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| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 24-Aug-2010, 04:40 PM |
Replies: 183
Views: 19,272
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Pope's hi-tech Celtic altar
24 August 2010 By Stephen McGinty
IT IS the altar from which Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate the largest mass in Scotland for a quarter of a century. The design of the marble chair, lectern and altar to be used in the forthcoming papal visit to Bellahouston Park were unveiled yesterday.
In the Reid Carrara workshop in Glasgow, stonemason Neil Reid is working around the clock to complete the massive marble furniture, which has been designed by Glasgow artist Niamh Quail with the assistance of 21st century design technology.
The design of the altar, from which the Pope will say mass in front of an estimated 100,000 people, was rendered into a 3D computer model and presented to the Vatican in July for final approval.
The construction is being carried out by Mr Reid, who served his apprenticeship with Tom MacMillan, the stonemason who built the altar used by Pope John Paul II during the papal visit to Scotland in 1982.
Yesterday, Mr Reid said it was a "real privilege" to build the altar, which will be see by millions of people around the world. "I'm pernickety," he said. "Everything has to be just right, but I'm like that whether I'm doing a piece for a parish priest, Mrs Smith from around the corner or the Pope. It's a big job, but we're working around the clock and it will be ready in time. I can picture the altar in my head, but I can't wait to get it finished and see it being used by the Pope at Bellahouston."
The mass will take place on 16 September, the first day of the Pope's four-day state visit to Britain.
The altar, chair and lectern were designed by Ms Quail, 32, who said: "From the time I was given the brief, I only had about six weeks to design the altar, the Pope's chair and the lectern to show to the people at the Vatican. I couldn't have done it without the people at Strathclyde University's 'rapid prototyping unit'."
The team at Strathclyde University turned her designs into 3D images and allowed them to drop the Pope "in situ" behind the altar. The idea behind the design was to make the altar as uncluttered as possible as the Pope will be joined by as many as 170 people.
She said: "I was told to design a chair and that was about it. I wanted to keep it simple but also to have a Scottish and religious aspect to it as well.
The design is Celtic, incorporating a cross, within each of the four arms are three interwoven leaves representing the Holy Trinity, with the entire design having no beginning nor end."
Ms Quail added: "Normally, I would have one-dimensional sketches, but with the CAD (computer aided design], we were able to make 3D models of the chair, altar and lectern together.
"It was great to see them like that and we were even able to put a model of the Pope in there, too.
When the Vatican saw the models and all the work that had gone into it, they were really confident in what we were doing."
Yesterday, Father Andrew McKenzie, director of liturgy for the Papal Mass, thanked everybody who contributed to the design aADVERTISEMENTnd production of the items. He said: "Creating the Papal altar, lectern and chair has been a very enjoyable process, greatly helped by the generosity and technical abilities of all those involved.
"I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those who have contributed to the creative, technical and production stages of the project.
"I am certain that, together, we will be able to create a fitting environment in which the Pope can celebrate mass in Glasgow."
DO'S AND DON'TS
CANDLES, musical instruments and alcohol are on a list of banned items for pilgrims attending the papal mass at Bellahouston Park next month.
The list is on the official papal visit website, which encourages worshippers to bring sunblock, flags and folding chairs for the events in Glasgow, London and Birmingham, but says alcohol, gazebos and lit candles should be left at home because they "could pose a threat".
While it did not mention the vuvuzela, so popular among fans at this summer's South African football World Cup, the noisy monotone trumpet could be considered out of bounds under the category of banned instruments and whistles.
Bulky hampers are also prohibited - the website advises that hampers and cool boxes "should not exceed 20in x 13in x 8in". People are welcome to "bring a pilgrim picnic", though they should consider bringing non-perishable foods or "make arrangements to share picnics".
Up to 100,000 are expected to attend the mass on 16 September.
The design idea behind the entire altar was to keep it as clean and simple as possible to allow as many people as possible a clear view of the Pope.
The altar, lecturn and chair are made of carrara marble. The total weight of marble used is four tonnes.
The central design is Celtic, incorporating a cross, within each of the four arms are three interwoven leaves representing the Holy Trinity, with the entire design, like the concept of God, having no beginning or end.
The papal chair is two and a half metres tall at its highest point and also has the Celtic cross design at the top of the back piece, which is made of Scottish oak. |
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Forum: Scotland · Post Preview: #299072 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 29-Mar-2010, 08:41 AM |
Replies: 1
Views: 1,517
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A friend of mine asked me for some songs in Gaelic (Irish or Scottish) that have something to do with the Nation of Eire or that invoke some sort of National Pride.
The only two I can up with at the moment are Oro Se do bheatha bhaile and the Amhran na bhFiann can anyone think of any others?
Thanks,
MacD |
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Forum: Irish Gaelic · Post Preview: #295182 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 28-Mar-2010, 12:20 PM |
Replies: 183
Views: 19,272
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£100-a-bottle whisky is set to raise clan cash
Published: 19 March, 2010
THE launch a £100-a-bottle Ross-shire-produced malt whisky paved the way this week for ambitious plans which could see a seven-figure sum raised for a historic local landmark.
A new edition of The Dalmore Mackenzie malt was unveiled at a unique gathering of clan supporters and whisky buffs at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Only 3,000 limited edition £100 bottles of the Highland single malt are being released to mark a new era in the distillery's long affiliation with the Mackenzie Clan - and to help raise funds for the famous family.
The MacKenzie family, owners of The Dalmore distillery for almost a century, provides the inspiration for their iconic stag head logo and motto "I Shine, Not Burn", which is also the clan motto.
The launch will celebrate the single act of courage that an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie made when saving King Alexander III in 1263 from being gored by a stag, a scene that is depicted in the painting.
The partnership aims to raise funds to help refurbish and maintain Castle Leod in Strathpeffer, and to support a range of activities organised by The Clan Mackenzie Society of Scotland and the UK.
According to Dalmore's master distiller Richard Paterson, this is the first step of a long-term commitment.
The brand is hoping to raise a seven-figure sum in the next 10 years to help protect this piece of Scottish history.
The Earl of Cromartie with a bottle of the limited edition whisky.
He added, "Whether you are a Mackenzie or not, with only 3,000 bottles available globally, this is your chance to own a little piece of Scottish history.
"I have been nurturing casks at Dalmore and monitoring their progress for some four decades. The challenge to craft a whisky fit for the Earl of Cromrtie and all Mackenzies was an inspiration. I am proud to be able to help the clan by creating a whisky with a regal heritage and one which is truly fit for a king - as well as a clan chief."
Each limited edition bottle will be individually numbered and is adorned with the clan and the brand's iconic royal stag formed in molten metal. All purchasers can claim a print of the famous painting signed by the clan chief.
The Earl of Cromartie John Mackenzie said, "As the head of the clan I speak for all Mackenzies to say that we are really excited to be part of this special event which brings to life this iconic painting in more ways than one, celebrating a piece of history that forms the foundation of our joint heritage, as well as the dawn of a new era in our continued partnership with the distillery.
"I am delighted that The Dalmore are supporting the preservation of Castle Leod for not only me, but for the clan, and for Mackenzies around the world and, of course, for Scotland."
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Forum: Scotland · Post Preview: #295171 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 22-Mar-2010, 10:23 AM |
Replies: 30
Views: 3,056
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Leave out a can of cooking grease, he won't live but he'll die happy. At least that's how one of our mice bought it, the other were either taken out by the snap traps, hawks, or our machetes. (I had three older brothers and were quite avid about 'domestic hunting'  ) |
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Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #294936 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 20-Mar-2010, 02:58 PM |
Replies: 7
Views: 346
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From what I understand from CBC the loonie is at 99.something US and is expected to rise this next week. |
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Forum: Politics & Current Events · Post Preview: #294854 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 17-Mar-2010, 04:44 PM |
Replies: 172
Views: 12,607
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the cd, I'm all set on gold thanks, however you could send it to one of my clansmen/women if you feel so inclined. |
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Forum: Celtic Radio · Post Preview: #294651 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 17-Mar-2010, 04:56 AM |
Replies: 172
Views: 12,607
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Là fheile Padràig sona duit!
I'd love to stick around and get a prize, but unfortunately my university doesn't stop classes for St. Patty's day (Can you believe that!?!).
MacD |
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Forum: Celtic Radio · Post Preview: #294559 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 02-Mar-2010, 03:28 PM |
Replies: 237
Views: 11,956
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God Speed to Her Majesty's representative in Canada, Governor General Michaëlle Jean as she returns to her place of birth to support the reconstruction of Haiti! |
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Forum: Canada · Post Preview: #293972 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 09-Feb-2010, 09:15 AM |
Replies: 38
Views: 6,557
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| QUOTE | I'll still offer myself up to either Showann of Sherwood or Leelee of Lothlorien.
......
Well you're now ahead of me in the rankings, and I'm pretty sure I could take you out. |
Now I may be taking this out of context, but them sounds like courtin' words!  |
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Forum: Medieval Kingdom · Post Preview: #293277 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 26-Jan-2010, 03:15 PM |
Replies: 183
Views: 19,272
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This really has me flamed up!!
Councillor slams spending on Gaelic education
HIGHLAND Council's decision to spend over £1.5 million on developing Gaelic education in the Inverness area has been strongly criticised by a Sutherland councillor.
Labour ward councillor for East Sutherland and Edderton, Deirdre Mackay, claimed this week that it was an unnecessary expenditure in the current straitened economic circumstances.
And she also called into question Scottish Government legislation which forces local authorities to spend thousands of pounds on drawing up a Gaelic policy and promoting Gaelic language and culture.
She criticised it as an elitist policy which favoured the few rather than the many.
She said Highland Council had to meet the bill for Gaelic education, Gaelic development jobs and Gaelic road, street and bulding signs which were often erected to the opposition of local communities.
So strongly did Councillor Mackay feel that she claimed it should be a political issue at the next election.
She said: "It's fundamentally wrong. Even in times when Highland Council was awash with money, there were arguments against it.
"As a councillor, I am there to scrutinise council policy and to question it quite rigorously. This is political correctness - you don't challenge Gaelic. Well, it has to be challenged. This should be an election issue come the next Holyrood election."
Councillor Mackay took the opportunity to speak out at a meeting of Brora Community Council in the village's community centre on Tuesday night.
She said she was deeply "uncomfortable" at Highland Council's decision to spend over £1 million in expanding the new Inverness Gaelic School.
She was also very unhappy at plans to establish a new Gaelic medium unit at Glenurquhart Primary School, Drumnadrochit, which would cater for just four pupils out of a school roll numbering 123.
She pointed out that the expenditure would take place at a time when Highland Council was looking to make £60m savings during the next two years.
She said: "I think that this level of spending is a luxury that we cannot afford. It is for a very few pupils.
"We're going to have hard choices to make and I simply cannot support this policy any longer.
"In my ward every school building is classed as a Category C. There are four levels A, B, C and D which translates into very good, good, poor and diabolical.
"My conscience simply doesn't let me support this level of spend for a few children when other children are being educated in such poor conditions.
"Apart from the money, there is an equality of opportunities issue. Bilingual education, it is argued, is to be encouraged. Yes, but bilingual could be Spanish, or Urdu or Chinese. It shouldn't be just because it's Gaelic."
Councillor Mackay then widened the issue by criticising Scottish Government legislation regarding the promotion of Gaelic language and culture as flawed and "heavy handed." She said it emanated from the top rather than from grassroots level.
She said: "Highland Council was compelled to develop a Gaelic plan. That was developed within the Gaelic committee and was never debated by the full council, but just came before them as a document. There is a democratic issue there."
She took serious issue with the free transport provided to pupils attending Gaelic Medium Schools; the proliferation of Gaelic development jobs; and the requirement for public bodies to provide Gaelic speaking staff and erect Gaelic signs.
She said: "A number of parents in my ward are in the Golspie High School catchment area yet have chosen to send their children to Dornoch Academy. These parents have to supply their own transport.
"But if parents elect to have their child attend a Gaelic Medium Unit which is outwith the catchment area, then that child is transported there by taxi. It is fundamentally wrong."
Councillor Mackay continued: "If you phone Porterfield Prison, the first thing you are asked is 'Would you like to speak in Gaelic?'
"NHS Highland are having to introduce bi-lingual signs and the Gaelic wording has to be above the English wording."
She also criticised the proliferation of Gaelic development posts.
"We recently lost our community education officer, Lawrence Jamieson. Yet, at a time when posts like his were being cut, there were posts being created in Gaelic.
"The government does give funding towards these posts but it deteriorates over three years and after that, Highland Council has to absorb the costs into the main education budget."
Councillor Mackay then explained why she had chosen to use Tuesday's community council meeting as a platform to air her views.
"I think people ought to know a whole lot more about how the Gaelic plan is being delivered and how much it is costing and the equal opportunities issue."
East Sutherland Rotary Club chairman Alistair Risk, who was present at the meeting, commented: "I have two relations who have sent their children to the Gaelic Education unit in Stirling.
"They haven't been sent there because they have a desperate desire to learn Gaelic, the reason they go is because the class sizes number ten or less and they get a better education. It just so happens they have to put up with Gaelic at the same time."
Brora community council chairman Kathleen Cunningham told Councillor Mackay: "The message from round this table is definitely one of support for you."
[email protected]
* Is too much money being spent on Gaelic education in the Highlands? Go to 'The Big Vote' to have your say.
Here to Vote
http://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/fulls...y.php/aid/7043/ |
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Forum: Scotland · Post Preview: #292851 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 07-Jan-2010, 09:59 AM |
Replies: 45
Views: 6,039
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Congrats Lord Piobmhorpiper on your promotion to clan leader. It seems everytime your clan takes on a new name you move up a spot. A toast to your good fortune sir!  |
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Forum: Medieval Clans · Post Preview: #292079 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 14-Nov-2009, 11:12 AM |
Replies: 42
Views: 615
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| QUOTE (Camac @ 14-Nov-2009, 09:38 AM) |
PS. How can you say you won in 1812? We burnt Buffalo to the ground. |
Not to mention the White House |
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Forum: Politics & Current Events · Post Preview: #289864 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 11-Nov-2009, 02:04 PM |
Replies: 15
Views: 1,118
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Truly, I could not believe it. All the Canadians on campus knew it was Remembrance Day (I can believe that). But not one American I ran into (about 100-150) realized it was Veteran's Day until they asked me what the poppie was and what it is for. Even then I had to spell it out for some of them. I shall never understand how people can neglect where their freedom comes from.
All Honour to the Fallen,
God Bless Canada, (and may He wake up America)
Ben "Canuck" Reid |
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Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #289685 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 11-Nov-2009, 09:32 AM |
Replies: 15
Views: 1,118
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"Canadian Irish Tenor, John McDermott wrote the music and lyrics to "Bringing Buddy Home" dedicated to Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan and their families.
It is an extremely emotional look at the final journey of the soldiers that have perished in war, as their remains are returned to Canada, from the Ramp Ceremony in Kandahar, the Highway of Heros and to the final resting place for these Canadian Heros."
http://www.cbc.ca/remember/ |
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Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #289674 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 09-Nov-2009, 11:06 AM |
Replies: 15
Views: 1,118
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Here at university in Wisconsin, I am organizing the Canadians on campus. We're having poppies shipped from Canada and I'm setting up a Remembrance Day Dinner/Service. |
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Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #289559 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 03-Nov-2009, 04:52 PM |
Replies: 237
Views: 11,956
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| QUOTE (Camac @ 03-Nov-2009, 05:07 PM) | MacDonnchaidh;
Thank You Sir, and May The Creator Smile on the United States.
Camac |
May he indeed, however I'm a Canuck through and through. |
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Forum: Canada · Post Preview: #289317 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 03-Nov-2009, 02:57 PM |
Replies: 237
Views: 11,956
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God Save the Queen! |
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Forum: Canada · Post Preview: #289308 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 14-Oct-2009, 07:29 PM |
Replies: 16
Views: 6,575
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| QUOTE (glaswegian @ 11-Oct-2009, 09:11 PM) | | Your not scottish, you are an american. |
Actually I'm Canadian, but that was a fairly random comment by you anyway since my post was in February and it is now October, so I fail to see what purpose or relevance your comment on my nationality/culture has at this point. Please enlighten me if you can think of a point or purpose to your comment, I would be most interested as to what it is, and also why you waited so long to make the observation (incorrect as it was) that you did.
MacDonnchaidh |
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Forum: Scotland · Post Preview: #288533 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 14-Oct-2009, 07:22 PM |
Replies: 38
Views: 5,125
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Sweet! We've been waiting a long time for this reset. Thanks CelticRadio! I think I can speak for all of Clan Bruce when I say we are ready for the challenge of rebuilding from scratch, and dealing with this new leech you so aptly named "tax collector" .
P.S. For those of you too blind to see, there are no research or construction projects to complete because they were not reset.
T́arna MacDonnchaidh, Ceann-Feachd airson Clann à Bhrus. |
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Forum: Bug Reports · Post Preview: #288532 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 09-Aug-2009, 11:26 AM |
Replies: 62
Views: 1,967
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Obama is quite obviously an avid reader of books. A few pages from Mein Kampf have already taken a foothold in the U.S due to his policies; it's only a matter of time before that book is mandatory reading in the public schools.
You must admit he learns from the best in the business, as far as rhetoric and public speaking he is almost as good as Hitler, now it seems he's copying a bit of Goebbels. I just can't wait until he tries to imitate good ol' Heinrich Himmler, I wonder if he's saving that for his second term or just 'til after Christmas.....
(P.S. for those of you without a funny bone [you know who you are], note the sarcasm in my post before taking it seriously). |
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Forum: Politics & Current Events · Post Preview: #284779 |
| MacDonnchaidh |
Posted on: 21-Jul-2009, 12:24 PM |
Replies: 75
Views: 19,935
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| QUOTE (Keltic @ 02-Jul-2009, 12:33 PM) | ICONS Irish Music and Arts Festival
The ICONS Irish Music and Arts Festival, held annually in September in Canton, MA, will not be held in 2009 due to "severe and repeated weather impacts" in recent years. They hope to return in 2010 but are in need of support. Find out more and see what you can do on their website... |
The ICONs Festival is cancelled, but there will still be a festival at the Irish Cultural Centre of New England on Sept. 13-14th.
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Forum: Festival & Games · Post Preview: #283906 |
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