÌONA and LATHA BHA SIUD. And that’s only the beginning! With that, from everyone at Acair, we wish you all the very best for Christmas and for the New Year.
END OF COMPETITION
Our Christmas competition is now FINISHED! Please keep an eye out in the New Year for more giveaways via our Facebook pages "ACAIR STAFF" and"ACAIR BOOKS", our Twitter page "acairbooks" and our website.
19TH DECEMBER
ACAIR'S CHRISTMAS COMPETITION
2ND DECEMBER
EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT & COMPETITION
Have you noticed our new friend on our homepage?
Well, with his help we are able to offer you all an early Christmas present. Place an order in time for Christmas and we will pay for the UK P&P. Make sure you tell your friends and family about this fantastic offer as well!
Also, Acair will be holding a competition soon. Keep a look out on our website, Facebook and Twitter pages over the coming weeks to find out more!
NEW BOOKS
Last year, ACAIR published the book TARMOD – a collection of poetry by Tarmod MacLeoid from Lewis. This was done as part of the series “Leugh Gàidhlig” (Read Gaelic), that is published with financial assistance from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Gaelic Books Council.
We are currently editing two other books, which will published as part of the same series. They are MARAICHE NAN CUANTAN by Flòraidh NicPhail and DÌLEAB CHOLBHASACH by Barbara Satchel. The following gives some information on these books, that is exclusive to the ACAIR website:
MARAICHE NAN CUANTAN
“Even though Tiree is only a small island, it was always renowned for its poets. Over the years its people have contributed much to Gaelic literature.” Appropriate sentiments from the introduction of this collection of Flòraidh NicPhail’s poetry. Flòraidh wrote the song Maraiche nan Cuantan, which is now so famous in our culture. However, she has written many more poems and this collection will allow the reader to get better insight into her other work. Flòraidh takes inspiration from different subjects, from a cèilidh for the Tiree Fèis tutors in 1990 to her memories of a soldier visiting her school to the day Princess Anne visited the island. As well as the poems and songs there are paintings by Flòraidh’s sister, as well as family photographs. Each poem has has been translated into English by the poet.
Photo of Flòraidh:
DÌLEAB CHOLBHASACH
Over the years, the magazine Gairm published the work of Gaels, from all around the world. Amongst them was Barbra Satchel from Colonsay. Barbra wrote essays for the magazine about the Isle of Colonsay, where she was born and brought up, as well as about other events in her life. They are all presented in her rich Colonsay dialect. Morag Law, Barbra’s daughter, edited a selection of these essays and they will now be published in this series.
Photo of Barbra:
 
1ST DECEMBER
THE GAELIC TEDDY
We have been getting a lot of enquiries with regards to the arrival of our Gaelic Teddy. Our most recent update on the manufacturer now suggests that it will be available around JUNE 2012. This is due to delays outwith our control with the manufacturers in China. 
However, if you would like to be informed when the Teddy is available, please send your email address to info@acairbooks.com and we will keep you updated!
NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 2011
WEAVING SONGS – SPUN, WOVEN AND PUBLISHED IN THE WESTERN ISLES
A very enjoyable evening was had by all at Stornoway Library on 18th November, where the launch of WEAVING SONGS took place.
Donald was raised in South Dell in Lewis, at a time when the sounds of the loom were still to be heard all over. His verse and prose are full of skill and vitality, similar to the patterns of the much loved Harris Tweed, which inspired and informed Donald whilst he wrote. The book also contains a new collection of photographs by Carol Ann Peacock which present a portrait of the Harris Tweed process from mill to loom.
WEAVING SONGS is a wonderful collection, and it would make an excellent Christmas gift!
If you want to get a copy (or two!), then click here!
Click below to watch Donald S. Murray reading from the book at the launch
THE FIRST FRUITS OF CO-PUBLICATION PROJECT BETWEEN ACAIR AND FUTA FATA
Acair has published three new children’s books; CEITIDH CEARC, COCO AN T-IASG CÀIRDEIL and LACHAIDH AGUS AN OIDHCHE IARGALTA. We have been working with Futa Fata, who publish books in Irish Gaelige, to produce these title’s.
Each book is stunning; with bright colours and attractive illustrations. The stories were translated by Johann Smith. We are now looking forward to further projects with Futa Fata.
MOD WEEK SUCCESS
Acair had a very successful week at the Royal National Mod this week – which took place in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. We were displaying and selling our books at the Gaelic Showcase in the Nicolson Institute, and we got an opportunity to meet lots of different people. If you go to Acair’s Facebook page – “Acair Staff” – you can see some pictures from the week.
Also, we were delighted to learn that AN TRACTAR AGUS AN LIOBHT by Catriona Black was awarded Best Children’s Book Published in the Last Year on Literature Day. Acair published AN TRACTAR AGUS AN LIOBHT in 2010. Well done Catriona!
 
Gabhaidh a bhith sùbhailte mun cheann-latha airson tòiseachadh.