An Comunn Gàidhealach Ameireaganach (ACGA) is taking part in a podcast series exploring the Scottish Gaelic legacy and heritage within North America, from the Canadian Maritimes to California and the Canadian Prairies. The podcast series, “More than Kilts and Cabers: Scottish Gaelic Voices from North America,” will launch Sunday, March 21, with a new podcast each day throughout Seachdain na Gàidhlig, the first World Gaelic Week. The series will explore Gaelic poetry and song from regions and communities across North America.

“Many Americans and Canadians, even those of recent Scottish ancestry, don’t realize just how widespread the use of Gaelic has been in North America, from 18th century right through the present day,” said Liam Ó Caiside (Cassidy), ACGA president and one of the speakers in the podcast series. “Scots have asked me why Americans are so interested in Gaelic son

g, not realizing that Gaelic is part of the cultural story of the United States as well as Canada. This podcast series will highlight Scottish Gaelic voices in North America through song and poetry composed here.” The podcast will also tackle some ethnic myths and examine what can be done to keep Gaelic voices alive in North America today.

Taking part in the podcast series are Scottish Gaelic scholar Dr. Michael Newton of the Hidden Glen Folk School and Scott Morrison and Rick Gwynallen of Sgoil Gàidhlig Bhaile an Taighe Mhòir, the Baltimore, Maryland Gaelic School and one of the most active Gaelic Learning Communities on the US East Coast. “We’re delighted Dr. Newton reached out to ACGA and invited us to be part of this podcast series,” said Ó Caiside, who created the Gaelcast podcast in the mid-2000s with former ACGA president Michael Mackay and Ed Ferguson (Bradshaw).

“This is an example of how Scottish Gaelic learners and organizations can cooperate here and across the Atlantic, with our podcast series promoted by Seachdain na Gàidhlig in Scotland as well,” he said. “We’ve all enjoyed recording these podcasts and look forward to working together on new projects in the future.”