To ensure local youth continue Gaelic traditions
In 2009, the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society celebrated the first 50 years of its mandate, successfully promoting and developing Gaelic culture and heritage through the establishment of Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village. In 2010, looking ahead to the next 50 years, the Society founded Stòras na h-Òigridh | Treasures of Youth, an endowment fund set to ensure the cultural skills based on Gaelic traditions continue to flourish in Nova Scotia.
The fund will provide financial support to youth who are keen to advance their skills in the Gaelic tradition, including fiddle, pipes, piano/guitar accompaniment, language, storytelling, song, and dance.
The Stòras na h-Òigridh | Treasures of Youth concept was inspired by the enthusiasm of the late Michael Anthony MacLean from Washabuck, NS. Michael Anthony was a well-known fiddler who had a keen interest in assisting youth to further their skills in playing traditional Cape Breton music, especially the fiddle. The fund was ignited by sales of Michael Anthony MacLean’s Good Boy M.A.! CD.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be Nova Scotians between the ages of 5 and 21 who are keen to advance their skills in one or more of the following Scottish Gaelic traditions: fiddle, pipes, piano/guitar accompaniment, language, storytelling, song or dance.
Successful applicants must indicate which Scottish Gaelic tradition is their main focus of study. Individuals who have received an award will have the opportunity to reapply for a scholarship three years subsequent to their win. Only one financial award per family will be considered each year. Funding requests for post-secondary programs do not qualify.
The deadline for applications is May 12 at 11:59pm.