The board

Joan worked at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for 37 years - initially as a teacher before taking on the role of Director of Education and Children‘s Services. Since retiring, she volunteers with Crossroads and a charity which supports education in Northern Uganda. She also enjoys walking outdoors, reading and knitting.

Peigi MacLennan is An Comunn Gàidhealach’s Chief Executive with overall responsibility for the company’s affairs. She graduated from the University of the Highlands & Islands with a degree in Gaelic Language and Culture and has worked at An Comunn Gàidhealach since 1999.

Emma presents ”Feasgar an-diugh” on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. Originally from Uist, she‘s now married with two children in Lewis and they all, as a family, value the importance of Gaelic literature.

Annella worked in the BBC’s Gaelic department for nearly 40 years — primarily in radio, with a brief stint in television — covering a wide range of programming from news to music. However, she particularly enjoyed the programmes that allowed her the time to engage in genuine, in-depth conversation with people. She has been an avid reader since childhood, which brings her great pleasure. Since retiring from full-time work, she has taken up rowing and cycling, and volunteers at her local community shop; she also keeps busy tending to her polycrub and garden.

Donald works in computing. His nose has been in a book since at least age 7, when he was so captivated by Tintin in America that he attempted to walk home from Balgreen Library whilst reading it, with predictable consequences.

Dolina worked in Comhairle nan Eilean’s Social Work department for many years. She now does voluntary work for the Crossroads charity.

Mairi is a Senior Development Manager at Highlands & Islands Enterprise and manages their Gaelic team.