Tea Break: Fiona 'CnaG' MacKenzie

In our regular feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time - and their time off. This issue we welcome Fiona MacKenzie, who is preparing for a busy summer celebrating Gaelic with young people

What’s your story so far?

When I left school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I had childcare, Gaelic and hairdressing in my head and applied for both the Gaelic and childcare courses. I chose the Gaelic course, then worked briefly as an Admin Assistant at GSH on Sunnyhill. I met with a careers advisor who had remembered my interest in childcare from school and suggested I apply for a Modern Apprenticeship in Childcare in Tarbert Sgoil Àraich. I then worked in Early Years for eight years before moving to my current job as Development Officer with CnaG.

What is CNAG?

CNAG / Comunn Na Gàidhlig is a Youth organisation that aims to create opportunities for young people to use Gaelic in enjoyable and social environments, giving them chances to speak the language beyond the classroom. Through a range of Gaelic initiatives such as Camps, Sradagan after-school clubs and Holiday programmes we aim to encourage young people to use Gaelic more confidently and more often.

Are CNAG activities just for confident Gaelic speakers?

As all of my work is delivered through the medium of Gaelic, it is important that the young people that I work with are able to understand and communicate in the language. While much of my work involves pupils who use Gaelic regularly, I have also had the opportunity to work with Gaelic learners, and it has been encouraging to see their enthusiasm and commitment to the language.

In the Secondary school last year, Spòrs Gàidhlig provided water sports activities for Gaelic Learners. I recently completed a FilmG project with a group of Gaelic learners exploring Gaelic language and music. The film, Ar Cànan ’s ar Ceòl, is available to watch on FilmG’s YouTube channel.

• Ar Cànan 's ar Ceòl - CnaG Na Hearadh

What CNAG projects are you most proud of?

I would probably say FilmG. The young people involved always put a tremendous amount of effort into their projects, and we have been fortunate to enjoy success at the FilmG awards.

My first FilmG project, Botannan Buidhe, focused on the Leverburgh Lifeboat and won the award for Best Documentary. More recently, An Guth—inspired by the singing competition The Voice—was awarded Best Com-edy. The FilmG awards ceremony in Glasgow always has a fantastic atmosphere, and it is wonderful to see so many Gaelic speakers coming together to celebrate the language and the creativity of young people.

What are you looking forward to?

It promises to be a busy summer! I’m heading to Skye with senior pupils from Sir E Scott school (SES) for a camp run in partnership with Spòrs Gàidhlig. Once back, I’ll be straight into Fèis Club before travelling to Fairburn, near Muir of Ord, for CnaG’s Sradagan Camp. I’ll then return to Harris to kick off our summer holiday activities—hopefully with some sunshine to accompany them!

What change would you introduce to promote Gaelic?

In an ideal world, I would love to see more opportunities for young people to enjoy fun activities through the medium of Gaelic in social settings. I would also be keen to see more intergenerational work, giving young and old the chance to come together for informal chats and shared experiences. Creating these opportunities would help strengthen community ties and support Gaelic as a living, everyday language.

What is your favourite Harris place?

Home is where the heart is, so I have to say Strond and Borrisdale! I feel extremely lucky to have been brought up in Strond and recently purchased my home in Borrisdale – the view across the Sound and over the Minch to Skye just cannot be beaten in my opinion.

How do you spend your free time?

I have a few part time jobs and am involved in committees in the community, so free time is not something I have much of! I like to (try!) and help out with crofting duties as we have sheep. We have also just gotten a small boat so I hope to spend a bit more time on the water this summer – if the weather allows!

It’s tea break time: what are you having?

Tea with one of my mum’s homemade scones or granny’s pancakes with plenty butter and jam!

- For information on upcoming activites, keep an eye on CnaG social media channels