DVD First for Gaelic from Ùr-Sgeul

In a ground breaking new initiative, the Gaelic Books Council's Ùr-Sgeul project has announced the publication of three unique DVDs, based on the work of three successful Ùr-Sgeul authors: Martin MacIntyre, Angus Peter Campbell and Iain F. MacLeod. Each of the three DVDs, based on the novels Gymnippers Diciadain (MacIntyre), Day Speaketh Unto Day (Campbell) and Na Klondykers (MacLeod), provide exclusive author video interviews, as well as full, unabridged readings of their respective works. As an example, the Klondykers DVD gives us an insight, through the exclusive video, into Iain Finlay MacLeod's unique writing style and his plans for his forthcoming new novel to be published in 2008, based on the story of Morrison of the Bounty.

Gymnippers Diciadiadian DVD

The DVDs are aimed at a wide audience. Learners of the language, who wish to hone their listening skills, can listen to the DVD along with a copy of the book. Gaelic readers can also use the DVD as a resource when travelling, on the computer, or simply watch the video for pleasure. The success story that is Gaelic medium education is a relatively new phenomenon (the first Gaelic medium unit opened in 1985) and many older, native Gaelic speakers were denied the opportunity to hone their reading skills in school. Therefore the talking book concept will be particularly attractive to them.

Là A' Dèanamh Sgèil Do Là DVD

Each DVD contains between 8-10 hours of audio, organised in easy to access chapters, and the videos are each between 7 - 10 minutes long. There is an easy to use menu, which is available in Gaelic or English. Day Speaketh Unto Day (Là A' Dèanamh Sgèil Do Là) is read expertly by the author himself (Angus Peter Campbell), Na Klondykers is read by experienced actor Domhnall Ruadh - Rusty Smith - and Gymnippers Diciadiadain is read jointly by David Walker and Anne Sinclair, both seasoned broadcasting professionals.

Na Klondykers DVD

The use of DVD is a conscious attempt by Ùr-Sgeul to marry the written word with new formats, to bring Gaelic literature to a new audience. Ùr-Sgeul say they will continue to expand the development of contemporary Gaelic literature in tandem with new technology.

Coinneach Combe, a twenty-something Gaelic speaker from Glasgow, is one example of someone who didn't really read Gaelic books, but has been drawn to Gaelic literature through the DVDs.

In a special competition, we have three sets of the DVDs to give away - just tell us the answer to this simple question:

Question:

• What is the name of Angus Peter Campbell's third Gaelic novel, published this year?

Email your answers to editor@booksfromscotland.com . For full competition details see our competition page.

The DVDs are also available from Ùr-Sgeul and from the Gaelic Books Council Tel. 0141 337 6211