Introducing our 2024 Fèis Seattle Presenters:
Ramsay Mac a’Mhathain / MacMahon - Gàidhlig Ìre 1:
Raised in Dùn Èideann, Ramsy learned Gàidhlig from his grandmother on Eriskay, and through Gàidhlig-medium education. An adventurer at heart, Ramsay has documented his travels in the BBC ALBA show Mach à Seo! (Let’s Go!) & his new series, Rathad Ramsay (Ramsay’s Road)
Calum Mac ‘ill ‘Eathain / MacLean - Gàidhlig Ìre 2:
Broadcaster Calum MacLean was raised in a Gaelic speaking household, firstly in the Isle of Skye and then Inverness. His family on his father’s side hail from Applecross. Calum attended Gàidhlig-medium education and was awarded a diploma in Gaelic Media from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI. Best known for his films around outdoor adventure, Calum can often be seen on Television and social media, and is one of the main presenters on learning series SpeakGaelic.
Bernie Camshron - Gàidhlig Ìre 3:
Bearnard Camshron is a retired public school teacher who taught Gaelic to school children for 23 years and to adults for the last 15 years. He also teaches part-time for the Gaelic College in Cape Breton through online and in person.
Angela Dhòmhnallach / MacDonald - Gàidhlig Ìre 4:
Born in South Uist and brought up in Benbecula, Angela MacEachen (MacDonald) has spent her working life in Gaelic broadcasting and Gaelic teaching. A native Gaelic speaker, Angela spoke no English til she went to school at the age of 4 - when she had to learn it!
Seumas / James Ruff - Clàrsach:
James Ruff is a world pioneer in presenting early Gaelic vocal and harp music in as close to its original form as can be imagined. His fluent Gaelic singing and expert historical harping create a true sense of the evocative music a Gaelic chieftain must have enjoyed.
Coinneach MacCoinnich / Kenneth MacKenzie - Fìdheall:
Kenneth MacKenzie is a piper and fiddler from Mabou, Cape Breton Island. From Gaelic primary school, Taigh Sgoile na Drochaide, to Colaisde na Gàidhlig to the new Gaelic university, Beinn Mhabù, Kenneth is involved and busy! He grew up in a Gaelic speaking househole and the Gaelic culture has been an integral part of his life from the early years.
Seònaidh Mac an t-Saoir / MacIntyre - Pìob:
Seònaidh is a musician from Loch Carnan in South Uist, an area known to be steeped in traditional music and song, particularly piping. Seònaidh also sings, plays the whistle, small pipes and border pipes, and is continually in high demand playing with a number of bands including Trail West, Seudan, The League of Highland Gentlemen and the Urban Teuchtars.
Linda NicLeòid / MacLeod - Òrain Ghàidhlig:
Originally from North Uist and now based in Glasgow, Gaelic was songstress Linda MacLeod’s first language. She studied Gaelic at the University of Glasgow, graduating with a first class honours degree in 2010. Linda researched Gaelic songs associated with her family and native homeland, and went on to continue this work, gaining an MPhil in Gaelic in 2011. She was named Gaelic ambassador of the year at the 2023 Paisley Royal National Mòd.