Celtophile Monday

Photo Feature: Endangered Scottish Butterflies
RampantScotland.com has a great photo catalog of many of Scotland's 32 butterfly species, many of which are endangered due to habitat loss, changes to farming methods (factory farms, anyone?) and global warming. Click here for the feature page!


Robert Burns' Life - The Musical!
In the year of Homecoming, a new musical on the life and loves of Robert Burns is premiered at Dumfries Theatre Royal by the Dumfries Musical Theatre Company. Willie Johnston talks to the co-creators of "Red, Red Rose", the celebrated Burns actor John Cairney and composer Geoff Davidson. Click here for video: BBC.com

Villagers Demand Brighter Outlook
A small Highland community has attacked the BBC over "inaccurate" weather forecasts, which it says is putting off tourists and threatening livelihoods. Villagers claim Carrbridge, which is situated in the Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore and protected by mountains, has its own weather system. Click here for full story.



Dance Champion Gets Medal - 65 Years Late
A former dance champion has been presented with her winner's medal, 65 years after her victory. Josephine McKeen, then nine years old, won the All England Sunshine Dancing Competition with her cousin in 1944, as World War II raged. But because all available metal was required to make armaments for the war effort, she never received her prize. Then living in Liverpool, she visited military hospitals to entertain soldiers despite ongoing bombing raids. Mrs McKeen - known as Jose - now lives in Irvine, Ayrshire, with her husband. She was presented with the medal by her local MP, Brian Donohoe, at a special ceremony in Irvine. Read more

Welsh House Discovered to be Bursting With History
From a cursing bowl to a house-full of oak furniture a Bangor building is bursting with history. Situated right in the centre of Bangor the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery is a bit of a 'hidden gem'. It was saved from closure - at least until 2012 - earlier this year, and the museum's curator Esther Roberts is on a mission to put the place on the map. And part of that is an exhibition which has just opened charting the 125 history of the museum itself. The museum building is substantial and the former Canon's house in the city. The grand proportions and high ceilings lend themselves well to displaying items, while attic rooms create more intimate display areas, and the cellars ideal storage. It all began 125 years ago, when Bangor University decided to put together a 'handling collection' for use by students. The whole collection ranges from geology, zoology, botany, history and antiques, and objects bearing a Welsh history. Read more

Irish Walk of the Week: Dolmen Loop
Glen of Aherlow, County Tipperary. Christopher Somerville describes his hike with local Michael Moroney: "I've rarely seen so much enthusiasm for a well-loved landscape, or so much energy and good humour packed into one human frame." Read more




Dawn Chorus: The Secret Language of Birds
IrishNews.com writer Jenny Lee's essay untangles the threads of bird calls on an Irish morning. Read story

Megalithic Photo of the Week: Engelsberg Keltenwall
Located in northern Bavaria, Germany. Read more


And finally...