February 21st 2005
Here are some of the things which Donnie is involved with outside his music commitments.
NEW BOOK - Currently finalising the arrangements for the launch of a new book which looks at the history of Sabhal Mor Ostaig as well as looking at Gaelic language development in Scotland over the last 30 years. This has been done through the eyes of many of the characters who have been involved with the Sabhal Mor over the years. Well known author, Roger Hutchinson, has been commissioned to write this book. The book comes at what is a very important time, with the setting up of Bord na Gaidhlig and the passage of the Gaelic Bill through the Scottish Parliament. Sabhal Mor has been at the heart of the development of the Gaelic language and it's culture, and continues to grow in significance as the International Centre for Language and Culture. The book will appear in both Gaelic and English, with the Gaelic edition have been written by well known write and columnist, Chrissie Dick. The book will be published by Mainstream Publishing and we will have more details on how to get a copy when it is released.
Sabhal Mor Ostaig came into being in 1973, the same year that Runrig was formed. A certain Mr Rory Macdonald was the graphic designer who provided the finished artwork for the Sabhal Mor logo ( the Pictish Bull symbol) which is still in use today.
TOBAR AN DUALCHAIS / KIST O RICHES
Donnie is working very hard to progress one of the biggest digitisation projects ever undertaken in Scotland. The project is called Tobar an Dualchais ( Well of Heritage) / Kist O Riches. It aims to digitise the sound archives currently held within the BBC, Edinburgh University's School of Scottish Studies, and the National Trust for Scotland's "Canna Collection".
This sound archive of Gaelic and Scots material, some 18,000 hours in total, will be digitised and made available on-line and represents a major resource for education, research and enjoyment .It will create about 26 posts throughout the Highlands and Islands over the five year project period. The project, which is supported by HLF grant, will be of immense importance, through creating a new digital archive of this priceless material, some of which is already in danger of degrading, and by then making the material accessible on-line. I currently 'Chair' the Project Steering Group.
FAS (CENTRE FOR THE CREATIVE AND CULTURAL INDUSTRIES)
Donnie is also currently working on final funding plans for 'FAS', the new Centre for the Creative and Cultural Industries which, is the next phase of development at Sabhal Mor Ostaig.
VISUAL ARTS COMMISSIONS.
Finally, Donnie is also currently involved in working on a some Visual Arts Commissions
January 15th 2005
Donnie Munro has been in discussions with the Scottish Arts Council regarding the position of Chairman for the Scottish Arts Council. Also involved in discussions regarding the vacant position is the retired bishop Richard Galloway.
The council oversees more than £60 million in government spending on 100 arts organisations. But the job of chairman has been vacant since James Boyle left last June to run the Scottish Executive's cultural commission. (11/02/05 - The Scottish Executive announce the position has been filled by Dr Richard Galloway who will work 4 days a month. We wish him every success in this post)
December 2004
On the 15th December, 2004 Donnie, or Dr Donnie Munro to give him his correct title that night, was guest speaker for the annual Christmas lecture for the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The lecture was entitled "Scotland The What" and Donnie gave a wide ranging talk from the Scottish Parliament to some of the more serious issues facing Scotland. One member from here was lucky enough to win the raffle and went home with a M&S food hamper.
We hope to keep you more informed of Donnie's other work during 2005. However please remember we can only put on here details that Donnie has passed over to us. Please be patient while we develop this area of our web site.