American student given accolade at annual Mòd in the Western Isles

An Comunn Gàidhealach has recognised American student Leah Jaques at this year’s Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (The Royal National Mòd) by presenting her with the prestigious Gaelic Learner of the Year award 2012 sponsored by Royal Highland Society of Scotland.

Texas born Leah has been recognised for her learning of the Gaelic language in a studious career which spans two years.

A second year student of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye, 34 yr old Leah started her love affair with the Gaelic language after moving to Glasgow in 2006.  She took Ùlpan classes to learn the language as well as a Gaelic course at Stow College in the city.  Leah also supplemented her learning by volunteering as a classroom assistant at Sgoil Ghàidhlig Glaschu (Glasgow Gaelic School).

In 2010, Leah moved to Skye with her son Lucas to become a full-time student at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

John Macleod, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach said:  “We’re delighted to present Leah Jaques with this award which recognises her efforts in learning Gaelic.  This award reinforces the international appeal of Scottish Gaelic and the success of Ùlpan Gaelic learning courses as well as the attraction for international students to study further education at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.  We wish Leah every success as she develops in her career with the added skills she has as a Gaelic speaker.

Leah hopes to find a place on the Post-graduate diploma Gaelic and education course next year at Aberdeen University to continue her studies and eventually become a teacher in a Gaelic Medium school.

Allan Murray, chairman designate of the RHASS, who presented the award to Leah Jaques, said:  “We have historic links with Gaelic culture and although our objectives have changed over the years to focus more on the promotion of agriculture and rural industry, it is good that we maintain an interest in encouraging Scotland’s native language.  We are pleased to contribute to Gaelic learning by making this annual award and our congratulations go to Leah for her hard work and effort.”

Leah said:  “I just want to thank you very much and I’m delighted to accept this award.  Everyone in the Gaelic world has been so encouraging.  I’ve found a home and a community in the Gaelic language, and it’s the people that come with it that have made learning so wonderful.”

The Royal National Mòd which runs from Friday 14^th October to Saturday 22^nd October 2011 is Scotland’s premier festival celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, and has travelled to the Western Isles for the fifth time in its 120 year history, last visiting the Islands in 2005.

For full programme details visit www.acgmòd.org