The books are novellas of about 100 pages and the most important thing about them is that they are fantastic reads. To begin them is to want to complete them. The stories themselves are given in Gaelic without translation, but an English language outline is given at the start of each book and a chapter outline at the beginning of each chapter. So the reader has a context for their understanding and can enter the story with some idea of where it is all going. In addition, there is a Gaelic to English glossary at the close of each chapter. The reader when challenged can, therefore, flick forward to discover meaning and then flick back to place the word or phrase in, again, context. These books should, therefore, present not only the Advanced Learner with just the right degree of challenge but also the means to surmount it, and the fluent reader with an enjoyable read.

The form of the new books has been developed by Donald John MacLeod, former Gaelic Advisor to Highland Council. Two books have already appeared in the series, Litir à Ameireagaidh by Flòraidh NicDhòmhnaill and Sgeulachdan an Dà Shaoghail ann an Ceithir Litrichean by Michael Newton. Ian MacDonald, Director of the Gaelic Book Council, has also been closely involved in development and the Council has provided generous financial support.

Sandstone Press Managing Director, Robert Davidson, says, ‘We are very excited by these two new titles and our association with these two authors and with Gaelic. Our earlier titles did great work with Advanced Learners and the new books, with their English-language outlines and glossaries promise to do even more. We launched this year at the Oban Mod where many learners described them as “just what we need”. My hope is that these books will be adopted not only into Gaelic Education as valuable literacy aids but be seen as great recreational reads by all in Gaelic who enjoy a good story. In these books, as in most books, story is king and the four authors we have worked with so far, and editor Donald John MacLeod, have certainly delivered on that score. So far the storylines have covered crime, myth, romantic comedy and war. A wide range of subjects and stories for readers to choose form can only be to the benefit of the language and its users. I look forward to providing many more titles and hope to see them in everyday use in the classroom and in the home. There is lots more work to do.’

These books can be ordered from all good book shops but are also available from the Gaelic Book Council and through the internet. Links to Amazon, Books from Scotland, Borders and Waterstones are all available on the book synopsis pages at www.sandstonepress.com with an RRP of only £7.99.