"Tha na Gàidheil seo air Tilleadh Dhachaigh"
By Gregg, Kathryn & Lachlan Brain
Our story begins three generations ago (four for our son) when our Highland ancestors were cleared from their lands during the Clearances. They were of the Ghaidhealtachd; Kathryn’s family are Munro from Ross & Cromarty (Scottish Gaelic: Ros is Cromba), and Gregg’s on his maternal side are MacKinnon and MacMillan from the Isle of Skye (Scottish Gaelic: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach).
Without the benefit of family stories handed down through the generations, we came here in 2001 on holiday, knowing that both sides of the family had Scottish roots. Immediately we felt a spiritual connection to the lands and the people of the Highlands and Islands, which was more strongly felt closer to our origins. We have since discovered that in the Gàidhlig to describe that feeling or sensation is 'Dùthchas' or perhaps while we were in Australia after 2001, 'Cianalas'. Returning to Australia after that holiday, for the next 10 years, we explored and planned our family’s repatriation after three generations away, back to the Highlands, discovering that indeed we are descendants of the Gàidhlig speaking Clearances diaspora.
In 2011 we immigrated. We continue to learn Gaelic, however, our son has had the benefit of Gaelic Medium Education since he was just 2 years old from our arrival. He is now in secondary education and continues to enjoy and reap the benefits of being raised bilingually. He focused on learning to play the clàrsach, and is now involved with the many Fèisean, and Astar School of Traditional Music, Gaelic and Highland Culture here in the Highlands and Islands. Home Office permitting, we hope to be among many diaspora reversing the trend of generations leaving the Highlands. We’re here to stay, appreciating the blessing of making a life and immersing ourselves in the rich heritage, language and culture of the Highlands. We are home.