Millie Buchanan GME Testimonial
My name is Millie Buchanan and I am in primary seven at Uig School on the Isle of Lewis. I am originally from the Isle of Man and my family moved to Lewis three years ago because my father is originally from here. I live with my mother, father, my little brother, Calum and my dog, Kipper. My hobbies are playing guitar, singing, playing the violin, making earrings for sale, crocheting and reading.
How did you feel on the first day entering GME at the age of 8?
It was a little upsetting because everyone was speaking in a language I didn't know. At the same time, however, it was fun because I was looking forward to learning a new language.
How did the school, fellow pupils and wider community support you?
On my first day I sat with my new friends and they spoke to me in both Gaelic and English so I could understand. I got to know the other pupils in my class and we are now all very close friends. The community also welcomed us warmly.
What opportunities has bilingualism given you?
I was taking part in the Mod and in my first year, I came in third place, I was so proud! I go to Sradagan camp every year and that is really fun because I have opportunities to meet children from other places and I wouldn't have that opportunity if I wasn't going there. I am on the Gaelic Committee at my school and that gives me the opportunity to promote Gaelic in the school and community. I was taking part in FilmG with my friends. We won in 2022 and we entered one this year too.
How do you feel about the next step as you go to the Nicolson School this year?
I'm feeling a little nervous but I'm looking forward to seeing friends from other schools on a daily basis. I'm really looking forward to doing music as a subject and visiting the library again.
Why is Gaelic so important to you?
Gaelic is important to me because I have friends that I wouldn't have if I didn't speak Gaelic. I can make a connection between my interest in music and my interest in Gaelic.
Is mise Millie Bhòchanan, tha mi ann an clas a seachd ann an Sgoil Ùige air Eilean Leodhais. ‘S ann à Eilean Mhanainn a tha mi agus ghluais mi fhìn agus an teaghlach agam chun an Eilean trì bliadhnaichean air ais oir ‘s ann à seo a tha m’ athair. Tha mi a’ fuireach còmhla ri mo mhàthair, m’ athair, mo bhràthair beag, Calum agus an cù agam, Kipper. ‘S e na cur-seachadan a th’ agam, a’ cluich guitar, a’ seinn, a’ cluich na fìdhle, a’ cruthachadh cluais-fhàinneachan airson rèic, a' croiseadh agus a’ leughadh.
Ciamar a bha thu a’ faireachdainn a’ chiad là, aig aois 8, a’ tòiseachadh ann am foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig?
Bha mi gu math tro-chèile air sgàth ‘s gun robh a h-uile duine a’ bruidhinn ann an cànan air nach robh mi eòlach. Aig an aon àm ge-tà bha e spòrsail oir bha mi a’ coimhead air adhart ri cànan ùr ionnsachadh.
Dè an taic a fhuair thu bhon sgoil, sgoilearan eile agus a’ choimhearsnachd?
Air a’ chiad latha agam bha mi a’ suidhe còmhla ri na caraidean ùra agam agus bha iad a’ bruidhinn rium an dà chuid, ann an Gàidhlig agus ann am Beurla gus am bithinn a’ tuigsinn. Bha mi a’ faighinn eòlas air na sgoilearan eile nam chlas agus tha sinn fhathast nar càraidean an-diugh. Chuir a’ choimhearsnachd fàilte bhlàth oirnne cuideachd.
Dè na cothroman a tha dà-chànanas air a thoirt dhut?
Bha mi a’ gabhail pàirt anns a’ Mhòd agus air a’ chiad bliadhna agam, fhuair mi an treasamh àite, bha mi cho pròiseil! Bidh mi a’ dol gu campa Sradagan gach bliadhna agus tha sin gu math spòrsail oir tha cothroman agam a’ coinneachadh ri clann bho àiteachan eile agus cha bhiodh an cothrom sin agam mura biodh gun robh mi a’ dol ann. Tha mi air Comataidh na Gàidhlig san sgoil agam agus tha sin a’ toirt dhomh cothrom Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh san sgoil. Bha mi a’ gabhail pàirt ann am FilmG còmhla ri na càraidean agam, bhuannaich sinn ann an 2022 agus chuir sinn fear a-steach am bliadhna cuideachd.
Ciamar a tha thu a’ faireachdainn mun ath cheum agus thu a’ dol gu Sgoil MhicNeacail am bliadhna seo?
Tha mi a’ faireachdain rud beag nearbhasach ach tha mi a’ coimhead air adhart ri na càraidean agam bho sgoiltean eile fhaicinn nas trice. Tha mi gu mòr a’ coimhead air adhart ri ceòl a dhèanamh mar chuspair agus a’ tadhal air an leabharlann a-rithist.
Carson a tha Gàidhlig cho cudromach dhut?
Tha Gàidhlig cudromach dhomh oir tha caraidean agam nach biodh agam mura robh mi a’ bruidhinn Gàidhlig. ‘S urrainn dhomh ceangail a dhèanamh eadar an ùidh a th’ agam ann an ceòl agus an ùidh a th’ agam ann an Gàidhlig.
