Gerard Beaton

Congratulations, Gerard Beaton!

Comunn Gàidhlig agus Eachdraidh Mhàbu/Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society is pleased to nominate Gerard Beaton as its volunteer of the year for 2023.

Gerard has been very involved with the Gaelic language and culture from a very young age and is a very familiar figure at concerts throughout Inverness County as an accomplished step dancer.  He is also in much demand as a stepdance instructor throughout the Maritime provinces and, more recently, as an instructor at Ceòlas festival in Scotland. His studies in the Gaelic language followed him from Mabou Consolidated School through to the University level where he was also a very active member of the ST FX Celtic Society.

Gerard joined the board of the Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society in 2018 and his contributions have been invaluable over the years.  He spends hours each year perusing the vast collections of photographs at An Drochaid museum; selecting and researching photos; and producing the Museum’s Annual Historical calendar. As co-chair of the History Committee, he has instigated and organised a long overdue “Interview Project” with community elders, in order to record and preserve the history of Mabou and area. This is an ongoing project. At the Society’s ceilidhs, he is always willing and available to stepdance and to help out in any way he can.

We are indebted to Gerard for his volunteer spirit and for always being willing to assist the Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society.

Congratulations, Gerard!