The Western Isles were recognised for innovation at the recent UHI Business Idea Competition 2008, which was hosted by Inverness College UHI. The first ever Gaelic karaoke DVD, developed and produced by Murray International Language Centre (MILC) in partnership with Pròiseact nan Ealan (PnE), was awarded third place in the Most Innovative Idea category for the Over 26’s.
The competition seeks to reward the strongest business ideas in the Highlands and Islands, Perthshire and Moray and saw over 86 entries this year, from budding entrepreneurs submitting their business ideas for consideration. It is run in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust, Scottish Institute for Enterprise and Alchemy Plus. Among the special guests at the ceremony were local business guru Peter Swanson, Chief Executive of Alchemy Plus and Mark Strudwick, CEO, Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust and former General Officer Commanding of the Scottish Army.
Kirstie Anderson, Audience Development Manager for PnE, attended the “Dragon’s Den” style panel interview that was the final part in the judge’s decision making process. She commented: “It was extremely daunting to be up in front of the panel, however I found confidence from the absolute belief I have that the karaoke DVD is a brilliant and innovative idea – I’m so pleased that the judges saw that too! There were so many other great entries and I’m thrilled that Seinn thu Fhèin stood out to the panel. We really thought about our market whilst developing the product, and I think they saw its potential as an unusual learning tool, but also as a really good way to have fun with all the family.”
The idea for the DVD came from Gordon Murray, Director of MiLC who not only specialises in teaching English as a foreign language, but is also a Gaelic learner himself. It is Gordon’s experience learning and teaching languages that brought him to the idea for “Seinn thu fhèin”. Gordon explained: "When teaching in Malaysia, I was invited to stay with a family in Borneo over their harvest festival called Gawai. It's the most important festival where family and friends come together to celebrate the harvest. During the get together, the family would put on a karaoke DVD in their own language, Iban and everyone would have great fun in belting out some of these simple melodic tunes, even myself. It's at this point, I thought, why not Gaelic?"
Gordon then approached Pròiseact nan Ealan with his idea, and in conjunction with them, has secured funding from CnaG, MG Alba, and Ceol music shop.
The DVD is currently in the final stages of printing and it is hoped that it will be ready in time for Christmas. Look out for “Seinn thu fhèin” in Stornoway town centre or on the MiLC website where customers will be able to buy online at www.milc-uk.co.uk. If you would like to be kept updated with the DVD progress email pne@gaelic-arts.com.