29 September 2024
The theme we have chosen for 2024 is Emigration as we are now the unlucky group forcibly evicted. It’s a situation many of our forebears faced with the loss of the familiar, new challenges, and keeping cultures thriving. But who knows what might come of this – it’s a good space for thought, lament, reflection ,community, poetry, music and song. Let’s be creative and see what we can do, as we have always done at GT.
We have had many meetings looking at costs, as this camp is actually quite expensive for such a large group. The dates are not our usual ones either, and temporary for 2024, so we realise some may not be able to attend. However by shortening the event somewhat we have managed to keep our fees down
If you have any questions about your situation or needs please contact one of the board members to discuss. We will also send regular updates by email and Facebook.
We would like to acknowledge it’s been a very tough road for many people over the last 3 years. Your Trust Board has been working hard to carry on and provide continuity for the Gaidhealtachd community, and we are looking forward to this next event hugely.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts for the future when we gather!
We have been in communication with Waipu School, who reached out to us. There is a possibility to move there in 2025. Our stay at Holy ground is one small step away from our beloved Maunga Manaia and the Heads school, but we feel to be a good one – especially being on the sea and what appears to be a very pleasant community campsite.
11 July 2024
Please read on for an update from the Trust Board
Dear Gàidhealtachd friends and whanau
It is with enormous sadness that the Gàidhealtachd Trust Board have to tell you that after 34 years, we have to leave our beloved Whangārei Heads School.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, including storm and cyclone damage, the School Board and the new Principal have decided that Gàidhealtachd no longer fits the direction the school wants to take and have advised us that our contract with them will be discontinued.
The Trust Board know and recognise the sense of loss that arises for all of us through not being able to be at the school, which was very much a part of our lives.
The Trust Board are actively looking for a new space for January 2024. We may not be able to get the dates we want (i.e. the first week of January) and depending on the space we may have to reduce our numbers but we will let you know as soon as we can get something confirmed. We ask for your patience during this transition period.
While we have loved having the school and developing the Gàidhealtachd over many years in Whangārei Heads, the Gàidhealtachd is much more than a space or a venue. We are a community with a passion for the Celtic Nations and much more than that we are a family.
We may not have the school anymore, but we are a strong cherished community and will continue in a modified way to fit our new circumstances.
The Gàidhealtachd Trust Board
Raewynn Robertson (Chair), David Robertson, Kathy McDonald, Nigel Robertson, Kara Dawson, Chris Dawson, Shaun Cleaver, Louise Evans, Laura Robertson