Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Maggie Ritchie

Islander's Gaelic slogans catch eye and bags her awards nomination

QUIRKY T-shirts, mugs and badges with fun slogans can be found in any gift shop.

But those designed by Anna Rothach are unique – because they are in Gaelic.

Now she has been nominated in the Gaelic Awards for Graficanna, the company she runs from the tiny island of Canna.

Anna, who has been nominated for the Arts & Culture Award, said: “I'm extremely pleased – it’s nice to be recognised by the Gaelic community.”

Having studied and worked at Scotland’s Gaelic College, Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the Isle of Skye, she left to pursue her love of art and design by taking up further study in Glasgow. She launched Graficanna in 2012.

Anna sells her designs to people who live as far afield as Canada, where there are a large number of Gaelic speakers.

The 35-year-old, who designs album covers as well as posters, signs and logos for Gaelic organisations, said: “I’m delighted that my slogans are proving popular.

“I wanted to show how Gaelic can be cool and modern through my designs.”

Anna, who grew up in Corpach, near Fort William, was inspired to learn the language after singing in Gaelic at the Mod.

Her slogans include the well-known “slainte!” (cheers!) and “sgaoil an gaol” (spread the love), as well as children’s T-shirts that say “bodach beag” (wee man) and “caileag bheagh” (little lady).

Anna works in Canna’s cafe and her other jobs are with the coastguard and delivering the post.

She said: “I love living on Canna – there’s a nice bunch of people and everyone gets on.”

● The awards take place on November 19 at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel, hosted by Cathy MacDonald. Nominations close today so make sure you visit www.scottishgaelicawards.co.uk before it's too late! 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.