The Comann Eachdraidh had its best ever book week in October 2012 with great numbers attending every event. This annual fixture, which appeared first in 2007, has been slowly building momentum as word has spread about the calibre of speakers and events, thanks largely to the work of Jennifer Baker and Barbara McDougall.
A well attended talk by Peggy Nicolson of Skye, herself a Liosach, shone light on Gaelic place names of Lismore and was followed by a walk to some of these places.
Peggy Nicolson Ainmean Liosmòr – Lismore Place names
Mairi Hedderwick, the very popular illustrator and author best known for the Katie Morag series of children’s picture books set on the Isle of Struay, was a very popular guest on Tuesday with the children in the morning and adults in the evening.
Mairi_Hedderwick
On Wednesday Prof. Donald Meek’s enthusiasm and scholarship were greatly appreciated when he spoke about “The book of the Dean of Lismore” and again as he told “The Story of Calmac”.
Professor Donald Meek
Thursday was an opportunity for everyone to tell stories, read poetry and prose (their own or other peoples) and generally express and enjoy themselves.
On Friday Midge Gourlay spoke about and gave readings from “The Gaelic Otherworld” by John Gregorson Campbell, the book which inspired her to create her Exhibition of Cu Sith, Fairy Dogs, on show throughout October in the library at the Heritage Centre..
Midge Gourlay
Book Week ended on Friday night on a high note with a packed out performance by the Lismore Community Choir, a small number of singers ably directed by Sarah Campbell and Katie Crossan, whose numbers ranged widely around the world and through time from early liturgical settings to modern day works.
Lismore voices
Thanks to Beth Campbell, the cafe was open from 10am every day with late openings until 7pm on Tuesday and Friday. A second hand book sale ran all week in the library.