Cearcall Còmhraidh, Stornoway’s first Gaelic conversation group, is relaunching on 30th April, 8pm in An Lanntair. The group, which originally started in 2006, will once again be held weekly in An Lanntair’s round room. The format is simple – a group of people get together socially once a week and have a chat in Gaelic. The night gives people with all levels of Gaelic a chance to use, practise and enjoy the language, in an informal context.

The successful Ùlpan learning method means that there are more people than ever learning Gaelic in Stornoway. Cearcall Còmhraidh aims to give these, and other learners, a chance to practise their Gaelic, learn new phrases and converse with fluent speakers and other learners. Having the confidence to speak can be one of the hardest aspects of learning a new language, and one aim of the group is to boost this confidence by promoting a relaxed and non- judgemental learning atmosphere.

All levels of Gaelic speakers are welcome. The group relies on a number of fluent speakers who regularly attend and offer support to learners – plus they make sure the conversation keeps going. For those who have never spoken a word of Gaelic, this is a great chance to listen to being spoken and perhaps learn a phrase or two.

Annie Macsween, Head of Gaelic (Language, Culture and Heritage) at Lews Castle College said: “'Colaisde a' Chaisteil welcomes the resumption of the Cearcall Còmhraidh. Since the summer of 2007 many people have enrolled on Ùlpan courses at the college and the Cearcall provides an opportunity to use the language they have learnt in an informal setting. It would be good to see a day-time cearcall as well as one meeting in the evening. A h-uile soirbheachadh leibh!”

But Cearcall Còmhraidh is not just about the language – it’s a great chance to meet new people, exchange stories and have fun. The group takes place in the round room next to the bar so there is tea, coffee and drams on hand throughout the night.

Although Cearcall Còmhraidh is presently the only group of its kind in Stornoway, converstion circles are held across Scotland. DJ Mac an t-Saoir, Director of Clì Gàidhlig – the Gaelic access organisation that brought Ùlpan to Scotland, commented on the benefit of such groups: “The circle is an opportunity for learners to learn from fluent speakers but also to learn from each other in a more relaxed environment away from the classroom. It is important to stress that it does not matter what level of learning you are at, you are encouraged to practice what you know amongst other learners and speakers.”

Gaelic learner, Kirstie Anderson, who originally started Cearcall Còmhraidh comments, “I originally just wanted to get a couple of friends together so I could use the Gaelic I was learning, but it turned out to be a really fun night and a great way to meet new people as well as a chance to improve my Gaelic skills. Now I really hope we can open Cearcall Còmhraidh up to even more people – everyone is welcome and I hope folk will give it a go by turning up to see what happens. There are no rules, no admission fees, and no homework. And you’re not going to get into trouble if you can’t come every week. We hope to see some new faces on the 30th April!”

If you’re interested in coming along you can just turn up – every Wednesday at 8pm in An Lanntair. Or you can email Kirstie@gaelic-arts.com  or phone on +44(0)7917785462. To find out more about Ùlpan go to www.cli.org.uk.