Letter To Gaelic Learners

• Updated:
  Weekly
• Average duration:
  5 minutes

Show recent episodes (10)

All episodes (124)

• 18 Dec 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 546

  Fri, 18 Dec 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh continues with his journey through Sutherland and Caithness, accompanied by stories from this area. He’s travelling over the border of Caithness – to the area of Dunbeath; an area renowned for its rich Gaelic storytelling history. He brings us the tale of the three knots. Both the number three and knots are significant in Gaelic heritage. Learn more in this week’s podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 11 Dec 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 545

  Fri, 11 Dec 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh has a story from Cataibh today, it’s about a crofter from Sutherland. Most Crofters were diligent at cutting peats for the cold winter nights and building their stacks. Not all were like this, this particular crofter, he was a thief. Find out about his wily ways in this week’s podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 04 Dec 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh

  Fri, 4 Dec 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh has come across two trees that have Gaelic names, but no English names. He describes these in this week’s podcast. He also describes a tree called “The Làmh Tree”. Find out the origins of this name in this week’s podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 27 Nov 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 543

  Fri, 27 Nov 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Another letter from Canna this week. Ruaraidh was telling us about Coroghan Castle where the wife of Black Donald of the Cuckoo was held captive. This week, Ruairidh tells us more about this character, a clan-chief who would lock up his wife. Find out more in the podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 20 Nov 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 542

  Fri, 20 Nov 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh leaves the Isle of Eigg this week, but he remains in the Small Isles as he heads off to the Isle of Canna. There is a place in Canna called Coroghon Castle. It’s not a normal castle. In Gaelic it’s called the Corra-dhùn. The steep fort or hill. Although it is not big, it is steep. The building is next to the shore. It is very old. It is in a poor condition. If somebody doesn’t do something soon, it won’t be there long. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 13 Nov 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 541

  Fri, 13 Nov 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The Isle of Eigg’s nickname is the Isle of the Big Women. According to oral tradition, it goes back to the Seventh Century. The island was still under the control of the Picts. Indeed, it was under the control of a Pictish queen. Find out more about Eìgg’s nickname and this Pictish queen in this week’s podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 06 Nov 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 540

  Fri, 6 Nov 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  How familiar are you with Scotland’s islands? This week Ruairidh examines nicknames associated with three islands. Do you where The cross-wise island, The kingdom of the wild forest and The island of the big women are located? Find out in this week’s podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 30 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 539

  Fri, 30 Oct 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Last week, Ruairidh was telling us about what the opinion Gaels had of goats in times gone by. That was that they were capable of killing and eating snakes. Well, it’s interesting how often the goat appears in Gaelic proverbs “The thing that kept the ivy from the goats”. What does that mean? Find out in this week’s podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 23 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 538

  Fri, 23 Oct 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  How often have you seen a goat in Scotland? Ruairidh does not mean a big white goat behind a white fence, but wild goats who live in the moors. He has seen some many times, in places like the Black Isle, an Colonsay in Strath Spey and, more recently, in Kinlochewe in Ross-shire. Learn more about these wild goats in this week’s podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 16 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 537

  Fri, 16 Oct 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Over the past fortnight Ruairidh has been looking at the poetry and life of Rob Donn. This week, he will take one final look at a piece Rob Donn wrote. This piece is about the difference in attitudes between the Gaels and lowland Scots, in particular the Gaels of the MacKay country. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 09 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh

  Fri, 9 Oct 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Your ears do not deceive you, the introduction to this week’s letter is the same as last week’s, but Ruairidh just wants to say a little more about this poem. Specifically he wants to talk about the Glen that features in this poem, where there was a beautiful forest. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 02 Oct 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 535

  Fri, 2 Oct 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh begins this week’s letter with a refrain from a famous Gaelic poem originating from one of the most northerly points of the Highlands, the MacKay Country (of North Sutherland). It was written by the famous Gaelic poet, Rob Donn. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 25 Sep 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 534

  Fri, 25 Sep 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Eric MacLeod and his family moved to Kerracher on the shore of Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin in Assynt in 1976. The old house wasn’t in a good condition. They had to get a caravan to Kerracher, but unfortunately for them there was no road. Learn more about Kerrochar and the MacLeod family who lived there in this week's podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 18 Sep 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 533

  Fri, 18 Sep 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This summer Ruairidh got the chance to go to a garden that he always wanted to see. It’s a public garden with lovely flowers and it has plenty visitors. In tha way, it’s like Inverewe Gardens or gardens of that type which are all along the Highland coast. There is one difference though, find out what that is, where the garden is and about a family there in this week’s letter. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 11 Sep 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 532

  Fri, 11 Sep 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  More often than not, Ruairidh talks about subjects pertaining to the Highlands. However, this week he will talk to you about an event that occurred, outside the Highlands, although every mothers’ son will understand why this week’s subject affects Ruairidh. Learn what this is and a whole more in this week’s podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 04 Sep 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 531

  Fri, 4 Sep 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Last week Ruairidh started telling us about The lady of Lawers, who had second sight. It is thought that she lived in the seventeenth century. She planted a tree beside the church in Lawers and she made a prophecy regarding it. At around 1880, two men dug up the tree. As you would expect, things did not go too well for these two. Find out more in this week’s podcast. Accompanying Gaelic text, grammar points and vocabulary are all available at bbc.co.uk/litir.

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• 28 Aug: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 530

  Fri, 28 Aug 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ben Lawers is above Loch Tay. It is in Perthshire. The mountain is very high. It’s covered with snow in the winter. And it’s famous for plants. Lawers is also the name of a small settlement and an area adjacent to Loch Tay. Gaelic was strong in that area at one time. There was a famous woman once living in Lawers. She had the second-sight. Learn more in this week's podcast!

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• 21 Aug 2009 : Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 529

  Fri, 21 Aug 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh talks about the meaning of the word "farach" and The Doctrine of Signatures.

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• 14 Aug 2009 : Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 528

  Fri, 14 Aug 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh talks of the the Island of Boreray in this weeks letter. Boreray means "fort-island" in Old Norse. It's close to North Uist and Berneray.

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• 07 Aug 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh

  Fri, 7 Aug 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh discusses the name 'Eddrachillis Bay'. How did it come to be? It cames from Gaelic and in this letter, Ruairidh explains the meaning.

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• 31 Jul 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 526

  Fri, 31 Jul 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  More magnificent placenames this week, Ruairidh ponders over Eddrachillis Bay. There is only one way to learn about this place and its Gaelic origins, listen to the podcast!

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• 24 Jul 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 525

  Fri, 24 Jul 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh recently took a cruise. One of the places he visited was Tobermory, in Mull. Beginning with a very wise proverb, Ruairidh explains some of the things that he saw on the cruise.

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• 17 Jul 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 524

  Fri, 17 Jul 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Iain Dubh, An Seòladair, has had some adventures. From rescuing and marrying the Princess of Spain from the band of robbers, to giving peace to three dead men. How will this tale end for the most remarkable of characters? Find out in this week’s podcast!

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• 10 Jun 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 523

  Fri, 10 Jul 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Continuing the adventures of Iain Dubh an Seòladair. Iain is head of the bandits. Learn of what happens when Iain Dubh enters the forbidden room. What does he find? Don’t miss out as this story heats up!

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• 03 Jul 09 Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh

  Fri, 3 Jul 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh continues with his tale of Iain Dubh Leòdhasach, an Seòladair. Learn new phrases and words whilst being entertained by this tale of the sailor from Lewis.

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• 26 Jun 2009: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 521

  Fri, 26 Jun 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, Ruairidh invites you to listen to the tale of a sailor called Black-haired John! Sit back and relax and learn of this character from the Isle of Lewis.

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• 19 Jun 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 520

  Fri, 19 Jun 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Although the Cromarty Fisherfolk was a form of Scots, there were loads of words that came from Gaelic. Ruairidh runs through some of them. Have a listen to learn more.

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• 12 Jun 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 519

  Fri, 12 Jun 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh got a new book recently; it's about a dialect in the Highlands that is becoming extinct. Interestingly, he's not talking about a dialect of Gaelic, but English. It’s the “Cromarty Fisherfolk Dialect”. Learn more in this week’s podcast.

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• 05 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd ionnschaidh 518

  Fri, 5 Jun 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Ruairidh moves away from Raasay and talks about a lochan in Islay called Lochan na Nigheadaireachd. He wonders if washing was carried out in this lochan. Flora Macdonald wrote memoirs of her youth in Benbecula, in this she describes the joy of clothes washing! Listen to this fascinating tale and learn new words, phrases and Gaelic similes in this week's podcast.

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• 29 May 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 517

  Fri, 29 May 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This wee Ruairidh takes us to Loch nam Mnà in Raasay. Find out how the loch got its name and who was the mysterious lady of this particular lake!

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• 22 May 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 516

  Fri, 22 May 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, Ruairidh tells us a bit more about Gilleasbaig, or Archibald, Cook. He was a church minister who gave sermons in both English and Gaelic. Sometimes his sermons were so popular, they had to be held outside the church. He also had an opposing view to alcohol to many of his contemporaries. Learn more in this week's podcast.

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• 15 May 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 515

  Fri, 15 May 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week Ruairidh introduces us to two more Gaelic characters; Archibald and Finlay Cook. Both were born on the island of Arran, but both spoke different dialects of Gaelic. Both brothers were ministers. Archibald travelled and preached in different areas of Scotland.

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• 08 May 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 514

  Fri, 8 May 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Among those who are buried in Inchmahome, near The Lake of Menteith, is Robert Cunninghame Graham, or Don Roberto as he was known in his second country, Argentina. Learn all about this man who came from the gentry and what happened on the very first ever day that came to be known as ‘Bloody Sunday’.

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• 01 May 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 513

  Fri, 1 May 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  We have a treat at the start of this week's podcast! It's another Gaelic riddle, why not pause the podcast and try and solve it? After the riddle, we travel back in time to learn of an important left-wing figure in Scottish politics.

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• 24 Apr 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 512

  Fri, 24 Apr 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  In the Norwegian town of Otta, there is a statue of a young woman named Pillarguri. She is well known in Norwegian history. In the statue she is blowing a horn. She is commemorating an attack on Scots in Sweden in 1612. In this week’s podcast, find out why the Scots were there and why the Norwegians had to attack!

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• 17 Apr 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 511

  Fri, 17 Apr 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Have you ever heard of the Battle of Kringen? It is a famous Norwegian battle. Find out all about it and Scotlan's relevance to it, in this week's letter.

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• 10 Apr 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 510

  Fri, 10 Apr 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy has been ski-ing in mountains in the Rodane in Norway. The Rodane became a national park in 1962. There are small huts and bothys in the Rodane and the Norwegian names for these are very similar to the English names. Find out about these lodges and one in particular with this week's podcast.

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• 03 Apr 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 509

  Fri, 3 Apr 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  "Mark my word, Pat, she'll be an unlucky ship." This week, hear how Peter Morrison from Grimsay overheard two Irishmen talking as the Titanic launched in Belfast. Did one of the old men see an omen or supernatural warning?

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• 27 Mar 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 508

  Fri, 27 Mar 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy has a new book, Thugam agus Bhuam, by Patrick Morrison. It is a collection of stories. A wee bit of Patrick's own tale is given and Roddy begins a new tale about when Patrick saw the Titanic. NEW! AN LITIR BHEAG, or The Little Letter is now available as a podcast!

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• 20 Mar 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 507

  Fri, 20 Mar 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, Roddy tells of a place close to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh which is called Croft-an-Righ. Not Croit an Rìgh, but Croft-an-Righ. Without question, it’s a Gaelic name. How did it get its title? Find out in this week's podcast.

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• 13 Mar 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 506

  Fri, 13 Mar 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  There is a route in Edinburgh called Piper’s Walk. It’s on Arthur’s Seat. Roddy will tell you how Piper’s Walk got its name – at least, according to oral tradition.

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• 06 Mar 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 505

  Fri, 6 Mar 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, Roddy researches how Arthur's Seat, situated in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park, got its name and whether or not it's connected to King Arthur.

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• 27 Feb 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 504

  Fri, 27 Feb 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy got a letter himself this week. The correspondent advised him to type in 'Caithness' into the online version of Dwelly. One hundred and twenty four words cropped up and Roddy takes us through the most unusual words

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• 20 Feb 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 503

  Fri, 20 Feb 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A valuable resource for Gaelic learners over several generations has been Edward Dwelly's dictionary. There are many interesting words to be found within its pages, Roddy looks at some of these words and their origins. Two plucky people recently put the dictionary online, listen to how they achieved this mammoth task!

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• 13 Feb 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 502

  Fri, 13 Feb 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Do you know the word muir? It means “sea”. A’ mhuir – the sea. Do you know the word tìr? It means “land”. An tìr – the land. Muir is tìr – the sea and the land. Both are important in the Gaidhealtachd. Well, this week Roddy has a conundrum for you: what does 'Muir-thìreach' mean? He explains in the later and brings a whole host of intriguing words that appear in a new online dictionary.

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• 06 Feb 2009: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 501

  Fri, 6 Feb 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Do you know what the word Cùtach means? Many apply it to today's dialect of Gaelic. Do you agree? The word also leads Roddy to think about the dialect of Gaelic that orginated from Aberdeen.

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• 30 Jan 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 500

  Fri, 30 Jan 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy is delighted to present the 500th Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh and would like to thank those who have contacted him regarding Litir. This week's letter concludes the tale of Cù Fhearchair Bhàin. What exactly happened to Fraoch on that night? What was that devilish sound the couple heard? Find out by listening to this week's podcast.

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• 23 Jan 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 499

  Fri, 23 Jan 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Listen to the story of an amazing dog in Cù Fhearchair Bhàin. It is about a wonderdog called Fraoch who was an excellent sheepdog and was quite a character! In this tale, we'll hear of what happened to a couple who came to the master's house one eerie night........

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• 16 Jan 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 498

  Fri, 16 Jan 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  We come to the end of our fascinating journey along the Antonine Wall. Roddy looks at the other names of Forts that may have originated from Gaelic. He finishes by ruminating that although the Romans only used the wall for a generation, the legacy has lasted much longer.

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• 09 Jan 09: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 497

  Fri, 9 Jan 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  More fascinating stories emerge from the forts that run along the Antonine Wall. Are you familiar with how the name Bearsden came to be the name of the town. It was not the original name of the town and only came to be after a technological advancement. find out what it was and much more in this week's podcast.

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• 02 Jan 09: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 496

  Fri, 2 Jan 09

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Bliadhna Mhath Ùr! The first letter of the year and Roddy is looking at the biggest structure that the Romans ever built in Scotland, the Antonine Wall. A brief history of Antoninus is given, connections and comparisons to Hadrian are made, before Roddy gives us an introduction to the first couple of forts along the wall.

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• 26 Dec 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh

  Fri, 26 Dec 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy examines more Galatian history and culture and wonders what sort of language they spoke

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• 19 Dec 08: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 494

  Fri, 19 Dec 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy looks at one of the most famous letters ever written, one that's been translated into many different languages.

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• 12 Dec 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 493

  Fri, 12 Dec 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  As the sorry chapter of Robbie Northway ends, another opens about another bothy-dwelling character. The old fox, or James McRory Smith, lived in a bothy in Strathcailleach for thirty years. Listen to this week's podcast to learn all about his wiley ways!

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• 05 Dec 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 492

  Fri, 5 Dec 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The final instalment of the strange tale of the Northways unfolds. The twists and turns unfold and unfurl, but does the tale of Robbie echo similar circumstances to events that happened years ago in the area?

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• 28 Nov 08: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 491

  Fri, 28 Nov 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The strange case of the Northways and their animals moving into a bothy caused uproar with local crofters. It caused the authorities quite a headache. Learn more by listening to the podcast!

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• 21 Nov 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 490

  Fri, 21 Nov 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, Roddy examines several Sutherland place names. Also, hear an unusual story about a couple who moved into Srathan Bothy in 2000 along with their animals.

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• 14 Nov 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 489

  Fri, 14 Nov 08

  Duration:
  7 mins

  This week Roddy re-acquaints us with an offical bird of state in America. The name of the bird looks like a Greek word, however the name originated from Gaelic. Find out about the name, the state and the mighty bird itself!

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• 07 Nov 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 488

  Fri, 7 Nov 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The final instalment of the fascinating school, Keil School, is given. Rugby and Gaelic are added to the school's curriculum - two big, bold moves!

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• 31 Oct 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 487

  Fri, 31 Oct 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The foundations of the school in Keil were laid by Sir William MacKinnon. Find out more about the Kintyre Technical School.

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• 24 Oct 08: Litir do luchd ionnsachaidh

  Fri, 24 Oct 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Campbeltown in Kintyre is the setting of this week's letter. Roddy points out a striking memorial in the town. The figure is of William MacKinnon, a wealthy mercant who originated there.

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• 17 Oct 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 485

  Fri, 17 Oct 08

  Duration:
  7 mins

  In this final instalment, we find out what effect McKenzie's policies had on the Maori. We learn which areas he was radical in and what area he was extremely conservative in. We also learn of how Sir John died.

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• 10 Oct 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 484

  Fri, 10 Oct 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Last week we found out what incident shaped Sir John McKenzie's policies. Find out this week about one of those policies and the "999 year lease".

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• 03 Oct 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 483

  Fri, 3 Oct 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Sir John McKenzie, a famous Gaelic-speaking 19th century politician, is the subject of this week's letter. Find out how some etched names on a church window influenced him

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• 26 Sep 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh

  Fri, 26 Sep 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The terrible consequesnces of the statutes of Iona are further explored in this week's letter. Find out the effects that this had on the Gaels and Gaelic.

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• 19 Sep 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 481

  Fri, 19 Sep 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A terrible event in the Gaels' history occurred 400 years ago. Roddy looks back on the Statutes of Iona and the terrible effect that they had on the Gaelic language.

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• 12 Sep 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 480

  Fri, 12 Sep 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy travels to Wales this week. He is enchanted by the red kite. The hawk was obliterated in Scotland twenty years ago. The hawk has a rich history which is illustrated in this week's podcast.

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• 05 Sep 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh

  Fri, 5 Sep 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy explores the history of Stanley in Perthshire this week. The region's Gaelic roots are explored as he looks to the area's cotton mills. The thistle's importance also stemmed from that area, saving Scots from a vicious end from some barefooted, bloodthirsty Vikings!

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• 29 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 478

  Fri, 29 Aug 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  An ancient feud between the MacSorlie family and Clan Chattan in the Glen Nevis area comes to a violent conclusion when an irate piper plays a war tune. You’ll find out what happened and how the cave, Uamh Shomhairle, played its part and got its name in this week’s podcast.

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• 22 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 477

  Fri, 22 Aug 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Continuing the theme of the Orkney islands, Roddy sails down the Òigh-sgeir in the hope of seeing some sharks, but what happens when he and his fellow voyagers get a bit more than they bargained for?

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• 15 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 476

  Fri, 15 Aug 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy is at sea for this week's letter. On a recent trip to Orkney he discovered seasickness for the first time.

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• 08 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 475

  Fri, 8 Aug 08

  Duration:
  7 mins

  Could the origin of the ancient Kirkwall Ba' game lie with the battle between two earls? This was a vicious and bloody battle in which even the victor ultimately met his violent end!

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• 01 Aug 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 474

  Fri, 1 Aug 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The place-names of Orkney are examined this week, including the Glens of Kinnaird on Hoy. Roddy questions whether this name is of Highland origin, just as scholar Hugh Marwick had done years beforehand.

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• 25 Jul 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 473

  Fri, 25 Jul 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The similarities between Highland and Scandanavian place names are examined this week. During a recent trip to Orkney, Roddy discovered the majority of the island's place names derived from the old Norse language.

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• 18 Jul 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 472

  Fri, 18 Jul 08

  Duration:
  7 mins

  Find out what became of the prince in the final instalment of 'The Three Green Dogs' tale. Also, Roddy offers an explanation as to how the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond got its name.

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• 11 Jul 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 471

  Fri, 11 Jul 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The fascinating tale of 'The Three Green Dogs' continues this week. In this part, the prince comes under the influence of somebody out to do him harm. Listen to this letter and find out what the wrongdoer does and how the mighty hounds react to this!

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• 04 Jul 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 470

  Fri, 4 Jul 08

  Duration:
  7 mins

  A magic tale of three green dogs, Knowledge, Swiftness and Heaviness are the topic of this week's letter. They are bought by a prince and they help him catch deer, but can they help their royal owner overcome battle with some mischievous giants?

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• 27 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 469

  Fri, 27 Jun 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Gaelic speakers in Scotland are confident that they have a Gaelic minister looking after the language's interests. Roddy looks to the nineteenth century, when there was a movement to protect Scottish and Irish Gaelic, in Canada!

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• 20 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 468

  Fri, 20 Jun 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Cho beò ri eun, cho marbh ri cloich. Ruairidh brings you a wealth of Gaelic similies in this week's letter.

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• 13 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 467

  Fri, 13 Jun 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Gaelic has many names for the fingers! Roddy starts off this week's letter with a rhyme his kids learnt at nursery and muses on how the fingers got their splendid names.

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• 06 Jun 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 466

  Fri, 6 Jun 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week's letter looks at the Isle of Skye's famous mountains, The Cuillins. There are many theories as to where their name came from, ranging from two Gaelic heroes, a plant, to ancient Norse words from Viking invaders!

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• 30 May 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 465

  Fri, 30 May 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  We all know of St Columba, who connects Scotland with Gleann Cholm Cille in Ireland, however, this week Roddy tells of another connection. Listen to this tale of a very famous Jacobite fleeing Culloden to Gleann Cholm Cille. Can you guess who it is?

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• 23 May 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 464

  Fri, 23 May 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, a magic mist in a Donegal glen is explained in a St Columba folk tale.

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• 16 May 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 463

  Fri, 16 May 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The traditional tale of "The Lass that Was Sold" reaches its incredible conclusion. Prepare to be amazed as to what happens at the end of her epic journey!

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• 09 May 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 462

  Fri, 9 May 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The traditional tale of "The Lass that was Sold" continues in this week's letter

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• 02 May 08 Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 461

  Fri, 2 May 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The traditional tale, The Lass that was Sold, is the subject of Letter 461.

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• 25 Apr 08 Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 460

  Fri, 25 Apr 08

  Duration:
  7 mins

  This week, Roddy tells about the ghost of the redcoat soldier, Arthur Davies.

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• 18 Apr 08 Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 459

  Fri, 18 Apr 08

  Duration:
  7 mins

  Arthur Davies, a wealthy, well-liked redcoat soldier is the subject of this week's letter.

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• 11 Apr 08 Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 458

  Fri, 11 Apr 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy continues the tale of the last Jacobite to die on Drumossie Moor at the Battle of Culloden, join him as he recounts the life and times of Patrick Grant!

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• 04 Apr 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 457

  Fri, 4 Apr 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The Battle of Culloden is visited in this week's letter. Roddy remembers Patrick Grant, the last man to die on the battlefield and recounts his story.

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• 28 Mar 08 - Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 456

  Fri, 28 Mar 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week's letter discusses Springtime.

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• 21 Mar 08 - Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 455

  Fri, 21 Mar 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The original Gaelic names given to the months of the year are the subject of this week's letter.

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• 14 Mar 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 454

  Fri, 14 Mar 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Saint Paul's mystical powers over animals are the subject of this week's letter

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• 07 Mar 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 453

  Fri, 7 Mar 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A Celtic tale is disclosed, this week. Travel with Roddy to a Breton Monastery and learn about Saint Paul!

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• 29 Feb 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 452

  Fri, 29 Feb 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Letter 452 tells the story of The Beggar's Death.

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• 22 Feb 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 451

  Fri, 22 Feb 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A Perthshire ghost is the topic of this week's letter.

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• 15 Feb 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 450

  Fri, 15 Feb 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A gaelic song about curling is the subject of this week's letter.

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• 08 Feb 08: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 449

  Fri, 8 Feb 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, Roddy tells us of a 19th century song written about curling.

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• 01 Feb 08: Litir do luchd-ionnsachaidh 448

  Fri, 1 Feb 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, Roddy looks at the shamrock and the unique position it holds in Irish storytelling.

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• 25 Jan 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 447

  Fri, 25 Jan 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy visits a new exhibition about whales which leads him on to tales about a very famous whale!

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• 18 Jan 08: Litir do luchd-Ionnsachaidh 446

  Fri, 18 Jan 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Various expressions, similar in both Gaelic and Scots, are examined.

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• 11 Jan 08: Litir do luchd-Ionnsachaidh 445

  Fri, 11 Jan 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The sailing boat, The Linnet, is the subject of this week's letter.

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• 04 Jan 08: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 444

  Fri, 4 Jan 08

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A tongue twister from Broomton is the topic of this week's letter.

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• 28 Dec 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 443

  Fri, 28 Dec 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A verse about Dornoch is the topic of this week's letter.

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• 21 Dec 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 442

  Fri, 21 Dec 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  19th century poverty is central to this week's letter. Roddy outlines the situation and describes a modern group that ensure the impact is never forgotten.

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• 14 Dec 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 441

  Fri, 14 Dec 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Find out what happens when Roddy accepts an invitation from an Irish Haad of State to visit the most beautiful place on the Emerald Isle`!

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• 07 Dec 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 440

  Fri, 7 Dec 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, hear all about Finan MacDonald from Knoydart who fought a bison with his bare hands and survived!

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• 30 Nov 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 439

  Fri, 30 Nov 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Another story abouth Boban Saor from Mingulay. This time Roddy explores the extraordinary way that his son got his wife.

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• 23 Nov 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 438

  Fri, 23 Nov 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  From Mingulay to Cape Breton, Roddy gives us a different account of what happened to Boban Saor in this extraordinary tale!

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• 16 Nov 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 437

  Fri, 16 Nov 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A new book about the people of Mingulay is the topic of this week's letter. Although he's reluctant to give too much away, he shares a tale about one of the island's characters.

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• 09 Nov 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 436

  Fri, 9 Nov 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Johann Von Lamont's short biography comes to its interesting conclusion.

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• 02 Nov 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 435

  Fri, 2 Nov 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The transformation from to Iain MacIlleDhuibh Johnann Von Lamont, the famous Highland Anstronomer is outlined in this week's letter. A brief history is given on his amazing life.

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• 26 Oct 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 434

  Fri, 26 Oct 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  You'll have stars in your eyes when you listen to this week's letter. Roddy indroduces the most famous astronomer to hail from the Highlands, however from the chap's name, you'd be correct to have your doubts!

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• 19 Oct 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 433

  Fri, 19 Oct 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Continuing the recent theme of saints associated with the lovely landscape of Loch Lomond, Roddy turns his attention to a buddy of Paisley.

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• 12 Oct 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 432

  Fri, 12 Oct 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Roddy divulges last week's mystery and reveals the popular folklore and the the Scottish hero who's to blame!

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• 05 Oct 2007: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 431

  Fri, 5 Oct 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  This week, Roddy takes us on a journey to an island near Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch. He outlines the island's intriguing history and leaves us wondering what exactly is out there?

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• 28 Sep 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 430

  Fri, 28 Sep 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Children's rhymes and sayings from the different areas of Scotland are on the tip of Roddy's tongue this week. Listen and love his comparisons and distinctions from all over Scotland!

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• 21 Sep 07: Litir Do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 429

  Fri, 21 Sep 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Discover what happened in this month's letter when King James I invited the clann chiefs of the Highlands to meet him in 1427.

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• 14 Sep 07: Litir do Luchd-ionnsachaidh 428

  Fri, 14 Sep 07

  Duration:
  7 mins

  Roddy revisits last week's 15th century poem and examines its inspiration - The Battle of Inverlochy.

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• 7 Sep 2007: Litir Do Luchd-Ionnsachaidh 427

  Fri, 7 Sep 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A comparison between a 15th Century Gaelic poem and a traditional: proverb. Roddy wonders what came first?

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• 31 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 426

  Fri, 31 Aug 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  An tale of a spear with supernatural powers!

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• 24 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 425

  Fri, 24 Aug 07

  Duration:
  4 mins

  A tale of Cuchulainn's strength and might, as he battles warriors single-handledly in Ireland!

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• 24 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 425

  Fri, 24 Aug 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A tale of Cuchulainn's strength and might, as he battles warriors single-handledly in Ireland!

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• 24 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 425

  Fri, 24 Aug 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  A tale of Cuchulainn's strength and might, as he battles warriors single-handledly in Ireland!

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• 17 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 424

  Fri, 17 Aug 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  Cuchulainn and Fionn MacCumhail make heroic appearances in this week's letter!

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• 10 Aug 07: Litir do Luchd Ionnsachaidh 423

  Fri, 10 Aug 07

  Duration:
  6 mins

  The 18th Century Gaelic poet Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair is the topic of this week's Letter.

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