A Waxing Moon: The Modern Gaelic Revival

by Roger Hutchinson

Thirty years ago, the Gaelic language and culture which had been eminent in Scotland for 1,300 years seemed to be in the final stages of a 200-year terminal decline. The language itself was commonplace only in the scattered communities of the north-west Highlands and Hebrides. By the early years of the 21st century, however, a sea-change had taken place. Gaelic—for so long a subject of mockery and hostility—had become what some termed "fashionable." Gaelic-speaking jobs were available; Gaelic-medium education was established in many areas; and politicians and business-people saw benefits in acting as friends of the culture. What had happened was a kind of renaissance—a Gaelic revival that manifested itself in popular music, literature, art, poetry, publishing, drama, radio, and television. This book looks at the phenomenon—as obvious as it was unexpected.

Genres: Scotland, History, Paganism

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Harriet Dempster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational well researched and a very gripping and informative read

[Moira McPartlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Waxing Moon began as a history of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College in Skye but became the story of the Gaelic language revival. It tells of the decline of the language and subsequent fight and continued success, much of that due to certain individuals and the college. This is a wonderful read, well researched and easy to consume. It is filled with anecdotes and entertaining conversations with many of the main players in this story.