The Columba Initiative or Iomairt Cholm Cille is a program for Gaelic speakers in Scotland and Ireland to meet each other more often, and in so doing to learn more of the language, heritage and lifestyles of one another. It was named after Colm Cille (St Columba, 521–597 AD), whose monasteries shaped and spanned the Gaelic world of Ireland and Scotland. It involves Scotland and Ireland, but not the Isle of Man, which has it's own Gaelic language, Manx. However the Isle of Man has become increasingly involved in the Initiative in recent years. The Initiative provides a channel for interaction, cultural exchange and relationship building over complex geographical and political boundaries. Its activities include community exchanges, cultural events, language courses and an annual youth parliament. The Goidelic languages (also sometimes called the Gaelic languages or collectively Gaelic) are one of two major divisions of modern-day Insular Celtic languages (the other being the Brythonic languages). ... Royal motto: Nemo me impune lacessit (English: No one provokes me with impunity) Scotlands location within the United Kingdom Languages English, Gaelic, Scots Capital Edinburgh Largest city Glasgow First Minister Jack McConnell Area - Total - % water Ranked 2nd UK 78,782 km² 1. ... Saint Columba sometimes known as (7 December 521 - 9 June 597), the Latinized version of the Irish name Colmcille (Old Irish Columb Cille) meaning Dove of the church, was the outstanding figure among the Irish missionary monks who reintroduced Christianity to Scotland and the north of England during the Dark... Events Future Byzantine emperor Justinian becomes consul. ... Events Saint Augustine is created Archbishop of Canterbury. ...

History

It was launched in 1997 by the President of Ireland, Mary Robinson and Brian Wilson MP, Scottish Minister of State for Education, Industry and Gaelic: 1997 (MCMXCVII in Roman) is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Mary Robinson (Irish name Máire Bhean Mhic Róibín; born 21 May 1944) was the first female President of Ireland, serving from 1990 to 1997, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, from 1997 to 2002. ... The Rt. ...

"to foster support for the Gaelic language (sic) and develop links between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland."

Aims

The Columba Initiative was inspired by the demand from Gaelic speakers in Scotland and Ireland for the chance to meet each other more often, and in so doing to learn more of the language, heritage and lifestyles of one another. This interaction is intended to support Gaelic-speaking communities in Ireland and Scotland in the present and future. It aims through its work:

• "to develop strategies and projects in which the Gaelic language in Ireland and Scotland can draw together people from diverse backgrounds, within and between each country and region."
• "to develop new relationships between communities and speakers of Irish and Scottish Gaelic and enhance the links already existing."
• "to facilitate practical and sustainable co-operation between communities, networks and speakers of Irish and Scottish Gaelic in the arts, and in social and cultural matters."
• "to encourage debate on common concerns in social, cultural and economic issues with a view to building self-confidence within the Gaelic language communities."
• "to heighten awareness of the contribution of Gaelic to the cultural identity of both Ireland and Scotland."
• "to foster understanding of the diverse experience and culture of the Irish and Scottish Gaelic communities."
• "to promote and facilitate the learning of Scottish Gaelic in Ireland, and Irish Gaelic in Scotland."
• "to identify, initiate and develop projects and partnerships in line with the above."

See also

• Pan-Celticism
• Gaelic

Pan-Celticism is the name given to a variety of movements that espouse greater contact between the various Celtic countries and regions. ... The Goidelic languages (also sometimes called the Gaelic languages or collectively Gaelic) are one of two major divisions of modern-day Insular Celtic languages (the other being the Brythonic languages). ...

External links

• Columba Initiative's website