12 October 2008:
Rob Gibson, SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has congratulated Julie Fowlis on becoming Scotland's first Gaelic Ambassador.
In lodging a Scottish Parliamentary motion, he said,
"Julie Fowlis is among the best examples today of young musicians who have emerged from the Gaidhealtachd and trained in the Feisean movement. Julie has won many awards in her career so far. As Scotland's Gaelic Ambassador at the age of 29 I believe she is a positive upbeat role model. That's because she has determinedly stuck to performing in her own native tongue, North Uist Gaelic, and won the hearts of audiences in Scotland, England, America and the rest of Europe."
Rob, himself a seasoned singer and festival organiser continued,
"The importance of Julie's win comes at a time when Scotland is displaying a cultural vibrancy that can set a confident course for our unique linguistic inheritance as we approach the Year of Homecoming 2009. Even in troubled financial times we know as a nation how to sing."
"Well done Julie, you represent the very best of Scotland's outward-looking, traditionally-based musical culture which we invite all Scots and many others to enjoy."
Photo: Rob and Julie at Celtic Connections in Glasgow:
Draft motion submitted 11.10.08
The Parliament congratulates Julie Fowlis, traditional Gaelic singer and multi-instrumentalist, for gaining the accolade of first Gaelic Ambassador for Scotland; welcomes the Scottish Government's sponsorship of this new award announced at the National Mod in Falkirk; recalls that the First Minister, in opening the Mod itself, described Gaelic as a unique vehicle for passing Scottish understanding from one generation to the next; believes that the celebration of Gaelic raises the self-esteem of our national culture; and encourages all Scots to celebrate the contribution of Gaelic to our national fabric and praises the part Julie's warm personality and well-deserved public profile can play as a popular role model for all young singers and musicians.
No comments:
Post a Comment