Our Northwest learners community, and indeed the worldwide Gaidhealtachd, are saddened to learn of the passing of Muriel Fisher, and her beloved husband Paul. A Native of Glendale on the Island of Skye, and a native speaker of Scottish Gaelic, Muriel didn’t learn English until she went to school at the age of 6 . She was widely recognized as a world expert in Scottish Gaelic language, culture and traditions. She taught Gaelic at both the University of Arizona and at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College on Skye, and she worked as a researcher in the linguistics department at U of A investigating the unique properties of the language. In 2015 she was recognized for her work with the Excellence in Community Linguistics Award from the Linguistics Society of America.

Muriel was a great friend and supporter of the learning community and of Slighe Nan GIdheal having visited us many times to teach and share her wit and wisdom. Her charm, wit, and flare for entertainment endeared to anyone who had the opportunity to study, and Ceilidh with her. She will be sorely missed.

Gum bi fois shìorraidh aig a h-anam (may her soul have everlasting peace)