Ishbel Murray is to be the new Chair of the Gaelic Books Council. Ishbel is well known as a teacher and as a visual artist. She was Chair of Ceòl is Craic from 2012 to 2016 and was closely involved in founding the organisation, which brings together musicians, artists, actors and writers for events at the CCA in Glasgow.
She will take over the position from Catrìona Murray, who has served as the Gaelic Books Council’s Chair for four years. Alison Lang, Director of the Gaelic Books Council thanked her for her exceptional work as Chair since 2017, and particularly for steering the Council through the difficulties that Covid presented.
Alison Lang also welcomed Ishbel Murray saying that she comes to the Chair at a significant time for Gaelic and for the publishing industry. Times have been tough for some publishing companies because of Covid, but online book sales have sustained the Gaelic Books Council, and the organisation has brought in new ways of working, such as delivering online reading sessions for young children, which have proved very successful. Looking to the future, the outlook for Gaelic literature is positive, thanks to the increasing interest that is being shown in reading and learning the language.
For the full announcement of 5 November 2021, see the Gaelic Books Council website.
